Acoustic partitioning can offer many benefits to your building. It has great noise-reducing properties that make for a comfortable and productive environment. If you were thinking of getting acoustic partitions, or simply want to know more about them, here’s a detailed guide.
How Do Acoustic Partitions Work?
Acoustic partitions minimise noise in open-plan environments through multiple glass panes that include a laminate PVB sound-dampening core. Sound is absorbed and transmitted by the first pane of glass, the thickness of this glass disrupts and reduces the sound waves. The sound then hits the PVB laminate core which absorbs more of the sound waves. Finally, the sound is absorbed and transmitted by the second pane of glass, creating a much more muted sound.
The glass alone can only reduce sound so much. That’s why it’s important for acoustic glass partitioning to include different glass thicknesses combined with a PVB laminate for effective sound reduction.
Why Are Acoustic Partitions Useful?
Noise can be harmful to productivity, privacy, and even mental health. Therefore, busy working environments and even residential buildings must utilise acoustic partitions, especially in open-plan areas where noise levels are heightened. Here are just some of the reasons why they are useful.
Noise Reduction
Acoustic partitions can help with noise levels due to the specialised glass construction that effectively absorbs and blocks sound. This creates a more focused and distraction-free environment which can help with productivity and motivation.
Improved Sound Quality
By utilising acoustic partitions, you can reduce reverberation – the persistence of sound after it has been produced. This means there will be fewer echoes, reducing the overall noise levels and creating a clearer, more comfortable acoustic environment.
Improved Health and Wellbeing
Acoustic partitions help to reduce noise, which is one of the main causes of stress, anxiety, and reduced productivity. Glass partitions can also keep the room light and airy, ensuring natural light remains around the office.
Privacy
For enhanced privacy in open-plan offices, you can use acoustic partitions to create a sound-proofed space for important meetings. It allows you to have private discussions without being interrupted by outside noise.
Manage Spaces
Acoustic partitions are great for managing space in the workplace. You can create offices, breakout areas, meeting rooms, and more simply by partitioning off sections of the floor. Acoustic glass partitions are a favourite amongst modern offices for their light, airy feel.
Aesthetics
Acoustic panels can improve the acoustics of a room whilst adding to the overall aesthetic. Partitions can be customised to complement the existing office décor, and the transparent nature of the glass allows light to flow through the office creating a sense of openness and collaboration.
Versatility
Acoustic glass partitions are highly versatile and can be easily reconfigured or relocated as the office evolves. This allows businesses to adapt to their changing needs effortlessly. You can add more meeting rooms or offices whenever you need them.
Levels, Limits and Legislation
When it comes to acoustic partitions, there are certain levels, limits, and legislations to ensure sufficient sound insulation and acoustic performances in different settings.
Acoustic Levels Meanings
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings are a metric for measuring sound insulation in partitions and walls by rating how well sound is blocked. The higher the numbers, the better the soundproofing.
Rw ratings are similar to STC as they measure sound reduction. A higher Rw rating also indicated better sound insulation.
dB (decibel reduction) levels rate how many decibels of sound they can block. Again, the higher the number, the better noise control.
Legislation on Buildings
Legislation and acoustic partitions ensure sufficient sound insulation. Different types of buildings have different legislation, here are a few examples:
- Residential buildings: When it comes to residential building regulations, Approved Document E sets strict standards for sound insulation which require minimum sound reduction levels for partitions between rooms and between shared spaces to reduce noise. For example, walls separating apartments or homes and communal areas need to achieve a sound reduction of at least 45 dB.
- Offices: In workplaces, acoustic partitions are often recommended to reach certain STC levels (usually around STC 35-50). This ensures workplace noise is minimised so productivity can improve.
- Schools: The UK’s Building Bulletin 93 requires partitions between classrooms to meet a minimum of 45dB sound reduction to ensure clear communication and concentration.
- Healthcare: Acoustic legislation requires hospitals and clinics to focus on privacy and a calming environment. Their partitions must meet STC ratings of 50 or above.
Design Options
When it comes to design options for acoustic partitions there are a variety of design options for fit and functionality. You can get framed, frameless, and solid panel acoustic partitions to match the style of your space.
Framed Partitions
Framed acoustic partitions offer a classic appearance with metal or wooden frames in a variety of finishes outlining the glass. The frames add additional durability and are great for high-traffic areas.
Frameless Partitions
Frameless acoustic partitions offer a modern, minimalist aesthetic, perfect for open-plan offices to maintain the airiness of the space. This design option maximises the use of natural light whilst offering acoustic benefits.
Solid Panel Partitions
Solid panel acoustic partitions offer enhanced sound control as they’re made from dense materials like MDF or laminate. They come in a variety of finishes and textures like wood, fabric, and metal allowing for better personalisation for your office space.
Applications
Acoustic partitions work well in a variety of applications, from offices where they can be used for meeting spaces and aesthetic purposes to hospitals and clinics where privacy is a priority. Here are just a few examples of where acoustic panels are used and why it works well.
- Offices – great for reducing noise pollution in open-plan offices whilst maintaining the open concept.
- Studios – recording studios need complete silence to achieve high-quality results.
- Schools – acoustic partitions can be used in classrooms or lecture halls to contain noise levels and prevent distractions.
- Venues – great for concert halls, bars, and nightclubs to contain the noise and prevent sound leakage to homes nearby.
- Healthcare facilities – acoustic partitions ensure privacy during consultations.
Looking for High-Quality Acoustic Partitions?
At Komfort, we offer a range of quality acoustic glass panels for any commercial or residential building. Whether you’re looking to create private meeting areas, contain noise levels within your building, reduce noise pollution from the busy street, or simply create a modern office space, we can help. Get in touch with us now so we can discuss your needs.