News & Editorials
Is Traditional Resilient Channel History?
Resilient channel has been used for many years to reduce the sound transmission through partitions. This strip of metal is installed between wall studs and gypsum wallboard, and is notorious for being difficult to install properly. A less than perfect installation results in the channel not increasing the wall performance.
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Aluminum Foam Wall Panels
For architects who don’t want to specify the ubiquitous fabric faced acoustical panels, we often recommend acoustically transparent materials in front of fiberglass. These systems can work as well as the classic fabric wrapped panel, but have an entirely different look. The facings are perforated or porous and allow sound to pass through them to the acoustical surface behind.
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NFPA 72 Increases Emphasis on Intelligible Voice-Evacuation Systems
Since the early 90’s, I’ve been helping architects create large spaces with good acoustical environments. What is a good acoustical environment… and why has NFPA 72-2010 changed things?
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Increased Importance of Quieting Intensive Care Units
Recently I was listening to the Diane Rehm Show on NPR. To be honest, I don't regularly listen to her show, but this one caught my attention because it was about hospital intensive care units and the subject matter had direct implications for the design of ICU's.
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Sustainable Wall Boards, Ceilings, and Sound Absorbers from Straw
Until recently, I had not heard of Ortech Industries or Durra Panel. It was brought to my attention by an architect interested in using one of the Durra Panel systems as a sound absorber for his project. While Ortech Industries has apparently been in business for a couple of decades, it is an Australian company which I had never come across.
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