ᐅ Soundproofing / Acoustic Optimization

Created on: 8 Jun 2018 14:20
T
Tentakel
Hello everyone,

We currently have two acoustic issues in our newly built house:

1. The large open-plan kitchen and dining area, about 40 sq meters (430 sq ft) with 2.80 meters (9 ft) high ceilings, has poor acoustics with a lot of echo and high noise levels. This is likely due to few walls and a parquet floor, which also reflects sound. Adding curtains and some upholstered chairs improved the situation slightly. A high-pile carpet is still planned. Does anyone have experience with sound absorption materials? For example, pyramid foam / Basotect on walls, ceiling, or under furniture (table, chairs). From your experience, how much surface area needs to be covered to see a noticeable improvement?

Does anyone use or have made their own acoustic panels/images?

2. Because of the open layout, noise from the laundry room and utility room (controlled mechanical ventilation system) can be heard throughout the house. Same question: does anyone have experience with soundproofing elements or insulation for these rooms?

Thanks, regards Andreas
T
Tentakel
12 Jun 2018 16:30
I quite like the wooden ceiling. Did you use a special paint or treatment to keep the wood light?

I took your advice and added two more plants, hoping the furniture will improve the overall look. We actually wanted to reduce decorative elements to keep the cleaning effort minimal.

I’ve now ordered some Basetect panels to try out the effect in the living area. If it works well, I might also stick some egg crate foam on the ceiling above the table, as it could match our lights nicely.

If it doesn’t help, I’ll put those panels in the laundry room instead.
11ant12 Jun 2018 16:41
Tentakel schrieb:
If it works out, I might also stick egg crate foam to the ceiling above the table,

In terms of dust accumulation, it’s probably only surpassed by ferns.
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T
Tentakel
12 Jun 2018 16:49
But the dust then sticks to the ceiling, which doesn’t bother me.
K
Kekse
12 Jun 2018 20:25
Dimpled foam under tables and chairs is the least noticeable and also works well.
H
hampshire
17 Jun 2018 14:02
We hope to manage the room acoustics of our future house, which will essentially consist of one room spanning two levels with sloped ceilings, by using this real wood acoustic ceiling system.
F
Finanzamt2002
19 Jun 2018 09:42
When it comes to sound insulation, there are different approaches.

Quick and simple options:
- Fabric curtains
- Plants
- Furniture, carpets, sofas...

Usually, soundproofing starts with the ceiling.

There is the mentioned wooden variant with "holes," or the drywall option from Knauff / Fermacell.
Both have holes.

Behind them, a cavity is created and lined with acoustic insulation wool.

This absorbs a significant amount of sound.

Alternatively, you can also hang individual ceiling panels with Basotect absorber material (a special foam).

If the ceiling has not yet been installed in the respective room, the drywall solution is the better option.

Carpet flooring is also an option, but most people don’t prefer it in living rooms, dining rooms, or similar areas.