Over the years, the continual evolution of building design has led to changes in the way public and working spaces look and feel. With open concepts becoming a mainstay in modern design, private rooms have become a thing of the past. Additionally, the need for more natural light in public spaces and increased collaboration in the workplace has further led to the incorporation of high ceilings and low partitions. While this trend has its benefits, open spaces, bare floors, and reflective surfaces in modern building designs are excellent at reflecting sound. What's more, traditional acoustic panelling strategies are incapable of controlling the noise produced in modern architectural designs, thereby allowing sound to travel across the space with ease. As such, wall panelling contractors must use the right acoustic panelling products to dampen noise levels in modern buildings. This article highlights some of the best acoustic panelling products for the contemporary space.

Nonwovens -- It is one of the best acoustic products that is used to reduce noise levels in public spaces for several reasons. First, the characteristic open-pore structure on nonwovens gives the material a high acoustic efficiency. The fine fibres act as a fibre-skeleton that helps to diffract sound in several places within the fabric, thereby absorbing and dampening noise. Second, since nonwovens are made from polyester, they are excellent heat insulators, and this helps to lower the need for heating in public spaces, thereby reducing energy consumption. Third, fibre nonwovens can be printed on or laminated with different fabrics and can, therefore, be used for decorative purposes. Ultimately, nonwovens acoustic products function not only as noise dampeners but also as heat insulators and interior decorative materials.

Gypsum Wallboard -- Considered one of the most versatile acoustic materials, gypsum wallboard offers both functionality and aesthetics in workspaces. Therefore, contractors prefer to use gypsum to minimise noise levels in modern hospitals, libraries, concert halls, and performance spaces. The best part about using gypsum for acoustic purposes is that it achieves both absorption and reflection in the same material. As such, it diffuses sound in large halls but also minimises echoes in smaller rooms. Furthermore, gypsum can be used in curved, sharp, or layered constructions to achieve the right acoustic effect.

Expanded Cork Wall panels -- Cork wall panels are natural and balanced and are free of fillers and additives such as polyurethane. It makes them eco-friendly acoustic solutions for modern buildings. Notably, cork panels get their acoustic properties during the processing treatment. As the high temperature is applied to the material, it expands and releases suberin, which effectively binds enlarging grains. If you are working on a thin wall, then cork acoustic panels are a cost-effective acoustic solution since a 10mm board is enough to dampen noise.  

Speak with your contractor to learn more about your options for acoustic panelling products. 

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