For years, buildings used a drop ceiling design to help reduce noise transfer in commercial interiors. Similar in concept to decoupling walls, a suspended drop ceiling hides the underlying structural ceiling, with sound waves being absorbed in the plenum space between the two.
While this approach works reasonably well for reducing noise transfer between stories of a high rise, it is not as effective at managing sound transfer on the same story. To increase acoustic properties and add elements to a drop ceiling, modern acoustic ceiling clouds fit the bill.
Professionally known as sound attenuation batts, modern ceiling clouds can absorb up to 95 percent of all the noise in a room, keeping conversations local in a sprawling interior while adding an element of architectural intrigue.
Glass partition walls
Despite the energy efficiency and customization upside of keeping commercial interiors open, there will be times when privacy is necessary. Acoustic panels and ceiling clouds can go a long way in preventing noise transfer, but they do not eliminate the chance of a random passerby overhearing parts of a private conversation, meeting, or conference call.
For this purpose, custom glass partition walls are a great choice. They can be applied behind lobby counters, between office desks, or installed as complete floor-to-ceiling walls to create private meeting areas as necessary. These types of stylish glass partitions block and absorb sound while maintaining the bright, inviting ambiance of open commercial interiors. Thicker glass provides a higher sound transmission rating. Two layers of glass are often specified for rooms that require a sound transmission class (STC) rating higher than 36.
Flooring materials
Acoustic flooring can be a bit of a challenge in commercial spaces. The most durable flooring materials well-suited to withstand heavy use and abuse, such as polished concrete and epoxy terrazzo, are generally considered “loud” flooring materials that readily reflect sound waves back into the interior. To enhance the sound insulation of these types of floors, there are some products, such as acoustic membranes, which are bonded to the surface before the finish is applied, to help absorb some sound waves.
