There are many acoustic panels now available to combat the problem high reverberation or echo in rooms with hard surfaces. We would like to put forward our thoughts on the top 5 acoustic panel systems available to the UK market.

We talk impartially and from experience, having used many different acoustic wall panels systems, either specified on projects or used in our own design schemes. This small list takes into account a number of factors including ‘effectiveness’ (most important, we believe), aesthetics, ease of installation, durability and supporting test data.

1. ECOPHON ‘VISTA’ WALL PANEL C

Ecophon 'Wall Panel C' - Class A sound absorbing acoustic panels in Texona glass fibre fabric

When it comes to reducing room reverberation, this class A sound absorbing wall panelling system is incredibly effective. The result of installing this panelling system to echoing rooms is quite amazing. It is the first product we recommend for highly reverberant areas, it looks great, its aesthetically versatile, suiting all spaces from high-end boardroom environments to noisy school canteens. The Texona fabric range is fashionable and timeless.

2. FABRIC WALL

Stretched Fabric Wall | Wall to wall fabric wall panelling

This system achieves the highest possible marks for aesthetics and the look and feel of high quality. In terms of flexibility there is nothing that cannot be achieved. This system is site built by specialist installers. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall stretched fabric with a huge range of hidden track profiles. Very high levels of sound absorbency can be achieved with the right core thickness and fabrics. Certainly not the cheapest option, but with fabrics from Camira to Kvadrat to Paul Smith the design possibilities are endless and beautiful sound control can be achieved.

3. CUSTOM PRINTED ACOUSTIC PANELS

Custom Printed Acoustic Panels

We have now overcome the old issues of reduced acoustic performance and fabric printing quality problems. It is now possible to produce over sized acoustic panels with high resolution printing the fabric with stunning results. Class A sound absorbency can be achieved and we believe this solution should be seriously considered by anyone looking for ‘office art’ or intelligent ways of branding receptions, atria, common parts, restaurants and canteens. It combines acoustic benefits, with high quality art, branding or marketing.

4. OFFECCT SOUNDWAVE

Offecct Soundwave Acoustic Wall Panels

Offecct Soundwave panels are an excellent way of providing acoustic treatment to spaces by way of absorption and specifically diffusion. Although they are not as effective at reducing echo through sound absorbency as the Ecophon panels already mentioned above, they provide an excellent feature and texture and are available in many different textures and designs.

5. ECOPHON SUPER G

Ecophon Super G Impact Resistant Wall Panels

Ecophon Super G panels are a surprisingly versatile solution where durability and impact resistancy is required. They are an attractive way of treating environments such as sports halls, leisure centres and gymnasiums. The woven Super G glass-fibre surface is extremely durable, with the panels achieving Class A absorbency.

For more information on the above acoustic wall panel systems, contact ReSpace Acoustics. Who provide a complete assessment, design and installation service.

Ecophon have launched a new innovation acoustic product, a hanging acoustic panel and lighting solution all in one called ‘Soundlight Comfort’.

The product uses the phenomenally successful and effective Class A sound absorber called ‘Solo’ by Ecophon with integrated Philips LED lighting to create an ‘all-in-one’ solution for outstanding acoustic performance and high quality lighting.

When suitable, Ecophon Solo is our ‘go to’ product for combating rooms with high reverberation times or echo. Now we can offer an innovative and stylish LED lighting solution in our newly designed spaces and proposals for existing ceiling treatments. Contact us for more information and prices.

Soundlight Comfort > Hanging Acoustic Panels with Integral Lighting

Sound Light Comfort

Sound Light Comfort > High Performance Acoustics & Lighting

With new shapes and sizes we continue to find Ecophon Solo panels one of the most flexible and effective sound absorption panels on the market.

Ecophon Solo - Benefits

The SOUNDWAVE® series of acoustic wall panels by Offecct are a brilliant product for both improving room acoustics and creating a stunning feature to any space.

We will let the installation images do the talking – and show the versatility in design these products offer: -

Offecct Soundwave Swell

Offecct Soundwave Scrunch - Off-White

Soundwave Flo Panels

Offecct Soundwave Swell in Europost Colours

Offecct Soundwave Standard Colours

Soundect 'Tetris' Panels

Soundtect offers a line of stunning acoustic panels to improve sound quality and reduce noise levels of any indoor environment. Multi-dimensional sculpted acoustic panels give a discrete sound-control system, sophisticated in design they are perfect for both residential and business environments. Effectively any area with surplus sound or persistent sound pollution can benefit from Soundtect panels.

The exceptional design quality of Soundtect acoustic panels enables them to fit into virtually any design theme while adding an elegant and functional decorating feature. More importantly,the panels absorb excess noise to improve indoor sound quality considerably. Soundtect acoustic panels are proven to reduce sound reverberation(echoes). They achieve a remarkable minimum of 0.6Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) to an outstanding 0.95 NRC.

NPS Barnsley contacted Respace Acoustics for an acoustic solution for their corridors within their busy office building.

NPS Barnsley, a hard working, busy office had a very poor acoustics due to no sound abosribing materials and a myraid of hard surfaces. They wanted to focus on the corridor areas, as this was were there was most noise echo.

Offect Sound Wave Swell

Respace Acoustics recommended the Offect Sound Wave Swell. The Swell is a lightweight sculptured acoustic wall panel. This product absorbs environmental sounds such as phones and voices. It absorbs as well as reflects the sound and creates improved acoustics. These acoustic panels also create a stunning textured feature to any wall.

Offect Sound Wave Swell

As well as creating an acoustic benefited environment the sound wave swell panels created a stunning design that bought light and colour to the 4th floor corridor. The red and white design complimented the natural colour and light already evident through the corridor.

Offect Sound Swell Wall Panels

Now, all employees and customers can walk through the corridor without an uncomfortable echo or disturbing anyone working in the offices. The environment is now completely sound sonic with complete corridor acoustics achieved.

Ysgol Yr Hendre School, Caernarfon School in Wales, required an acoustic solution for their sports hall. Respace Acoustics were contacted to recommend and provide this acoustic installation.

The well known school teaches the ages from 3-11, therefore the sports hall is an extremely noisy area when in use. With the reverberation time high causing speech and noise echo, the room was almost impossible to teach, play or learn in.

Acoustic Wall Panels

Respace recommended Impact resistant acoustic wall panelling/Ecophon super G. This would reduce the echo through lowering the reverberation time within the hall.

Acoustic Wall Panels

The wall panels installed were also impact resistant, therefore hard ball games could also be played in the hall with no chance of damage.

Acoustic Wall Panels

The sports hall acoustic installation was a success and the school were very happy with their new sound multi-purpose environment.

Burslem Methodist Church contacted Respace Acoustics for an acoustic solution for their church.

Methodist Churches quote the following: The Methodist Church claims and cherishes its place in the Holy Catholic Church which is the Body of Christ. It rejoices in the inheritance of the apostolic faith and loyally accepts the fundamental principles of the historic creeds and of the Protestant Reformation.’

Therefore the church is used for a number of activities from singing to praying. Before the installation the church had very poor acoustics, making the space difficult to hold any function in.

Ecophon Wall Panel C

Respace Acoustics installed Ecophon Wall Panel C and Ecophon solo hanging ceiling panels to reduce the reverberation time within the room.

Ecophon Solo Hanging Acoustic Ceiling Panels

The acoustic panels were also installed in colours to match the existing colour pallet of the room. Burgundy, lime green and dark blue wall panels complimented the sky blue walls within the room while the Ecophon solo hanging acoustic panels were installed in white to match the ceiling.

Ecophon Solo Ceiling Panels

The installation was a success providing complete church acoustics. The panels created a sound sonic comfortable environment for everyone using the church space.

Hotham Primary School contacted Respace Acoustics for an acoustic solution to their sports hall, with added custom design.

Hotham Primary School in Putney teaches ages 4-11. The sports hall is always in regular use for a number of activities. However, the rooms acoustics were very poor due to the high reverberation time. This caused constant speech and noise echo which made the hall a very difficult area for both teachers and pupils to play and learn in.

Printed Acoustic Wall Panels

Respace Acoustics installed impact resistant acoustic wall panels to reduce the reverberation time and lower the speech and sound echo to a comfortable level. The wall panels are impact resistant so hard ball games can still be played with no effect or damage to the panels.

Acoustic Artwork - Acoustic Panels

As shown in the above photo, not only were the wall panels acoustically beneficial and fully impact resistant, they were also custom designed and tailored to the school requirements. Using the colors red, yellow, white an blue, the acoustic artwork provided a modern, funky, attractive design to the room.

Custom Printed Acoustic Wall Panels

Through the successful installation the sports hall can now be used for other activities as the custom acoustic panels have achieved a maximum sports hall acoustics solution. The hall is now used for teaching, assemblies, exams and plays. The room has become a perfect listening environment and clarity of sound has been achieved.

Intela contacted Respace Acoustics for an acoustic solution for their video conference meeting room.

Intela had extremely poor acoustics in their video conference room. This was due to minimal sound absorbing materials and a myriad of hard surfaces. With the sound reverberation high, it was very difficult to have video conference meetings  at all.

Printed Acoustic Panels

Respace Acoustics provided a bespoke acoustic solution for the video conference room through the installation of custom printed acoustic panels. This lowered the reverberation time within the room massively and created a sound sonic, comfortable environment for video conferencing to take place.

Not only were the acoustic panels beneficial acoustically, they also gave the room  light, enthusiasm and design through acoustic artwork and printed design.

The project was a success and the customers, very happy with the custom acoustic end result.

ReSpace acoustics were contacted by Kings college in London to provide an acoustic solution for their library.

Before Respace Acoustics, the Franklin Wilkins Library had no sound absorbing materials, making the acoustics within the room very poor. This made it an uncomfortable and noisy environment for anyone using the library. Kings college sought for total library acoustics; a deadened sound environment for the pupils, teachers and visitors to study, work and read in.

Acoustic Panels Ecophon Focus Ds

Respace acoustics provided this acoustic solution through the installation of Ecophon Focus Ds concealed grid acoustic suspended ceiling, focus ds xl wide width plank acoustic ceiling for the concrete recesses and fabric wrapped acoustic panels. This combination of materials created a vibrant, classy look and gave optimum acoustics for the quiet library environment.

Acoustic Panels Ecophon Focus Ds

Respace acoustics also provided the materials in colors that complimented the already existing classy grey and blue design. The installation was a success, now the library is a sound sonic area where anyone and everyone can read, study and talk in a comfortable, sound sonic, acoustic environment.

Acoustic Panels Ecophon Focus Ds

Respace Acoustics were asked to create a bespoke acoustic solution for the headquarters of Tesco Supermarket, whilst also delivering brand, design and colour.

The Tesco headquarters office had very poor acoustics. It was a very noisy and uncomfortable environment for the employees to work in. The sound reverberation was high causing a lot of speech and general noise echo.

Printed Acoustic Panels

ReSpace Acoustics provided an acoustic solution through the installation of printed acoustic panels. They were put up around the office and corridor areas. This reduced the echo and reverberation time for employees sitting at a desk or walking around the office. The panels also had the added benefit of acoustic art, color and design.

Printed Acoustic Panels

The printed custom acoustic panels created extra branding, enthusiasm and positive energy around the office area through a display of images that directly influenced the teams within the office. The stretched fabric acoustic design benefited the office massively not only through design but by creating a comfortable atmosphere for the employees to work in.

Printed Acoustic Panels

The installation was a complete success. Respace Acoustics exceeded the requirements of this customer by making the office not only a sound sonic area but a influential, colorful, modern working environment.

Find some colour inspiration here for your fabric acoustic panels…

Acoustic Fabric

Acoustic Fabric

Acoustic Fabric

Acoustic Fabric

Acoustic Fabric

Acoustic Fabric

The National Army Museum contacted Respace for an inconspicuous acoustic solution for their show room.

The National Army Museum in Chelsea, London has recently launched a new exhibition. The Conflicts of Interest exhibition explores the last three deceased of movement and roles within the British army.

The installation had nine areas, these all had unique AV installations. When the room and the AV installations were active  the acoustics were unbearable. This caused discomfort to both the staff and customers.

Ecophon Master Solo Rafts

Respace were asked to create an acoustic solution that would be inconspicuous in the black ceiling above.  ReSpace installed Ecophon Master Solo Rafts. The rafts were then spray painted black by a specialist company to match the ceiling.

Ecophon Master Solo Rafts

The installation resulted in a far lower reverberation time within a room that has no soft furnishings. Both the staff and customers can now use this room comfortably.

ReSpace Acoustics where contacted by the Regency building for Town and Country Planning Association. They required an acoustic solution for their noisy meeting room.

The meeting room has a ceiling over 5.5m tall, making the room an unfriendly environment for sound. The occupiers/customers use this room to generate income for charities and rent the room for conferences and other special functions. Recently several customers had complained that the room was too noisy and uncomfortable to work in thus affecting the revenue potential of many organisations.

Ecophon Wall Panel C

ReSpace Acoustics implemented an acoustic solution that not only lowered the reverberation time but complemented the building design perfectly. ReSpace installed Ecophon wall panel C. This reduced the reverberation time making the room sound efficient.

Ecophon Wall Panel C

To complement the rooms neutral aesthetics, Respace installed the Wall Panel in a beige. This combination enhanced the colours and lighting in the room, proving that a beautiful building can be acoustically perfect without any loss of design aesthetics. The installation’s success has enabled this space to be used effectively into the future.

The German Gymnasium contacted Respace Acoustics for an acoustic solution for their meeting/function room.

The German Gymnasium is located on Pancras Road, London, close to the new international railway station of St Pancras. The room is used for private functions and is often hired for its beautiful aesthetics.

Ecophon Acoustic Wall Panels

The boardroom is used for private functions. It has beautiful original features and some breath-taking modern furniture. As this building is of the Victorian era there is a myriad of hard surfaces which directly result in poor sound acoustics and poor speech capability.

Ecophon Acoustic Wall Panels

ReSpace recommended a supply and fit of a large acoustic wall panel to lower the reverberation time within the room. The colour of the wall panels were chosen to complement the rooms already amazing aesthetics. The installation delivered the acoustics improvements required and delivered design that is in keeping with the ‘soul’ of the building, thus proving that acoustics solutions can be implemented into any space and design.

Patcham Junior School approached ReSpace to find a solution to the acoustic problems in their classrooms.

Working within a tight budget,  ReSpace used Ecophon Master solo rafts to reduce the echo and reverberation time within the classroom. Therefore implementing a successful acoustic solution and creating an ideal learning environment.

Ecophon Master Solo Rafts

Due to the budgetary restraints ReSpace agreed to take a phased approach. Respace decided to prioritise the classrooms that had any hearing impaired students. These installations ensured that all students were enabled to learn within an effective environment.

Ecophon Master Solo Rafts

Respace now await the next instruction to improve the rest of the acoustics within the school and reach the sonic levels set out by BB93.

Respace was approached by Chichester High School for Girls with the desire to achieve an acoustic solution for their multi-purpose hall.

The two adjacent sports halls had problems with the sound transfer between them. There had been an acoustic wall previously fitted between the two halls, this did not solve the problems of noise transfer, especially when exams were taking place.

Ecophon Super G Impact Resistant Acoustic Panels

An independent acoustician had already recommended that the noise be reduced at the source. This could be done by implementing sound absorbing panels. This would then reduce the reverberation time thus reducing the need for raised voices. This lowered the overall sound level within the hall with the added benefit of making the hall usable for other activities such as assemblies and other social functions.

Ecophon Super G Impact Resistant Acoustic Panels

ReSpace implemented the Ecophon Super G Impact Resistant Acoustic panels to run as a course around the sports hall which achieved this successful concept and delivered huge benefits to all users of the facilities.

Simmon and Simmons, the large international law firm, contacted Re space about the acoustic design of their office space. Respace provided the solution with wall panel C and natural aluminium WP Profile

ace Acoustics worked closely with the designers, who as part of the full refurbishment of the offices by the main contractors Overbury, came up with the idea for the office space.

Ecophon Acoustic Wall Panel

Using wall panel C in complimentary colours and natural aluminium WP profile, ReSpace provided an aesthetically pleasing feature that also benefited the company acoustically. The WP profile was also added to the white board frames to add consistency of the design.

Wall Panel C Product

In summary Simmon & Simmons received an acoustically benefical product from Respace that was also aesthetically pleasing to the eye, with an implemented fashionable design to pay credit to the already stunning office.

Emarsys contacted ReSpace Acoustics for an acoustic solution. Respace used Ecophon and Soundsorba to provide this solution for them.

Emarsys are a fast paced Email Marketing Company, on their phone creating a noisy environment causes the sales team unwanted frustration and distraction. ReSpace therefore created a solution that would lower the overall noise level in the office.

Ecophon Wall Panels

ReSpace Acoustics created this solution from 5no. area of wall panels and 12no. hanging Soundsorba acoustic rafts. This created a combination of complimentary colours and design to the plain wall.

Exact Target approached ReSpace Acoustics for an acoustic solution for their office in London. Using a feature ceiling from Ecophon Master Solo Acoustic Rafts Respace was able to provide a result.

Exact Target are a fast growing email marketing company. Their offices, based central London are modern, clean and have minimal furniture. This caused a reverberation issue in this busy area.

Ecophon Master Solo

ReSpace produced a solution from a 35no. Using Ecophon Master Solo rafts Respace lowered the RT time, which also incorporated a design detail for the ceiling, thus creating an acoustic solution with an aesthetically pleasing nature.

Ecophon Master Solo Rafts

The feedback from a member if the Exact Target Team: “The panels we have chosen are simple and inconspicuous but they have added subtle design to the ceiling, adding to the whole office design. Noise seems to be lower – others’ conversations are not so sharp and distracting anymore. “

Story Tellers Studio

ReSpace Acoustics were asked for an acoustic solution to improve the acoustics within the studio. After detailed consultation and guidance, the final solution was decided upon; fabric wrapped Soft-Cell acoustic wall panels wrapped in Kvadrat fabric were implemented along with a Barrisol stretch ceiling below the  soffit. This was agreed upon as it provided the best possible acoustic solution while enhancing and improving the magnificant building itself.

The acoustic foam within the Barrisol ceiling void allows sound to enter and be absorbed, this is achievable through the micro perforations in the Barrisol ceiling. The fabric covering the wall panels are from Kvadrat range, these established a complimentary vertical acoustic solution.

The Acoustic Solution: Barrisol Streched Ceiling

ReSpace have created an acoustic solution complementary to the prestigious nature of the building.

Acoustic Solution: Kvadrat Soft-Cell Wall Panels

ReSpace Acoustics were contacted by Glaziers Hall to provide an acoustic solution for their large function space. The room walls in the room are plasterboard and the floor is wood planks, therefore this cluster of hard surface makes it difficult to hear anything within this space.

Ecophon Master Solo

Respace proposed the use of Ecophon Solo acoustic rafts. These would form a line down the centre of the room, making the acoustics in the room more preferable. These minimalist rafts complimented Glaziers Hall existing rectangular light fittings.

Ecophon Acoustic Products

With these ceiling panels in place, the halls echoes have been absorbed. Acoustic products are an important part of various industries worldwide. They provide a simplistic and aesthetically pleasing way of reducing hard noise in fundamental working rooms within these industries.

ReSpace provides a variety of acoustic solutions, services and products to all sectors. Their expertise, professionalism and reputation are second to none.

ReSpace Acoustics were invited to create an acoustic solution for Urban Development a top music studio based in London.

With the implementation of floor, wall and soundproofing treatment, ReSpace effectively created a sound isolated box within the room. One of the key requirements was to minimise space loss, therefore, specific acoustic materials were chosen to ensure the studio space was maximised.

Urban Development | Recording Studio Acoustics

The result from this project sound proofing was that the recording studio spaces could be used concurrently, whilst not distracting any of the office staff, or other surrounding areas. ReSpace also installed concrete core acoustic doors and sound absorbing acoustic panels to reduce the reverberation time within the space. With these extra acoustic products, optimal recording acoustics were achieved, whilst not disturbing adjacent space.

Studio Acoustics | Sound Absorbing Wall Panels

Previous to this installation Urban Development had no sound proofing whatsoever, therefore, when artists used to studio to record music the rest of the building was unusable.

Class A Sound Absorbing Ecophon Acoustic Wall Panelling

ReSpace Acoustics provided the consultation, design and specification to deliver a cost effective studio acoustics solution, working within the grant budgetary constraints. All works where undertaken; including sound proofing to floors, walls and ceilings. Acoustic panelling, decoration, lighting and cabling infrastructure.

Corridors and other communicational areas can be the noisiest, busiest areas in a building.

Corridors are the channels between all the different rooms, therefore their function and activity are key to a businesses day to day runnings and critically important in spaces such as hotel corridors.

Numerous meetings, movement and business equipment are held in corridors so the ability to have a clear conversation with reduced noise is key. At the same time conversation or movements throughout the corridor must not disturb adjacent rooms or other areas. The constant use of corridors for multiple activity places extra demands on the sound environment and its improvements.

The hard materials and structure of a corridor are just two of many ways sound can become disturbing for surrounding rooms and areas. The most beneficial way to reduce and absorb sound is using all of the ceiling area for sound absorbing acoustic products. Reverberation time and general hard noise is reduced,  improving speech intelligibility.