BASWA Acoustic Plaster for Commercial buildings
Why Install Acoustic Plaster?
There has never been a better time to promote wellbeing and enhance the user experience by designing for the senses. Choose BASWA acoustic for interiors where appearance, quality, longevity and versatility are as important as the acoustics.
Acoustical Plasters for architecture
Office buildings
The top complaint in open plan offices is noise – and this is both caused and solved by the interior acoustics. BASWA provides speech privacy and clarity, lowers stress and increases productivity. All this will have an impact on employee satisfaction, inclusivity, wellbeing, staff retention – and improve conference call sound quality in meeting rooms.
Education
Studies show that acoustics is one of the most important factors to consider in a classroom, library or lecture hall. Acoustics can be improved in the classroom to reduce noise, which has a positive effect on learning, speech perception and relief for the teacher.
Restaurants
Pleasant room acoustics complement every restaurant experience. You probably know the feeling of sitting in a noisy restaurant and struggling to have a conversation. This is where sound absorbing acoustic solutions such as BASWA Phon or BASWA Cool come into play. With BASWA, conversations at the table become easier to understand without losing the atmosphere.
Cultural facilities
Architecture in modern museums has changed dramatically with hard surfaces, vaulted ceilings and exhibits characterised by audio systems. By using sound-absorbing acoustic ceilings or walls, local sound is made intelligible without amplifying ambient noise or affecting the design.
Conservation and heritage
The use of BASWA acoustic systems in historical buildings preserves the architectural integrity of the original space whilst improving the functionality. BASWA’s discreet marble surface coatings are suitable for even very sensitive conservation and heritage projects. Quiet Interiors have installed Acoustic plaster on. a number of English Heritage Sites
Pool and wellness facilities
BASWA is suitable for high humidity environments such as swimming pool ceilings or spa facilities. BASWA Protect offers additional water-repellent surface protection if there is a risk of splashing liquids. Seamlessly integrated acoustics for a calm and healthy interior
Architecture for all senses
Architecture is commonly associated with aesthetic, recognisable, artistic, representative buildings. One thing is always in the foreground: the sense of sight. Because we perceive visually whether a building is aesthetic, representative or recognisable. The people who spend time in it perceive the rooms with all their senses. It makes no difference whether you perceive the room consciously or unconsciously, because you cannot resist the effect of a room.
In recent years, acoustics have seldom been an issue that architects have sought to address in their planning. Sound and noise were components of a room and only a few architecture offices included this factor. Although rooms were designed with the premise that residents, guests, customers, staff or employees should feel comfortable in them, room acoustics were not considered to be a part of well-being.
However, with the growing knowledge gained from research in the field of acoustics, one thing has become more than obvious: reduced sound not only contributes to well-being, but also to health. This means that architecture plays a key role: not only does it protect people inside the building from outside influences, but it also contributes to the health of the people who spend time there.
Understanding the Problem of Reverberation in Public Spaces
Reverberation is the persistence of sound in an environment after the original sound source has stopped. In public spaces such as auditoriums, gyms, conference rooms, and restaurants, excessive reverberation can lead to several significant issues:
1. Audibility Issues: High levels of reverberation can muddle speech, making it difficult for people to understand conversations. This is particularly problematic in spaces where clear communication is essential, such as lecture halls or healthcare facilities.
2. Distraction and Fatigue: In environments like busy restaurants or open offices, excessive echo can distract patrons and employees alike. The inability to focus due to overlapping sounds can lead to mental fatigue and decreased productivity.
3. Noise Complaints: In areas with high foot traffic or mixed-use functionality, reverberation can amplify noise levels, causing discomfort for occupants and potentially leading to noise complaints. This can be detrimental in residential areas adjacent to public spaces.
4. Impact on Aesthetics: High reverberation can undermine the intended atmosphere of a space. For instance, a quiet, intimate setting can feel loud and chaotic if the sound bounces excessively off hard surfaces.
Causes of Reverberation
The problem of reverberation is often exacerbated by architectural features in public spaces:
- Hard Surfaces: Materials such as concrete, glass, and tile reflect sound waves rather than absorb them. This reflection can lead to prolonged sound decay times.
- Open Layouts: Large, open spaces can enhance sound travel, causing echoes that make it challenging to discern individual voices or sounds.
- Poor Design Considerations: Spaces that lack acoustic treatment, such as proper wall coverings, ceilings, and furnishings, can inadvertently amplify sound rather than mitigate it.
Solutions to Reverberation
To address these issues, effective sound absorption strategies are essential. One innovative solution is the use of seamless sound-absorbing acoustic plaster.
What is BASWA Seamless Sound-Absorbing Acoustic Plaster?
Seamless sound-absorbing acoustic plaster is a specialized material that combines aesthetic appeal with functional sound absorption capabilities. Unlike traditional acoustic panels or tiles, this plaster can be applied directly to walls and ceilings, creating a smooth, continuous surface that does not detract from the visual design of a space.
How BASWA Works
1. Material Composition: Acoustic plaster is typically made from a blend of lightweight, porous materials that trap sound waves, preventing them from reflecting back into the room. The unique structure of the plaster allows it to absorb sound across a range of frequencies, making it effective in various environments.
2. Seamless Application: The ability to apply the plaster seamlessly eliminates the visual clutter often associated with conventional acoustic treatments. This not only enhances the aesthetic of the space but also avoids gaps where sound could potentially leak or reflect.
3. Customisable Design: Acoustic plaster can be tinted or textured, allowing it to blend with the overall design theme of a public space. This customization makes it a versatile choice for architects and designers who prioritize both form and function.
4. Long-Lasting Solution: The durability of acoustic plaster means it can withstand the rigors of high-traffic areas without degrading in performance. This long-term effectiveness ensures that spaces remain acoustically comfortable over time.
Conclusion
Reverberation in public spaces can significantly impact communication, comfort, and overall experience. By implementing seamless sound-absorbing acoustic plaster, facilities can effectively mitigate these issues, providing a quieter, more enjoyable environment for all users. This solution not only addresses the technical challenges of sound absorption but also enhances the aesthetic quality of spaces, making it an ideal choice for modern architecture.