Malayan Colleges of Laguna

School of Architecture

Acoustic Design

It is the science of limiting or controlling noise transmission from two adjacent spaces.
This will help maintain speech privacy and space functionality through typical sound paths. These
sound paths that bounces or absorbs sound waves are the ceilings, walls, furniture and etc. that
the sound can go. Controlling the noise or sound allows designers to design buildings in a way
they made ideally.

The Importance of Designing acoustics

1. Ensuring clear communication
Effective communication involves less distraction
and unnecessary noise involved. Especially in a room
that is intended and needs private conversations,
using acoustics can gradually help.
In an example scenario, conference rooms are
intended for planning and organizing ideas for the next
big step for a company. Ensuring that everything is
confidential and requires the utmost attention of the
members, acoustic will not transport sound either
from each side of the room to the other.
 2. Improving Concentration
In the world full of distractions, notifications and
other unwanted sounds, it can be hard to find your focus
and be productive without being distracted. Acoustic
can deepen concentration by decreasing unnecessary
noise around us. It is important to have a work space
that has less distraction in order to maximize
productivity. It may not be possible to avoid unwanted
noise, but through acoustic, it can be controlled.

3. Better Reception of Music

When using commercial spaces, it is important

to distribute sound evenly. From malls that
promotes their jingle, to theaters that shares their
peculiar music to the crowd. Having a better
acoustic can help reach the people pleasant and
clear sounds. The science of sound is designed
especially for concert halls, auditorium, theaters,
discotheques, bars and clubs.

4. Factors Important for designing commercial interiors using acoustics

Commercial spaces should be designed in exact precision and through science in order to
distribute the right amount of sound in an area. Here are some factors involving acoustics:

• Reverberation
• Prolonged sound due to multiple reflection.
• Sound absorption
• The absorption of sound through materials that reduces reverberation.
• Sound Insulation
• The phenomenon that helps surfaces and material prevent sound from
passing through them by absorbing it.
• Acoustic Panels
•
 • Used to prevent any noise from the outside of a room to disturb within.

Acoustics in Auditoriums
Auditoriums are where important announcements and special performances are
held, due to the number of people within. Although, as simple as it sounds, there are
important aspects that an auditorium must be considered for an announcement can be
well announced to the audience or a special performance to be heard very clearly. This
is where acoustics will be important. This type of rooms where audience are focused on
the stage, yet having unclear sound or too quiet. Using Acoustics will help.
Here are some goals to be addressed for an effective auditorium:
• Speech, vocal performances and music should be all clear rather than distorted
or echoey.
• The audience should hear enough sound from the balcony, to the back seat,
up until the front seats.
 • Performances and speeches should ring properly over other sounds from the
room.

Figure 1Auditorium

Factors affecting the acoustics of an auditorium:

There are limiting factors a designer should consider when designing an
auditorium. Here are some examples:
1. Size of the auditorium
Acoustics has different in a type of room that should be considered due to the
advantages each type of room has, either large or small room type. Size includes,
width and height of the room. For instances, a small room does not generate enough
reverberation compare to a large room. When it comes to volume, it is much easier to
for the audience to hear clearly in a smaller room. Where larger room requires sound
systems for enough volume to reach all the audience.
 When it comes to reverberation, smaller rooms can create shorter reverberation
compare to a larger room. Which makes it too short and feeling acoustically “dead”.

2. Shape of the Room

It is also important to take notice of the shape of a room as a designer. For

Geometry, not all shapes have a great impact in sounds, most of them can be poor
when it comes to acoustics.
For an effective acoustic, try to avoid using narrow
and rectangular shapes. This causes back and forth
reverberation, making sound waves in a loop of
motion. Most of the auditoriums have fan or curve
shapes. This will distribute reverberation to the
different corners of the room. Besides room shapes,
architectural features such as the ceiling pitch and
structures in the room the way sound waves move.

3. Materials in the room

Reverberation occurs when sound waves bounces surfaces and congregates.
Imagine a lecture where echoes are present and it is harder to understand the lecture
due to the reverberation. Or a musical performance that is pleasant to the ears then
there is reverberation.
The ideal reverberation of a designer wants to the auditorium is around 1.5
seconds to 2.5 seconds. Otherwise, it can be too much for a speech or a music to
sound rich and full.
This is where materials are useful to control the reverberation of auditoriums. This
includes acoustic panels, upholstered chairs, curtains and other soft, porous surface.
Hard surfaces might contribute to more reverberation such as wood floors, windows,
nonporous, and other material that reflects sound waves.

4. Balconies and Orchestra pits

Balconies and Orchestra pits can be helpful to a more effective auditorium. The
additional seats on the balcony, adds more audience without lengthening the room
more. In addition, orchestra pits can help hide themselves in the perspective of the
audience without blocking the stage. These are great benefits for a more effective
auditorium.
Although, the designer has to keep in mind that balconies are an extra layer of
surface that will make the sound waves difficult to bounce. Materials should be
considered when adding balconies to the auditorium.
When it comes to the orchestra pits, there
are multiple problems that occurs when
orchestras are in the pit. The reverberation of
their music is mixed with the background
noise, making it harder for them to hear their
own instrument. Materials should also be
considered, and in the pit’s case, using a
sound proof curtain can help the conductor to
control the sound levels the orchestra releases
in the pit. It is important for the acoustics in the
orchestra pit strategically for and clear sound. Figure 2 Balcony and Orchestra pits

5. Auditorium use

The exact use of the room should be specified. In a school or university scenario,
most auditoriums are used in different occasions. Where speech and musical
performances requires different acoustics. It can feel different when performing a
speech in an auditorium that is made for music performance. Since speech requires
less reverberation compare to music performance. Or an acapella performance has a
different reverberation requirement that rock performance.
The audience or performers can be dissatisfied to the performance if the
reverberation is not right for the use. This makes acoustic design more complicated
than everyone thought. If the designer wants to have a good acoustic for a range of
use, consult an acoustic engineer to achieve such use.
6. Doors and buffer zones

It is also important to consider outside spaces that can affect the sound distributed
to the auditorium. Other activities, conversations, or even footsteps can contribute to
the sound inside the room, which is unnecessary and distracting. Doors are one of the
access of the unnecessary outside noise. Using solid core doors with Sound
Transmission Control (STC) ratings can block outdoor noise compare to doors with
lower STC ratings.
Buffer zones can also contribute to the control of noise the auditorium can intake.
These buffer zones are extra spaces or rooms that blocks outdoor noise from entering
the auditorium. Example are class rooms, restrooms or even in a form of a hallway.
Providing a blanket of space around the auditorium can control the amount of noise it
needs to reverberate within.

7. Background noise

Even with the buffer zones and the blanket of space in the auditorium. There is still
background noise that should be considered. These are the HVAC system and the
plumbing pipes running in the background. Ignoring small details like these can
distract the audience from unnecessary noise.
When it comes to acoustic design, there are solutions that can solve the
unnecessary noise HVAC systems and plumbing pipes produce in the midst of the
performance. These are the Duct liners and mufflers that absorbs from HVAC
systems. Choosing a quiet HVAC system is also a good idea for the designer when
choosing a HVAC system for an acoustic ideal space. The designer does not have to
sacrifice comport in order to have an outstanding performance.

Improving auditorium acoustics

1. Acoustic Analysis

Acoustic professionals can conduct an acoustic analysis despite the

multiple uses or ideal use of the auditorium. Relying on the professionals will
gradually help to the ideal acoustic needed by the auditorium. Accurately
identifying the challenges of the auditorium’s acoustics will help develop the
solution for the customized auditorium acoustics.

2. Absorption
 Sound absorption will help control the noise of the auditorium. Using acoustics
panels that are made for sound absorption can help with the acoustics, but can
also give aesthetics inside the auditorium. These attractive hanging materials to
the walls and the ceilings will absorb sound and not reflect reverberation.

3. Diffusion

Diffusion products are made to disperse sound waves instead of absorbing them.
This will not reverberate sound between walls, making reverberation occurring only
within. They have a three-dimensional look, unlike acoustic panels, and can also
be used for aesthetic purposes.

4. Sound proofing

Blocking outdoor noise can also be a hindrance the on-going performance in the
auditorium. It is wise to use buffer zones to soundproof doors and have better
insulation.
 Acoustics in Home theaters
When considering a home theater, acoustics should be involved because it can
help bring the cinema experience in our homes. A room that has hard wood floors, dry
all, and glass throughout has an effect of highly muddled, bosomy, echoing, fluttering
listening with disappointing sound quality. Now that the modern age has the capabilities
to have home theaters, here are some important things to consider when having a home
theater of your own.

Figure 3 Home Theater

1. Surround sound speaker placement

When creating a home theater, speaker

placement is important for the users to have the
cinema experience. The speaker will act as a
surround sound that will fill the space with
sound.

Figure 4 Surround sound placement

2. Acoustic Material Absorption

The ideal ceiling and walls covered for a home theater is at least 60% to 70% for
a better acoustic performance. Reflections scattered in the room can improve the
sound quality of the given space.
3. Fiberglass

Using the right type of fiberglass is important, considering that sound absorption
features. However, avoid using acoustic ceiling tiles because they do not reduce
the echo despite keeping the sound inside the room. Fiberglass panels are
available by 2-feet x 4-feet sizes and about ¾ inch thickness.
4. Air gaps between acoustic panels and walls

Consider the air gaps in between the walls and the

panels. An air gap of ½ inch to 1 inch is enough for the
sound to disperse after sound absorption, then reflects
to the wall and being absorbed again by the acoustic
panels.

Figure 5 Acoustic Treatment

energy Absorption
5. Find where to place sound absorption treatment

Find reflection points of where the

sound might actually reflect. The
desired location can be determined
by sitting in a primary position and
using a mirror alongside the wall.
Doing this will determine where the
primary reflections spots are.

Figure 6 Sound Reflection points

6. Base trap, Diffuser, and Broadband absorber

Corners of the room can create bass frequencies much louder leading to uneven
and non-flat bass responses. Extra fiber glass on the corners, or bass traps, will
do the job for an uneven sound.

While Dispensers are useful for creating an ambiance similar to sitting in a large
room. Since some sounds only reflects on one area because of the fixed speaker,
using diffusers can make the room feel enlarged.

Broadband absorbers
create symmetry in sound
frequency reflection.
Having a symmetry
between right and left side
of the room will create the
surround sound
experience like inside the
cinemas.

Figure 7 Base trap, Diffuser, and broadband absorber

7. Isolate sound transmission

Air-conditions also has low noise that can contribute to the reverberation in the
room. Sacrificing comfort for better quality sound is not the best idea. Instead, use
low noise, Additionally, also use acoustic sealant gasket in doors and windows to
prevent ingress and egress of sound.

8. Floor reflections

Hard materials are great reflectors of

sound, which will generate unnecessary
reverberation, making the sound quality
poor. Changing the floor material can be
expensive. Instead, a thick or padded rug
is a good solution. Make sure to cover
reflection points. Similar to window,
using drapery will prevent unwanted
reverberation to the home theater.
Figure 8 Floor reflectors
 Types of Soundproofing Materials

• Acoustic Isolation Membrane

There are a lot of acoustic Isolation membrane in the market for different uses.
Although, there is one that sells big in the market and giving the best quality of
performance. Which is the Acoustiblok Isolation membrane, or the thinnest and
highest performance material.

Figure 9 Acousiblok Isolation Membrane

The material blocks sound transfers more effectively for sound insulation. It is
polymer-based material, thus making it flexible and easy to install. It offers sound
insulation without increasing the thickness of the wall or ceiling.

• Open Cell Cavity Insulation

The material is made out of rock wool, stone wool or fiberglass that is installed into
cavities. They are designed to fit in between walls, ceiling, floors that uses the
principle of sound absorption. By effectively fitting the insulation, the transmission
of sound is reduced.
 Figure 10 Open Cell Cavity Insulation

• Decoupling Product

Materials that are based on sound transmission

Resilient channels
• There are many different types, ranging from
simple wood battens to aluminum metal rails that
are specifically engineered to lay atop
soundproofing insulation when installed across
wall studs or ceiling joists.

Figure 11 Resilient Channels

Acoustic hangers
• They are mechanically attached to the main
structure and function as a gasket between
the structure and the robust channel/cross
batten.

Figure 12 Acoustic hangers

• Acoustic flooring

This material is used to isolate the main floor surface

from the subfloor and thereby reduce noise
transmission.

Common acoustic flooring materials include

acoustiblok, rubber-based crumb, cork, and felt.
Figure 13 Acoustic Flooring
• Sound Proof windows

Soundproof windows use the decoupling concept to

reduce the amount of sound that enters and departs a
room where they are installed.
These windows often feature thick glass panes with
an air gap between them.

Figure 14 Double Glazed window

• Sound proof doors

This is another kind of architectural

soundproofing.

To restrict sound transmission, soundproof

doors, like soundproof windows, are created with
increased depth and mass, as well as
decoupling.
Figure 15 Soundproof door

• Acoustic panels

These are type of panels that are made for sound

absorption. Controlling the acoustic in the room when
placed correctly will lessen the reverberation and the
too much reflection of sound waves.

• Acoustic fabrics Figure 16 Acoustic panels

Typically used for theater curtains, blackout curtains and studio blankets. These
types of fabric also block out sound by absorbing the sound waves. These are
highly effective when dealing with acoustics in a large room.

Figure 17 Acoustic Fabrics

• Acoustic foams

This type of material works on the principle of sound

absorption and re-calibration of internal acoustics. While
they are not the best at blocking sounds. The foams are
incredibly noticeable when it comes to absorbing internal
acoustics. Otherwise, other material should be
considered.
Figure 18 Acoustic foams

Other sound proofing materials that should be considered:

• Soundproof Dry wall (Plasterboard)

This is a type of drywall that

specializes in soundproof.
This comes in different
thickness and promotes
increased sound
transmission compare to
another drywall. This type of
drywall is a combination of
several layers of gypsum
boards, steel, with the main Figure 19 Soundproof Drywall
goal of increasing its density
to effectively block sound.

• Dense board (OSB, plywood, particle board, fire board)

Oriented Strand board is an alternate for

plywood. Made out of multiple layer of
opposing oriented wood fibers that creates
durability and increased mass and density.

Figure 20 Oriented Strand board

• Soundproof Floor Underlay

Floor underlayment that reduces sound

transmission in floors and hardwoods. This
includes laminated floor, hardwood, and
engineered wood. They are made out of fibers,
treated with heat to be a sound absorption
material.
Figure 21 Soundproof Floor
Underlay
• Anti-vibration soundproof floor mats

It is a type of floormat made to reduce

vibration and noise. They are ideally for
installation beneath and inside
machinery and appliances, as well as to
soundproof cars.
Figure 22 Anti-vibration floor mats

• Acoustic sealants

This product is designed to be used as a sound dampening solution in

situations requiring Sound Transmission Class (STC) while remaining
permanently adaptable.

It is commonly used in the

construction of soundproofing
walls since it may be installed
directly between layers of diverse
materials such as Acoustiblok
Isolation Membrane, drywall, or
plasterboard.

Figure 23 Acoustic Sealant

• Acoustic putty

The purpose of flexible acoustic and intumescent putty is to maintain the

structural integrity and acoustic properties of a building separation and
wall partitions.

The purpose of Acoustic

Putty pads is to safeguard the
integrity and acoustic
properties of flexible wall
systems.

Figure 24 Acoustic putty

• Acoustic plaster

Variable chemicals, compounds, and systems can lower surface

reflections and hence aid in internal acoustic equalization by increasing
or decreasing weight and flexibility.

Although increasing depth and weight

can cause sound wave deflection, they
are virtually always employed to
improve acoustic calibration.

Figure 25 Acoustic plaster

• Soundproof spray

Spot treatments with soundproofing or

deadening spray are the most common.

Although floor mats were used to reduce

unwanted noise, microscopic gaps between the
mat and the adjacent surface can still allow
vibrations to occur.

Figure 26 Soundproof spray

• Soundproof paint

The theory is that the thicker the paint

layer, the better the result.

Spraying is frequently the preferred

method of applying soundproof paint
because it results in a thicker covering.

Soundproof paint, on the other hand, is

not the most effective soundproofing
method and will have little effect.

Figure 27 Soundproof paint

• Soundproof wallpaper

Soundproof wallpaper is often made from closed-cell polyethylene foam.

Because it has very strong sound

absorption capabilities, soundproof
wallpaper can and should be used as
an acoustic absorbing layer. However,
because it is so thin, the effects are
minimal at best, but the adage 'every
little counts' may be utilized again.

Soundproof wallpaper is certainly

more aesthetically pleasing than
acoustic foam because it is available
in a range of styles, and it is easier and
less invasive to install. Figure 28 Soundproof wallpaper
• Acoustic wall covering

Acoustic wall covering is a sheet

material made up of several layers
of composite fabric.

A flexible hybrid composite that is

both durable and compressible and
soft.

It is used to offer good acoustic

calibration (softening) and isolation
(conversion) on the inside of a wall.

Figure 29 Acoustic wall covering

• Door seals

These are attached to the door frame or

bottom section of doors to seal gaps
between the door and the door stop or
frame, as well as between the door and
the floor.

Rubber seals are hollow rubber weather-

stripping tapes that compress when a
door or window is shut, creating a tight
seal.
Figure 30 Door seals

• Sound absorber panels

These sound absorber panels have various shapes and sizes that can
be installed to make the space more visually appealing. These absorber
panels can be mounted to ceilings and walls to cut down acoustic
reflections and sound reverberation.
 Figure 31 Sound absorber panels

• Acoustic ceilings and Tiles

Acoustic ceiling tiles, like acoustic panels,

can be mounted directly to a ceiling or
used as a structural drop ceiling to create
a grid system that provides great acoustic
control. Allows for the production of a
finished ceiling and a large acoustic
absorption surface area.
Figure 32 Acoustic ceiling and tiles
• Soundproof curtains

Soundproof curtains are frequently used as a

temporary wall or privacy covering to reduce
noise transmission, such as backstage at a
performance.

When hung in appropriate positions, the thick

cloth significantly hinders the propagation and
mobility of sound waves within a region,
preventing unwanted sound from flowing from
space to space.

Figure 33 Soundproof curtains

• Soundproof blankets

a low-cost alternative to more expensive

soundproofing methods.

Indeed, soundproof blankets are likely the

most practical option for someone on a tight
budget who needs a temporary and portable
solution.

They are made of a thick, silky fabric that

absorbs sound and prevents it from being
transmitted.

Figure 34 Soundproof blankets

• Acoustic fencing

Acoustic fencing is a type of outdoor

noise isolator or acoustic barrier.

It's ideal for anyone who want a reliable

technique to block out extraneous
sounds and noises.

Figure 35 Acoustic fencing

• Industrial acoustic soundproof panels

Designed specifically to withstand direct

sunlight exposure, harsh weather conditions,
and demanding industrial environments. Very
efficient soundproofing choice in high dB,
sound and power noise pollution sectors such
as plants, generators, HVAC, and any other
external environment.

Figure 36 Industrial acoustic

• Acoustic louvers soundproof panels

Acoustic louvres are used to allow air to flow

while screening out unwanted noise in
building openings.

As an open shutter with horizontal, curved,

or linear blades/slats that admit light and air
while blocking rain and direct sunshine.
Effective at reducing acoustic energy while
allowing direct air flow as necessary.
Figure 37 Acoustic louvers
 Types of Lighting Fixtures
There are a lot of options to give light to our homes. To architectural solution to
decorative lamps, there are different types of particular layer of lighting uses in a number
of ways.

Architectural
There are three most common architectural lighting; Cove, soffit, and valance.
1. Cove lighting are mostly found a ledge, shelf or recessed above the wall, where
the light bounces towards the ceiling or upper wall.
2. Soffit lighting are found in the soffit or near the cornice facing downwards, washing
the wall with light.
3. Valance lighting in a wood or a glass valance mounted above the window where
the lighting bounces upward and downward.

Figure 38 Cove lighting Figure 39 Soffit Lighting Figure 40 valance lighting

The bouncing of lighting to the walls or ceiling is called indirect lighting. This technique
favors designers because of its capability to give light without too much shadow and glare.
Recessed
A type of lighting that is mounted above
the ceiling. It requires at least 6 inches of
clearance above the ceiling with proper
insulation to ensure that condensation does
not drip to the fixture. This type of lighting has
a one direction type of lighting that provides
ambient, task and accent lighting.

Figure 41 Recessed lighting

Track
It is an adjustable type of lighting if there is an object
needed to be emphasized through the light. Mounted or
suspended along the ceiling that is consists of several heads
positioned anywhere along the track.

Undercabinet Figure 42 Track lighitng

Mounted under the kitchen cabinets made to light the

kitchen. This can be linear or singular puck-shaped fixture.

Figure 43 Undercabinet lighting

Pendants
Suspended in a ceiling that lights directly downwards, typically
over a table or a kitchen island. This type of lighting is
decorative and can create an ambient lighting to the room.

Figure 44 Pendant lighting

 Types of Ceiling for a home theater
The shift of focus in of movie night post-pandemics became a must have in
weekends to spend time with the family. Bringing the cinema in the home saves time, but
the experience and the ambiance it brings needs technical planning to achieve an
effective home theater. One of the main features is the fifth wall or the ceiling. Here are
some of the design to bring the game up when it comes to designing home theaters:

1. Bring the reminiscent movie theaters to home

The classic movie experience, old or new, can be taken away as an inspiration in
the design of a private home theater. The lighting best works with dark colored
ceiling providing a right amount of lamination.

Figure 45 Home theater

2. Track lighting for home theater design

A minimalist grey ceiling combined with a minimalist grey decor offers the
ideal atmosphere for a home theater. If you want customizable illumination,
magnetic track lights for the ceiling are a great solution. These lights link
automatically to the intended tracks through magnets and can be repositioned
manually as needed, allowing for more focused lighting.

Figure 46 Minimalist gray home theater

3. Classic LED for home theater design

For an ideal atmosphere, an all-neutral home theater requires subtle accents.

A simple method to create an ambient setting with a home theater ceiling design
is to use LED lights and a simple artificial ceiling.

Figure 47 All neutral home theater

4. False ceiling with Molding

The ideal old school type of home theater. Using wall-molding is a sophisticated
way to set up a home theater. Minimal cove lighting brings elegant in the design.

Figure 48 False ceiling with molding

5. Multiple light style ceiling design

A cozy tiny home theater is ideal for private family movie nights. You can also
organize movie screenings for your pals in a comfortable setting. A simple artificial
ceiling with multiple lighting options allows you to control the atmosphere of the
room. Ample illumination is ideal for post-movie talks over coffee and dessert.

Figure 49 Multiple light style ceiling design

6. Dark home theater

Dark, neutral colors are an excellent choice for keeping your home theater design
basic and utilitarian. A modest black ceiling is simple to design and perfectly
captures the appearance and feel of a home theater. Ceiling cove lighting is simple
to install and obtain.

Figure 38 Dark home theater

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auditorium-acoustics-considerations/
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https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/mechanical-systems/types-of-lighting-
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