Acoustics: Material Specification for Albany Multi-Storey Apartments

This report provides an executive summary of recommended materials for achieving good acoustic performance in a high-end, multi-story apartment complex in New Zealand. It addresses the need for low sound transfer between apartments by investigating locally available materials and justifying the choice of acoustic foam (Auralex), prefabricated acoustic units (soft boards, LDF ceiling tiles), and Pink Batts Silencer. The report highlights the benefits of each material, including ease of installation, sound absorption capabilities across various frequencies, and cost-effectiveness. It also outlines key assumptions related to paint restrictions, wall sizes, and the structural integrity of the installation areas. The recommendations aim to meet Building Code requirements for Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings.

Acoustics
Sound is one of the major factors which is able to affect the living standards. Use of wrong
materials during the construction phase is able to affect the sale and living standards. Many
people now are considering areas or apartments with minimal noise effects (Ladefoged, 2009).
The use of proper acoustic materials is able to reduce the amount of noise which is able to
penetrate from one area in a room to another. Different materials have different acoustic
performance. The materials with proper acoustic parameters is able to lead to a high end of the
market for multi storey apartment complex (Constanda, & Potapenko, 2008). Some of the key
acoustic materials which I recommend for a multi storey apartment complex include the acoustic
foam, prefabricated acoustic units such as soft boards and LDF ceiling tiles, as well as Pink Batts
Silencer.
First, the main reasons for choosing the Pink Batts Silencer is their availability and also the ease
at which they can be installed. These acoustic materials are placed in a standard cavity stud
walls. The materials are able to increase the capacity of the sound barrier and therefore able to
increase the privacy levels (Marinello, Passeri & Savio, 2013). In addition, the materials are able
to reduce the reverberation of sound waves within the cavity. The Pink Batts Silencers are also
used for the floor section where they are used as cavity absorbers for the floor and able to reduce
the airborne sound transmission in the floor sections. Mostly, at the joints and joists, the
materials are able to reduce the sound transmission.
The major reasons for choosing the prefabricated acoustic units is that they are reliable and
factory guaranteed for sound absorption. The units are able to absorb a wide variety of sound
frequencies and thus able to operate efficiently. Moreover, the units are economical and easy to
install. This helps to reduce the cost of construction (Peshkovsky, & Peshkovsky, 2010). Due to

the air gaps, the units are perfect for the ceiling sections and also due to their light weight.
Acoustic foam is another preferred material for the acoustic. An auralex is one of the well-known
and popular acoustic foam materials. These materials are highly preferred due to their capacity to
contain sound from a very close range (Lawson, Ogden, & Goodier, 2014). In addition, the
material can be applied on the wall sections as well as the ceiling sections. The wide range of
applications makes them preferred to be used. Lastly, they are cost effective and this enhances
their use in many projects.
The main assumption is that the paint restriction will not obstruct the installment of the panels. In
addition, it assumed that the wall sections will not be able to interfere with the wall sizes. In
addition, it is also assumed that the soft walls will also be able to accommodate the acoustic
elements (Leydecker, 2013). Lastly, it is assumed that the acoustic elements will not be able to
interfere with the strength of the areas where they are installed. The width of the acoustic
elements will be monitored to ensure that it does not affect the strength of the section.

References
Constanda, C., & Potapenko, S. (2008). Integral methods in science and engineering:
Techniques and applications. (Springer e-books.) Boston: Birkhä user.
Ladefoged, P. (2009). Elements of acoustic phonetics. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press.
Lawson, M., Ogden, R., & Goodier, C. I. (2014). Design in modular construction. Boca Raton :
CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
Leydecker, S. (2013). Designing Interior Architecture: Concept, Typology, Material,
Construction. Basel: De Gruyter.
Marinello, F., Passeri, D., & Savio, E. (2013). Acoustic scanning probe microscopy. Berlin:
Springer.
Peshkovsky, A. S., & Peshkovsky, S. L. (2010). Acoustic cavitation theory and equipment
design principles for industrial applications of high-intensity ultrasound. New York: Nova
Science Publishers.