Soundproofing Store | Case Studies

Converting A Terraced Basement Into A Drum Practice RoomBackground Of The ProjectThe Soundproofing Store were contacted by a client who is a full-time professional drummer and drum tutor. The client had recently moved into a new terraced house. A very old property dating back to the Victorian period.Being a professional drummer the client needs to practice regularly every day to keep his skill level maintained, he also privately tutors pupils at home.Now, this is a problem for anybody in a terraced house but made harder as the next door neighbours work night shifts and need to sleep in the daytime!The clients plan was to utilize the unused basement in the property by damp proofing and then soundproofing, converting the basement into a fully soundproofed basement studio. His main worry being that the soundproofing needed to be of the highest level, as any noise that could travel through the thin, single brick party wall, would result in him still not being able to use the room.The BasementThe basement was large and with very low ceilings (as expected). The staircase down to the basement divided the area into two halves. The client was hoping to turn one half into the studio and the other half could be used as a lounge area.The studio half was also then divided by another brick wall, splitting that half into two small rooms.The Plan - Construction / LayoutThe client had brought in a local, well respected building firm who are specialists in basement conversions. http://backtobasement.co.uk/ (Leeds)Together we discussed the initial plan in terms of construction to be the following.Knock down the dividing wall in the studio half, opening it up into one larger room.Dig down into the concrete floor as far as we could go to lower the floor and therefore raise the ceiling height.Block up the dividing wall separating the two halves of the basement leaving one doorway into the studio.Tank the room using a damp proof membrane.The Plan - SoundproofingThe original specification for the soundproofing was as follows:Build a “room within a room” which is made up of high mass materials to block airborne sound from escaping. These layers need to be de-coupled from the structure and able to absorb vibration so that the sound vibration energy can’t transfer through into the structure of the building.WallsCreate secondary, internal walls by using the full ReductoClip system . This involves building a 50mm timber frame (for minimal space loss) in front of every wall. The timber frames would be isolated around the perimeter using our Isolation strip to create a floating frame. The frame is filled with a 50mm 60kg acoustic mineral wool to absorb sound within the cavity (created by the timber frame). ReductoClips and furring channels are then attached. Then re-build the wall layers using two layers of 15mm acoustic grade plasterboard sandwiching a layer of FlexiSound 5. The plasterboard and FlexiSound adds a whopping 35.6kg of mass per m² to the walls. The ReductoClips separate the solid wall layers form the timber frame, and absorb huge amounts of vibration energy, converting it into heat, and stopping the vibration from travelling into the solid wall behind.CeilingLower the basement floor enough to also use the ReductoClip system on the ceiling. Filling the ceiling void with 60kg acoustic mineral wool, then installing the ReductoClips on the bottom of the ceiling joists, and again using two layers of 15mm acoustic grade plasterboard with Tecsound SY100 or FlexiSound.A concern was that above is just bare wooden floorboards with very little mass, lots of gaps between boards, and no other flooring. Ideally, we would want to add more mass to the floor above to really get a great result. However, the priority in this case is sound leaking into the adjoining properties not travelling above into the rest of the house, and the client preferred to keep his exposed wooden floors.FloorNo need to add mass to the floor as it’s a concrete foundation with nothing below. However, we do want to absorb vibration. If we don’t address the floor, then the vibration will get into the concrete floor and spread under the soundproofing and into the structure. In this case ProSound ImpactoMat 5mm is all that’s needed.DoorsA double fire door system. Using two FD60 rated, solid core fire doors, back to back, with a seal around the perimeter. Combined, the doors will have enough mass to block a high level of airborne sound.Important Amendment To The Original Specification Just before work was due to get started, the client got in touch as he was worrying that after all the work and expense of the studio build, what if the sound is still getting through to next door? The ReductoClip system is very high performing, and offers a very significant reduction, but at the same time, if only installed on a single brick party wall, with potentially over 100dB of sound, there is a chance the neighbour may still hear a very low, muffled sound still coming through. Determined to block as much as possible, we discussed ideas to push the performance even higher than we have ever specified before for a studio project. The plan was to line the brick wall with our ProSound™ SoundMat 3 before building the ReductoClip system in front. This would be pinned to the walls in overlapping tiles by rawl plugs. The SoundMat 3 is designed as a floor solution but is made up of 2 layers of very heavy, dense, mass loaded vinyl, separated by a vibration dampening foam. This would add another 12.5kg of mass per m² to the wall. Also, because mass loaded vinyl hadn't been used anywhere else in the build-up, it would block different frequencies of sound to the other materials, giving an even broader range of frequency blocking. This would achieve much more than adding more layers of plasterboard or Tecsound (or FlexiSound 5) which we had already used in the build-up.The BuildThe builders did a great job knocking down the separating wall, opening the studio room out, and digging down into the concrete floor. Gaining a lot of height and getting the height to the ceiling joists at roughly 2.4 metres. So once the new ReductoClip Ceiling is installed, this would bring the ceiling height down to roughly 2.34m.The builders poured a new cement floor to achieve a flat and even base, and left channels for the damp proofing. Then lined the walls with a damp proofing membrane. Not something we see much of in studio builds, as most tend to be ground level, but this was very important with it being a basement conversion.Other Important Things To ConsiderPower SocketsOne major problem in some builds is that after adding all of this extra mass onto the internal walls, the builder then cuts lots of big holes in it for cabling, power sockets and light switches. These holes then allow sound to leak through creating a weak point in the soundproofing.SolutionIdeally have your sockets and switches surface mounted on top of the walls instead of inside the walls. This saves having big holes! It may not look as pretty as a nice flush, counter sunk socket, but with studios we are looking for maximum performance.In terms of cabling, if your sockets are surface mounted, you only need a small hole in your wall to pull through cables, seal around the cable and fix your socket on top. Or... even better.... have your cables surface mounted as well (use plastic trunking). This is going to be much easier for cable management as well.If you absolutely must have your sockets sunk in the wall and need to cut holes in the soundproofing, you can at least minimise the problem by covering the back of the socket box or inside of the socket box with our Socket Putty Pads LightingAs with sockets, a lot of people like to use nice flush spotlights inside the ceiling. These look great, but again require lots of holes to be cut out of your ceiling soundproofing.Instead, go for traditional pendulum style lighting, requiring just a small hole for one cable, or surface mounted spotlights, or even free standing lamps which can be moved as needed and actually be very handy.Ventilation Materials that block sound also block heat, so a soundproof room can get very hot! At the same time, a well soundproofed room is relatively air tight, reducing natural airflow. So ventilation is important if you use your studio for long periods.There are two choices. A simple in and out, passive vent such as our Acoustic Vent or a fancy digital, motorized vent/air conditioner unit. In this case the customer opted for a fancy digital system that controlled the airflow and temperature.Cutting a hole in your wall for a vent will allow sound to leak out. The Soundproofing Store acoustic vent has a layer of absorption material inside to absorb some of the sound passing through. You can go a step further by building an acoustic vent baffle. This forces the air to bounce around a maze type box which is lined with absorbing material. As the air passes through the sound bounces off these surfaces and gets absorbed.In this instance there was no need for a baffle, as the vent opened onto a quiet side of the property and wasn't an issue.Acoustic Treatment All the heavy mass loaded materials we have fixed to the ceiling and walls are very reflective for sound waves. This creates a space with a lot of echo which isn't great for a rehearsal or recording space.The room needs to be acoustically treated internally to absorb the echo and reflected soundwaves, to create an acoustically optimised space. The Soundproofing Store have a selection of Class A Acoustic Panels which can be fixed to the walls or suspended from ceilings to achieve this.

Easy-Fix Acoustic Foam Panels: The Solution to Office Noise and EchoIn many offices, unwanted noise and echo can pose significant challenges. Excessive office noise can disrupt productivity, increase stress, and make communication difficult. Fortunately, acoustic panels provide an effective and stylish solution to these problems.Why Noise and Echo Are Problematic in OfficesOpen-plan offices, whilst great for collaboration, often amplify sound. Hard surfaces like glass, concrete, and wood reflect sound waves, creating echoes and increasing noise levels. This environment can lead to:Reduced focus and lower productivity.Miscommunication during meetings or phone calls.Increased employee fatigue and stress due to constant noise distractions.What are Acoustic Panels?Acoustic panels are specially designed to absorb sound waves. They effectively reduce noise and prevent echoes. Available in various sizes, shapes, and styles, they seamlessly complement different office aesthetics whist dramatically improving the sound quality within the space.Acoustic panels work by trapping sound waves and converting them into heat energy. This process minimises reverberations, creating a quieter, more comfortable workspace for employees to focus and collaborate effectively.Acoustic panels from The Soundproofing Store feature a specialist sound absorbing foam core and are wrapped in an acoustic fabric. The 40mm thick options provide a Class A sound absorption performance, to dramatically reduce unwanted echo and enhanced the acoustic comfort within any space.Steps to Reduce Office Noise and Echo with Acoustic Panels1. Identify Problematic AreasStart by assessing your office space. Identify the areas where noise levels are highest, such as meeting rooms, open plan communal areas, and reception areas.2. Choose the Right Type of Acoustic PanelsAcoustic panels come in various forms, each suited to different needs:Wall Panels: Ideal for reducing sound reflections off flat surfaces.Ceiling Rafts or Baffles: Ideal for spaces with high ceilings where sound bounces around and when wall space is reserved for screens, artwork, displays or notices.Desk Dividers: A practical solution for open-plan offices, providing personal sound insulation.High-impact Panels: Ideal for high traffic areas or sports halls.3. Customise for Aesthetics and BrandingAcoustic panels can be more than functional - they can also be a design element. Choose colours, patterns, or custom-printed panels that reflect your brand or complement your office decor.Benefits of Acoustic Panels in OfficesImproved Productivity: A quieter environment allows employees to concentrate better, free from disruptive background noise.Enhanced Communication: Meetings and calls are clearer and more productive with reduced distractions.Increased Comfort: A quieter workspace helps to reduces stress and fatigue, creating a more comfortable and pleasant working environment.Professional Appeal: Beyond functionality, acoustic panels add a polished, modern look to your office.Why Acoustic Panels are Essential for Reducing Noise and Echo in an OfficeAcoustic panels are often a necessity for modern offices. They not only solve noise and echo issues but also contribute to a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace.Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, reducing noise and preventing echoes. By incorporating them into your office, you can create a more comfortable, productive, and professional environment.By investing in acoustic panels, you can transform your office into a space where unwanted echo and noise no longer impacts productivity, concentration, communication and wellbeing.Case Study: Acoustic Easy-Fix Ceiling Panels for Office SoundproofingThe Soundproofing Store was contacted by the Managing Director of a business in the process of moving into a stunning new office on the Broughton Hall Estate in Yorkshire. Although the beautiful setting offered tranquillity, the building itself failed to reflect this peaceful atmosphere.The office, a spacious converted watermill, captured the company’s interest with its rustic charm. However, it posed significant challenges for managing office acoustics. The large open-plan design, coupled with hard reflective surfaces amplified noise throughout the space.With 50-60 staff members, many of whom spend a considerable amount of time on the phone, the existing acoustics in the space hindered productivity and were not conducive to a productive work environment.The Solution: ProSound Easy-Fix Acoustic Ceiling PanelsThe Soundproofing Store offers a variety of acoustic wall and ceiling treatment solutions, so why were Easy-Fix Acoustic Panels selected?By analysing the office dimensions and reviewing photos of the space, The Soundproofing Store’s team of acoustic experts identified the available surface area within the office. Using this information, they created an acoustic report of the office. The report calculates the echo levels in the space and determines the amount of sound absorption needed to reduce the echo to a distraction-free level. (Please contact The Soundproofing Store should you require an acoustic report).Easy-Fix Acoustic Foam Panels are selected because they attach easily and directly to both walls and ceilings. Given the office’s stunning design and limited wall space, the beams offered an ideal location for installing the panels. This approach not only preserved the aesthetic appeal but also optimised the available space. In a large open-plan office, treating the ceiling ensures a more even distribution of sound absorption, making this solution both practical and effective.The client chose the Easy-Fix Panels in white, prioritising a seamless blend with the room's design over a bolder statement in their brand colours. In white, the panels introduced a modern touch that perfectly complemented the rustic charm of the converted mill.Features of Easy-Fix Acoustic PanelsTo address unwanted office noise, it is important to cover the surface area with soft, absorbent material. This is achieved by using sound absorption panels, also referred to as acoustic treatment panels.ProSound Acoustic Easy-fix Ceiling Panels are a popular solution for reducing echo and reverberation and improving sound quality in commercial spaces. The panels are designed to be extremely easy to install and highly effective in reducing noise levels, making them an ideal choice for the business's needs.The Acoustic Easy-fix Ceiling Panels are made from a high-performance acoustic foam core, which helps absorb sound waves and prevent echo, thus reducing overall noise levels in the office. They can be added to ceilings or walls and when sound is projected out, instead of hitting a hard wall or hard ceiling and bouncing back, it hits the acoustic panel and the panel soaks the sound up and absorbs it. This stops it from bouncing back into the room. The more surface area of the office covered in acoustic panels, the less echo there is.The Easy-Fix Foam Panels are covered with an acoustically transparent fabric which means the sound goes straight through the fabric and into the sound absorbing core. With a range of fabrics and colour options to suit any type of office space. Because all office spaces are different, Easy-Fix Acoustic Panels are bespoke and available in a variety of different shapes and sizes to suit any space.Optimising Acoustics Within An OfficeThe Soundproofing Store ran an acoustic report which calculated the reverberation time of the office. This was 4 seconds, which meant with just a couple of people talking in the room, there was a lot of echo. Add in all of the employees and it would be extremely loud.The aim was to get the reverberation time down to 1 second, so not completely 'dry' which would sound odd for an office environment. (Think about the dry feel of the acoustics when you are at the cinema). Reducing the reverberation time from 4 seconds to 1 second makes a huge huge difference to the office acoustics. To achieve this result 42 Easy-Fix Acoustic Panels are used, covering 60m². This size of the panels were bespoke to fit between the wooden beams at 800mm x 1800mm and 40mm thick. Importantly, ProSound Easy-Fix Acoustic Panels deliver a Class A -NRC 0.95 performance.Easy-Fix Panels InstallationProSound Easy-Fix Panels are extremely easy to install. Instead of being installed with brackets or suspension cables they have a simple self adhesive peel and stick application. Due to the acoustic panels being installed on the office ceiling and not the wall, a grab adhesive is also used.Step-by-Step Installation of ProSound Easy-Fix Acoustic Ceiling PanelsPlease see the video.Office Sound Absorption with Easy-Fix Acoustic Foam Ceiling Panels: The ResultsAcoustic panels can serve as either a subtle addition or a bold statement in an office. With endless design possibilities, the choice is entirely up to personal style preference.Following the installation of the Acoustic Easy-Fix Foam Ceiling Panels, the office environment drastically improved. Staff reported a significant reduction in overall noise levels, with less disturbance from background chatter and phone conversations. The panels helped absorb sound, preventing it from bouncing off the hard surfaces of the office and reducing the ‘echo’ effect that had previously made the space feel noisy and unproductive.In addition to their acoustic performance, the panels seamlessly blended into the office’s aesthetics, enhancing the building’s modern, yet rustic charm without detracting from the natural beauty of the space. The MD and staff were thrilled with the results, saying how "the office soundproofing is amazing." and that he wouldn't hesitate to "highly recommend, Phil and the team at The Soundproofing Store."The business can now operate to its full potential in beautifu