How construction budget cuts & design trends effect soundproofing
Posts by Russell in Sound Control Solutions
Commercial considerations are central to any building project but, when savings need to be made, it is often soundproofing budgets which are cut first.
Budget cuts and design trends are two of the major factors which impact on a development’s soundproofing viability and can often lead to acoustic failure. As a result of these factors, cheaper and lower quality products are sourced which can have disastrous consequences for the end user.
Impact of design trends on sound proofing
It is important to realise that it is not just budget cuts that affect acoustics, but design trends and aesthetic principles also. Current trends in home interiors favour a minimalistic look consisting of hard flooring, blinds, and contemporary furniture, all of which drastically reduces the acoustic capabilities of interiors. This short-term view of specification and construction severely impacts upon the long-term usability of build projects for end users.
But what can be done?
Hush Acoustics are experts in designing acoustic solutions for build projects that not only achieve compliance but also exceed UK Building Regulations Approved Document E (England & Wales), Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards (Scotland) and Approved Part G (Northern Ireland).
By working closely with industry professionals we educate and empower our customers, which then gives them confidence in their specification with detailed product knowledge, helping to build long-term relationships. With our expert knowledge and experience we aim to provide acoustic solutions that are within budget and exceed building regulations and soundproofing guidelines.
Understanding acoustic principles and ensuring effective specification
To create effective soundproofing, the best method to alleviate pressures caused by budget cuts and design trends is to fully understand the various acoustic products that are available to use and how they will work for your project. For example:
- What materials are used?
- Do they absorb or reflect noise?
- Do they reduce noise levels for impact, airborne or flanking transmission sources?
- How to incorporate acoustic products into building designs for effective sound reduction.
These factors will give you a confidence and understanding of your chosen specification and will help to establish long-term trust with your contractor/developer; especially once the project is complete.
Rob Crampton, Managing Director of Hush Acoustics, comments: “There are many reasons as to why acoustic installations within build projects fail or don’t provide the necessary levels of soundproofing they should. Budget cuts and design trends are certainly two of the major factors that tend to lead to acoustic failure, but this doesn’t need to be the case.
“Our friendly and experienced team works closely with specifiers and contractors to develop acoustic solutions for all budgets and for all interior styles. We provide all product and system technical data to customers to give them the product knowledge they require for their build project, which not only helps them for that particular project but for similar projects in the future.”
How can Hush Acoustics help you?
Hush Acoustics offers high quality soundproofing products and systems, backed by comprehensive technical advice. We are able to create effective acoustic solutions which are within budget and exceed building regulations and guidance levels.
No matter the budget requirements or aesthetic principles of a project, and rather than just soundproofing to achieve the minimum levels of compliance, Hush develops solutions for clients which go beyond the regulations and guidance levels.
Hush Acoustics brings added value to your development
We have previously documented that building standards are out-of-date with modern lifestyles, and by providing acoustic solutions that focuses on modern living rather than an outdated set of guidelines, it ensures soundproofing stays central and relevant to the construction build process.
We continuously research new techniques and products, as well as challenge industry norms, to achieve acoustic solutions that specifiers will have confidence in for many years. Our acoustic experts are on-hand to offer guidance to industry professionals at every stage of the new build specification process.
