Hunter Douglas has launched a new, lightweight ceiling system that provides superior sound absorption for spaces in buildings with long reverberation times.
Developed in response to the need for an affordable, simple and flexible solution for acoustic problems in existing buildings, TechStyle Islands are strong yet incredibly lightweight.
Comprising polyester and glass fibre tiles attached to U-shaped aluminium extrusion profiles, this innovative, easy-to-install product has an open structure and weighs no more than 3.3 kg/m2, which is about 25% less than available alternatives.
As well as being lightweight and easy to install, the off-white coated islands are also exceptionally firm, smooth and rigid.
Martin van der Meijden, Product Manager, Ceilings, at Hunter Douglas, said independent testing by engineering agency Peutz has demonstrated that the material properties of the TechStyle Islands account for their high sound absorption capacity. They absorb 75% of sound (αW = 0.75) at frequencies between 250 and 4,000 Hertz, reducing reverberation times to comfortable levels.
“Human speech and the sound of a telephone, for instance, are in this frequency range. That makes the TechStyle Islands ideal for reducing annoying reverberation times in offices,” says van der Meijden.
“The islands reduce reverberation times, while giving the concrete the space it needs for thermal exchange with the ambient air – and all that, with respect for the industrial look and feel of the building.
“With one or two TechStyle Islands you can reduce reverberation times locally, for instance, in a meeting room or at a work station. And with several islands you can improve the acoustic comfort throughout an entire building.”
The islands are made of fully recyclable natural materials, such as (fibre)glass and aluminium, and they do not release any volatile substances. They are also aesthetically attractive and conform to the EN 13501-1 standard, which makes them suitable for emergency routes and circulation spaces.
The standard aluminium extrusion profiles are off-white; on request they can be coated in a different colour. TechStyle Islands come in a standard width of 1.2 metres and in several lengths: 1.2, 1.8, 2.1 and 2.4 metres. Thanks to a pre-assembled suspension system, they are easily and quickly installed.
The introduction of TechStyle Islands throughout Europe, follows their successful rollout in Switzerland, where the product was originally conceived by interior designers and is now regularly specified by architects.