Enhance your projects with acoustic ceiling tiles

Commercial spaces such as offices, schools and hospitals require environments that carefully balance aesthetics with comfort. For architects and specifiers, acoustics play a crucial role in achieving this harmony. Here at Zentia, we manufacture ceiling tiles designed to improve acoustics in a range of commercial buildings, helping meet noise control regulations while elevating design standards.

Understanding Sound

Effective acoustic design begins with understanding two core concepts: sound attenuation and sound absorption

• Sound attenuation focuses on minimising sound transmission between rooms or spaces. This is critical for areas requiring privacy or minimal noise interference, such as offices and meeting rooms.
• Sound absorption involves absorbing sound within a space to reduce reverberation and background noise. This is essential in open-plan offices and classrooms where clear communication is vital.

What Makes Good Acoustics?

Achieving optimal acoustics in a space involves more than just adding sound-absorbing materials. It requires a balance between sound absorption and reflection. Key factors to consider include managing how sound is absorbed and reflected to maintain speech clarity and aural comfort, controlling noise for the specific use of an interior such as classrooms, and overcoming the challenges of open-plan layouts and mixed-use spaces to ensure acoustic comfort without sacrificing design.

Zentia has a range of ceiling solutions on offer that can suit any project’s acoustic requirement. For example, the Sonify range is a unique and customisable baffle and canopy solution with a Class A sound absorption rating that is ideal for stylish open plan spaces. A much more specific example is Biobloc Acoustic, an anti-microbial suspended ceiling tile designed for use in healthcare environments that provides effective acoustic control while also supporting infection control measures.

Applications for Tiles with Absorption and Attenuation

Zentia’s wide range of acoustic ceiling tiles are extremely versatile and have a variety of applications. For offices, they can reduce ambient noise and distractions to support employee productivity and privacy. In schools, the tiles can improve speech clarity by reducing reverberation, creating better learning environments, and in retail or other large commercial spaces, they can balance aesthetic appeal with effective sound control to improve the customer experience.

Real-world applications of Zentia tiles have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving acoustics, providing practical solutions for diverse settings. For example, Zentia recently provided a ceiling package for an acute stroke unit that was able to offer Class A sound absorption, as well as support health and wellbeing with a high light reflectance and sound attenuation of 35dB.

Choosing the Right Ceiling Tiles for Acoustic Performance

Selecting the right ceiling tiles requires understanding key acoustic performance metrics:

• NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Measures sound absorption of a material. High NRC-rated tiles are ideal for reducing reverberation in enclosed spaces.
• CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class): Assesses sound-blocking ability between rooms. High CAC-rated tiles are perfect for private offices and meeting rooms.

Architects and specifiers should consider both acoustic needs and design aesthetics. Zentia’s wide range of ceiling solutions can cater to allow a smooth integration of both performance and style.

Zentia’s Acoustic Solutions

Zentia provides high-performing ceiling tiles designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Tailored to meet diverse acoustic requirements, there is a range of options for whatever the project’s acoustic requirements may be. Our new Product Selector is a useful tool for finding the right tile based on your project’s unique needs.

Our tiles are also designed for straightforward installation and long-term performance and are suitable for high-traffic areas and large open spaces, offering flexibility for various product types.

For architects and specifiers, integrating sound attenuating and absorbing ceiling tiles is essential for designing spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Zentia’s innovative ceiling solutions provide the perfect balance of acoustic performance and aesthetic appeal, ensuring compliance with sound control standards and enhancing user comfort.

Explore Zentia’s range of acoustic solutions and acoustic design services to elevate your next project – creating spaces where design meets sound control effortlessly.