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Opera Opera Example

Acoustics

"In my experience, I don't think I know of an operable wall manufacturer with as much knowledge of acoustics and the performance of its products as Lotus."

Graeme Harding, Fellow of the Australian Acoustical Society


What do you need?

  • It is impractical to cut out all sound transmission so a good criterion is "To limit transmission to a level that is no longer distracting".
  • Aim for a sound-rating in balance with the acoustics of the surrounding structure. Even with a perfect operable wall, sound will still seep through ceilings, carpets, aircon. ducts etc.
  • Controlling this peripheral leakage around the operable wall (for example with baffling above the ceiling) will do a lot to improve the overall performance of the installation.
  • Similar activities require less sound isolation than a quiet activity next to a noisy one. Amplified sound is more difficult to suppress. General background noise helps reduce distraction.
  • Avoid specifying far higher ratings than needed. High Rw operable walls are costly. But see "Laboratory vs. Real Life" for more information.
  • "Myths Lies & Decibels". Further information to help you get the right acoustics.
  • "Laboratory vs. Real Life". Why are they different and what to expect.

EFFECT* LAB Rw TYPICAL USAGE
Mutes normal conversation 34 - 38 Primary Schools
Normal voices may be intelligible 37 - 41 Church halls, quiet meeting rooms
Normal voices barely intelligible 40 - 44 Typical meeting rooms, Schools
Normal voices unintelligible 43 - 47 Boardrooms, conference centres
Raised voices barely intelligible 46 - 49 Hotel function rooms
Major function noise controlled 48 - 52 Convention centres
*Assumes peripheral leakage is minimised

More Info


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