A new online platform has been launched to showcase verified acoustics solutions for the building sector. Acoustics Academy is the latest development from Quiet Mark, the international award for quiet high-performance technology and solutions to unwanted noise.
The online showcase provides insight on verified acoustic products, materials and technologies for architects, designers, contractors, build-developers, specification-buyers and the wider building sector along with science-made simple commentary and installation insights.
It promises to simplify the complex world of sound design by comparing the most reliable and best-performing products on the market. This is achieved through like-for-like comparisons and validation of products, which are organised into a directory for their performance, design, sustainability, suitability and cost-effectiveness.
Acoustics Academy will also further educate on the complex technical details of acoustic design solutions, making them more easily accessible, better understood and higher priority, while encouraging design responsibility for health and well-being.
Developed in partnership with Quiet Mark’s expert acoustic teams including Anderson Acoustics, Head Acoustics and Intertek, Acoustics Academy uses leading sound measurement expertise to independently review all products equally and condense complex data to provide accessible market comparisons.
The platform includes every type of acoustic solution for all building application scenarios including; approved specialist Acoustic Glazing, Sound Barriers, Panels, Pumps, Acoustic Doors, Insulation, Commercial Ventilation, Acoustic Plasters and Surfaces and much more.
Example building application areas include, residential, commercial, industrial, schools, offices, healthcare, hospitals, restaurants and public spaces.
Poppy Szkiler, Founder and MD, Quiet Mark says: “Acoustics Academy is our new online platform to serve the Building sector by further equipping and empowering architects, designers and industry with expert-approved acoustic materials, products and solutions.
“Our buildings must evolve to embrace responsible sound-design to transform living spaces into harmonious soundscapes that deliver excellence in acoustic design and support our desire for quieter living. A property that has been designed acoustically creates a calm environment, reducing stress and supporting mental health.”
Quiet Mark confirmed sound measurement is complicated, saying It’s almost impossible to know how building or interior designs will sound if acoustics are not carefully considered with many foundational material elements involved. Professionals often don’t know enough about which acoustic products are best to meet the bespoke needs that each building project requires or aware of the latest solutions available to suit their project budgets.
As a result, sound design can often be low on the list of priorities. Products and materials are selected without full understanding of their acoustic performance or the important installation and specification process to make them effective. This leads to poor acoustics in buildings that do not support human health.
Quiet Mark also believe noise in our built environment can cause short and long-term health problems, including stress, sleep disturbance, increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as well as hearing impairment. They say our bodies are not designed to cope with these constant intrusions and they take their toll. The World Health Organisation has defined noise pollution as the biggest threat to public health after air pollution.
As a result, the importance of acoustic design cannot be underestimated especially when open plan living means sound bounces around and quickly amplifies in the absence of absorbing surfaces. Building products and materials that are in harmony with nature are vital for calm living, working and leisure environments.
They believe a quiet environment is essential to help us recharge from the noise of modern life, including the constant mechanical soundtrack from road and air traffic, which creates an assault on our senses.
Turning down the volume on our lives allows quietness to restore and rebalance our physical and mental rhythms, recharging our energy and creating clarity of thought.
This is especially true for those with autism, dementia and people of any age with sensitive hearing who need help to find solutions to protect hearing and prevent hearing loss.
Quiet Mark, associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation (est.1959), has been leading the Quiet Revolution for over eight years. Quiet Mark engages directly with industry, manufacturers, consumers, retailers and influencers establishing noise-reduction and acoustic design as key considerations in product development.
Quiet Mark educates millions of consumers on the impact of noise in the home environment through new national retailer partnerships with Argos, ASDA, Currys Dixons, John Lewis, Very, Littlewoods and more, presenting a clear, easy way to identify quieter products.
Through its pioneering acoustic tests, and validation of manufacturers performance claims, Quiet Mark awards its distinctive Purple ‘Q’ Mark to products that are the quietest high-performance models in their category and noise reduction solutions to equip designers to build and design better buildings.
Quiet Mark
Tel: 01273 823850
Quiet Mark: https://www.quietmark.com/
Acoustics Academy: https://www.quietmark.com/building/building-sector