Acoustic assessments for timber construction
Towards a sustainable future
Timber construction today
Timber construction, including timber frame construction and solid timber construction (CLT), is becoming increasingly popular. Sustainability is an important factor in all of this: 40% of total CO₂ emissions in Europe are caused by the construction industry. However, shorter construction times, good insulation values and a warm aesthetic experience are equally important reasons why people choose to build with timber.
Yet today only 7% of new construction projects in Belgium are timber projects. In the neighbouring countries this figure is 30%.
Timber and acoustics: a challenge
Construction companies identify acoustics as the biggest challenge, alongside fire safety and moisture control. Compared with concrete and brick, timber is a lightweight material, whereas mass is crucial in acoustics.
Timber construction therefore requires an additional acoustic assessment. Involving an acoustic specialist in a timber construction project at an early stage is certainly no unnecessary luxury.
Possible solutions to reduce impact noise and airborne sound include:
- Adding mass in the form of loose bricks or sand
- Thorough decoupling, for example by means of suspended ceilings, floating floors, etc.
At SonIQ, we believe it is essential to strike a balance between keeping a project cost-effective and meeting all acoustic requirements. We think along with you and work together to find the best solution in terms of both performance and costs.
Towards a sustainable future
It is perfectly possible to go for a timber construction and still achieve excellent acoustic performance. A good example of this is SAWA Rotterdam, a unique circular construction project built entirely in timber. This 50-metre high residential building proves that timber construction and acoustics can indeed go hand in hand.
Timber construction fits perfectly with our mission to contribute to a better world. For this reason SonIQ fully supports this evolution towards a more sustainable future. We do so by placing our expertise at the service of architects, construction companies and other partners. Whether they are building homes, schools, apartment buildings or offices.