Almedahls has for more than two decades researched how textiles affect sound, together with institutions and experts we have developed what can most easily be described as a formula. By combining the right data, we can go from reducing noise to designing the sound in a room, so it’s experienced the way you want it. We call it AlmedalHz™.
As there are few measurements of sound absorption for textiles, standard values are used for the calculations of the reverberation. By means of the measurement results these products can then be used for calculations of room acoustics.
The results are given in alfa-values from 0.00 to 1.00 and often shown in different sound absorption classes from A to E, where class A absorbs sounds best. The use of the classification system may however be misleading, as a low classification makes one think of a lower performing product.
As a matter of fact, working with room acoustics is about combining sound absorbents with different properties and spreading them in the best way over the surfaces of the room. Several factors decide which type of absorbent is most suitable. In some cases the sound absorbing properties (with a good absorption in higher frequencies) is a requested quality.
Acoustics is demonstrably important for well-being in public spaces. In a room without sound-absorbing materials the reverberation time will be long. The room feels acoustically hard, as the sound remains for a long time. Too long a reverberation time will reduce the speech comprehension and will increase the sound level and the duration of noisy/irrelevant sounds. Such a sound environment may be suitable in certain cases, for example choir singing where a long reverberation carries the tones.
In most other cases we aim at a more subdued sound environment, where the sound fades faster. When a sound hits the surface of a material, part of it will be absorbed and part of it will be reflected. The properties of the material decide the absorption capacity. Sound absorbents of various kinds are abundantly requested in for instance landscaped offices and canteens. Also conference rooms, reception desks, and entrance halls require sound absorbents to get an acceptable sound environment.
The starting-point can be a specific detail from the interior, a chosen theme or just a wish for something unique and special. Together we take part in a creative process with our knowledge and resources at one side of the table. And your ideas, outlines and plans at the other.
Almedahls offers complete textile solutions for public and private spaces. We design and manufacture most of our products in Sweden as we have done for the past 175 years.