The Challenge:
Designed by Aston Mitchell architects, the new Karaka Lifestyle Estate clubhouse extension leveraged the acoustic power of Ultratone perforated plasterboard ceilings to control unwanted noise and help set a calm and inviting feel for their residents.
Featuring a large voluminous space with an apex pitched ceiling, carpet over concrete flooring and expansive glazing to allow natural light and showcase the surrounding parkland, the project created several design challenges.
The first of which was the acoustics. The acoustics engineers advised that the clubroom without acoustic treatment was going to suffer from excessive reverberation times which would make it difficult for the residents to converse and make for an uncomfortable experience.
Their acoustic report proposed perforated plasterboard with a minimum Sound Absorption Rating (NRC) of 0.7 for the showroom ceiling to effectively manage sound. The other challenge was to achieve a clean aesthetic over such a large linear area.
- Address excessive reverberation.
- NRC of 0.7+ required.
- Create an uncluttered aesthetic.
- Choose a sustainable option to meet the architect's vision
The Solution:
To meet these demands the design team selected Asona’s Ultratone™ 12/25 perforated GIB® plasterboard in a W1L1 pattern. The W1L1 pattern also helped achieve the 2400 x 1200 panel aesthetic with non-perforated borders that aligned with the pitched roof line. Down lights were fixed in between the perforations for a tailored look.
To control unwanted noise the sheets were perforated with 12mm holes at 25mm centres and backed with acoustic insulation to deliver an impressive NRC 0.80 performance.
Manufactured in Auckland by Asona from locally made GIB brand plasterboard and Global GreenTag Certified Level A, the Ultratone product aligned perfectly with the architect's vision to incorporate ‘green’ elements into the building. Installation went smoothly, with joins stopped and painted to a high standard to create an attractive contemporary acoustic ceiling that will last the test of time.
The true test of the acoustic design became evident on the clubhouse opening night with no acoustic issues only positive feedback highlighting the calming environment that the residents can now enjoy.
- NRC of 0.8 achieved.
- Global GreenTag Certified Level A.
- Tailored Installation.
- Stylish & contemporary finish.
