CONTENT 04
SOUND, NOISE & ACOUSTICS
At AKUART we are passionate about sound and acoustics. We specialise in optimising acoustics and sound environments, and would like to invite you to get familiar with the most common challenges regarding sound, noise and acoustics.
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ABOUT AKUART
We are continuously developing new acoustic design solutions based on our customers’ challenges and needs. With our innovative products and our focus on design and functionality, we guarantee the optimal solution to your acoustical situation.
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ACOUSTICAL ENVIRONMENTS
Find inspiration in a small selection of our many cases and experience how some of our clients have solved noise problems in an effective and beautiful way.
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Design and efficiency are keywords in the AKUART product philosophy. In this section you will find the product specifications.
THIS IS WHAT WE DO
We create acoustic design solutions that stand out from the pack. Instead of focusing on the conventional, we put all of our creative energy into producing something extraordinary!
THE COMPANY
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AKUART was founded in 2006 with the ambition of creating the world’s finest sound absorbing solutions. The ambition manifested itself in the form of the framed acoustic picture. Today AKUART has evolved into a creative platform that helps businesses, institutions, individuals, restaurants and many other clients, not only with removing unwanted sound, but also decorating their rooms with expressive motifs in the form of art, photographs, graphics, advertising and typographic art. AKUART delivers acoustic products to the following markets: Denmark (HQ Cph.), Sweden, Norway, England, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, China (Asia Office Shg.), South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
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“EARMARK has been a very professional business partner. They were helpful and guided us through the entire process of optimizing our acoustical environment - from the initial technical acoustical measurements, through counselling, advice, mounting and follow-up measurements. They are creative, flexible, efficient and service minded.� - Michael Goetz, Project Manager, SIEMENS
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SOUND, NOISE & ACOUSTICS
Disturbing noise in the workplace and in institutions is
The challenges in a room with bad acoustics are the
common. Sound builds from the various functions in
hard surfaces, such as glass, concrete and steel, which
the room; conversations, telephones, office machines
reflect the sound back into the room. They are espe-
and much more. As these sounds travel around the
cially common in open-space offices, conference rooms,
room and are mixed with new sounds, they become
classrooms and cafeterias. The acoustical environment,
noise, which comes off as nuisances and impairs the
deriving from this type of interior, tend to lead to diffi-
work environment.
culties concentrating, stress, tiredness and poor speech intelligibility, decreasing the well-being and efficiency of the work force.
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Top: Maersk Tankers / Left: Danish National Police / Right: Copenhagen University Hospital
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good acoustics improves the work environment •
Stimulates concentration & motivation
•
Enhances the ability to listen, focus & remember
•
Decreases stress & mental fatigue
•
Increases welfare, well-being & quality of life
•
Encourages communication & knowledge sharing
•
Supports productivity
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EXPLAINED ACOUSTIC
Surfaces consisting of hard materials, such as concrete,
2: HORIZONTAL SOUND WAVES
glass and steel, reflect sound around the room, creat-
Refers to the sound waves that occur and move between
ing poor acoustic conditions. The poor acoustic condi-
parallel surfaces of hard material. The horizontal sound
tions can be explained by the following three acoustic
waves can create a bothersome echo and impair the
concepts.
acoustical environment of the room. Mounting sound absorbing materials on the given walls and surfaces will
1: REVERBERATION TIME
decrease the horizontal sound waves.
Refers to the continued circulation of sound in a room and how long it takes for the sound to die out. Long re-
3: ACOUSTICAL HOT SPOTS
verberation time will be experienced as a diffuse noise
Refers to the areas in the room where sound gathers
or an echo. Covering an amount of the surface in the
and increases due to the sound reflecting materials of
given room with sound absorption will shorten
the walls. Acoustical hot spots are afflicted by disturbing
the reverberation time accordingly.
and constant sound, creating an uncomfortable, stressful and distracting acoustical environment. Wall absorbers mounted on the walls will minimize acoustical hot spots.
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REVERBERATION TIME
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HORIZONTAL SOUNDWAVES
ACOUSTICAL HOTSPOTS
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IKEA / SmartArt 60 / AKUART
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HeightenEd demands for noise regulations Organisations worldwide have realised the effects of acoustics and are increasing their focus on noise pollution in the office space and public institutions. In China, the initial focus is on the isolation from community- and traffic noise and as the country continues to develop, the demands for better sound environments and indoor acoustics will increase accordingly. The 21st International Congress on Sound and Vibration in Beijing, 2014, acknowledged the urgent need to improve the sound environment of China and in 2010, The Beijing Institute of Architectural Design released The Code for Design of Sound Insulation of Civil Buildings, stating the criteria of sound insulation and noise reduction. The current mandatory national standards requires unoccupied reverberation times (RT) for normal conference rooms to be no higher than 0.8. The RT for normal classrooms (≤200m³) should not be higher than 0.8s and RT for normal classrooms (≥200m³) should not be higher than 1.0s. Without acoustic regulations these levels are often measured more than 50% too high.
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the effect of wall absorbers 11
“5 reasons why wall absorbers are the ultimate solution for sound insulation.�
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Reduces horizontal sound waves
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Can be placed closer to the source
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Minimizes acoustic hotspots in the office
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Supports the use of partition walls and desk screens
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Is cost effective to install
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about akuart AKUART offers a wide, and ever expanding, range of wall absorbers in the form of acoustical art. Our solutions are entirely customizable and products can accommodate each other to create the optimal acoustical solution for your given need. Given the many advantages of wall-mounted absorbers, the AKUART assortment of effective and decorative wall absorbers is a preferable solution to any office or organization. With AKUART you get the best quality and the best acoustic functionality. We excel in innovation, efficiency and design, customizing our solutions to your wishes and needs. AKUART offers extensive acoustic knowledge and experience, as well as an all-included graphic service and gallery. All of our products are eco-friendly, and our exchangeable canvases are both washable and durable.
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Kopenhagen Fur / SmartArt 60 / AKUART
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Egmont Media / SmartArt 60 / AKUART
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AKUART FEATURES
DYNAMIC DESIGN The unique AKUART SmartArt collection with changeable textile canvas allows for a continuously changing visual environment. The removable textile canvas can be machine washed at 40 degrees without damaging the print or colours. VISUAL FUNCTIONALITY Our sound absorbing pictures gives you the opportunity to use your acoustic solution as a visual outlet that can support marketing strategies and corporate culture in companies, as well as stimulate motivation and learning. GRAPHIC EXPERTISE Design and aesthetics are keywords in the AKUART philosophy. We are passionate about art and have developed acoustic artwork for more than 15 years - and in our strive to be the most creative and innovative provider of wall absorbers, we are continuously designing new products. To secure the highest quality, all images are processed and optimised by our talented graphic artists.
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CERTIFICATIONS & ECO-LABELS
ISO: International standards for sound absorption: EN ISO 354 & EN ISO 11654 International Standard for fire safety in core materials: EN ISO 1182. DIN: The German Institute for Standards in interior and decorative materials: DIN 4102-B1. M1: The Finnish Indoor Air Association and Building Information Foundation ranks Earmarks products M1 quality products with the lowest possible emission rate. The Indoor Climate Label: EARMARK products are rated in the best quality category with the Indoor Climate Label of Danish Technological Institute CE: Earmark products meet the requirements for environmental concerns and customer safety. The Nordic Asthma and Allergies Association has assessed Earmark products to contain no materials that can cause allergies. Nordic Environmental Label: The official Danish Eco label, guaranteeing an environmentally friendly production. The International Recycling Label: Indicating that at least 45% of the product is made from recycled materials. Confidence in Textiles: All Earmark canvases are made from ECO-TEX 100 fabrics, and tested free from harmful substances.
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the brand Experience & Expertise / High Acoustic Functionality / Customized Design / All-Included Graphic Service / Extensive Image Gallery / Eco Friendly / Easy to Ship / Easy to Mount / Washable & Durable
The Danish Railroad Company / Tivoli Theme park / Komfo Marketing
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office spaces The acoustical environment is often particularly distracting in open-plan offices, but also smaller office spaces, such as conference rooms, canteens, hallways and private offices, can be affected by the consequences of bad acoustics. Many experience an unsound acoustical environment as disturbing noise, resulting in stress and difficulty concentrating. AKUART delivers acoustic design solutions that optimise the acoustics , thus increasing job satisfaction and well-being at work.
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CASES: Bottom left: Nykredit Real Estate / Conference room Center: Aberdeen / open-plan office Top right: Komfo Marketing / Canteen Bottom right: Egmont Media / Lounge area
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education & childcare Educators and teachers in day cares, after-school centers and schools are some of the most noise- exposed groups. The numerous and often high-pitch sounds of children’s activities form loud noise pollution, resulting in stress, fatigue and difficulty concentrating - and affects children’s learning and speech intelligibility. AKUART offers solutions tailored to the given institutions needs, function and room types.
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ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTICS
AKUART products are made using highly efficient soundabsorbing mineral wool slabs and consist of a framework that creates space between the acoustic panel and the underlying wall surface. This optimizes the acoustic properties. The result is an acoustic performance that is superior on the market and thereby supports stricter requirements for room acoustics stated in the Danish Building Regulations. It emphasizes the importance of effective wall absorbers and recommends that 10-15% of a room’s overall sound attenuation amount is placed on the wall surfaces in schools, day care centres and offices. AKUART is one of the few companies that test their acoustic properties by third party acousticians. This means, among other things, that architects, building consultants and designers can count 100% on the acoustic characteristics of an AKUART absorbing picture. Recent tests of AKUART SmartArt 60 shows that the sound attenuation is 100% in the frequency range 500-4000 Hz. The acoustic properties in the frequency range 125-500 Hz are also very good. AKUART is therefore a perfect solution for effective acoustic control in schools, day care institutions , offices and other environments with high demands on the acoustic conditions.
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EFFICIENCY THAT Fibertex Nonwovens A/S Laboratory measurement of sound absorption YOU CAN COUNT ON Report no. P2.041.12
Page 9 of 11 pages
APPENDIX D
Measurement result of sound absorption coefficient Client:
AKUART Rådmandsgade 55 2200 København N
Measurement: A4 Date of meas.: 28-09-2012 Performed by: SRA
Object description AKUART 40 mm glass wool panels with print, mounted in 58 mm frame, leaving approx. 10 mm of air space behind panel. Periphery enclosed with tape. Measurement method The measurements were performed according to DS/EN ISO 354, and the weighted sound absorption coefficient as well as the sound absorption class are determined according to DS/EN ISO 11654 Comments to the measurement
Weighted sound abs. coefficient: w = 0,95
Temperature
Relative humidity
Empty room (T1)
19˚C
59%
Measurement A1 (T2)
19˚C
60%
Sound absorption class: A
r:\projects\glo\35\35386501\06_output\p2.041.12.docx
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AKUART SMARTART 36 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AKUART SmartArt 36 is a sound-absorbing picture with a removable canvas. Acoustic regulation is combined with graphic print of extremely high quality. A clever design makes it possible to detach the canvas from the frame ensuring that the print can be replaced easily at any time. The SmartArt design makes it possible to print sizes up to 3x7 meters in one piece. Therefore this solution is particularly ideal if you need the visual expression of your acoustical solution to be changeable, or images in large formats are required. SPECIFICATIONS: Product:
Framed acoustic image
Acoustic material: 20 mm high-density glass wool Canvas:
Polyester mixture
Plate type:
Wall panel
Frame:
36 mm aluminum profile (black, white, silver)
Weight:
4,2 kg pr. m2
Mounting:
Mounted with wall brackets
TECHNICAL FEATURES:
Sound Absorption: Test results according to EN ISO 354 Classification according to EN ISO 11654. Maintenance: Endures daily dusting and vacuum cleaning. Weekly wet cloth.
Maintenance canvas: Machine wash on gentle wash cycle at 30 degrees. ABSORPTION CURVE: Absorption Classification:
C
Absorbency: Îąw =0,60
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AKUART SMARTART 60 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AKUART SmartArt 60 is a sound-absorbing picture with a replaceable canvas. Acoustic regulation (Class A) is combined with graphic print of extremely high quality. A clever design makes it possible to detach the canvas from the frame ensuring that the print can easily be replaced at any time. The SmartArt design makes it possible to print sizes up to 3x7 meters in one piece. This solution is particularly ideal when the requirements for acoustic regulation are extra high and therefore requires regulation over a wide frequency range, meanwhile supporting the desired visual expression. SPECIFICATIONS: Product:
Framed acoustic image
Acoustic material: 40 mm high-density glass wool Canvas:
Polyester mixture
Plate type:
Wall panel
Frame:
60 mm aluminum profile (black, white, silver)
Weight:
6,4 kg pr. m2
Mounting:
Mounted with wall brackets
TECHNICAL FEATURES:
Sound Absorption: Test results according to EN ISO 354 Classification according to EN ISO 11654. Maintenance: Endures daily dusting and vacuum cleaning. Weekly wet cloth.
Maintenance canvas: Machine wash on gentle wash cycle at 30 degrees. ABSORPTION CURVE: Absorption Classification:
A
Absorbency: Îąw =0,95
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
125
250
500
1000
2000
400 0
0,20
0,65
0,95
1,00
1,00
1,00
Hz
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AKUART SMARTWALL Boomerang feet
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AKUART SMARTWALL Boomerang feet with wheels
AKUART SMARTWALL Wings feet
AKUART SMART Wall PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AKUART SmartWall is a whole new breed of acoustic screen walls. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the prints on both the front and back surface of the screen wall are replaceable. This paves the way for creating different visual expressions depending on which side of the wall you are looking at. AKUART SmartWall is categorized in absorption class A, the highest available absorption class available. This ensures that the propagation of sound in a given space is efficiently stopped. Up to 95% of the acoustic energy hitting the wall surfaces is absorbed in the frequency range 5004000 Hz. Therefore this screen wall is perfect for all types of organizations in which sound sources such as servers, printers, colleagues, etc. cause acoustic problems. SPECIFICATIONS: Product:
Screen wall with replaceable textile canvas
Acoustic material: 40 mm high-density glass wool Canvas:
Polyester mixture
Frame:
Aluminum - white powder coating
Feet:
Steel with white powder coating.
Wheels:
Rim polyamide in white, Tread Polyurethane
TECHNICAL FEATURES:
Sound Absorption: Test results according to EN ISO 354 Classification according to EN ISO 11654. Maintenance: Endures daily dusting and vacuum cleaning. Weekly wet cloth.
Maintenance canvas: Machine wash on gentle wash cycle at 30 degrees. ABSORPTION CURVE: Absorption Classification:
A
Absorbency: Îąw =0,95
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
125
250
500
1000
2000
400 0
0,20
0,65
0,95
1,00
1,00
1,00
Hz
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