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“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”
Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing … View more“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”
Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing excessive noise is not only aggravating it can actually be harmful to your ears and has a significant impact on the way our spaces work in the home.
When it comes to residential design, the acoustics, (the way in which the structural characteristics of a space relate to how well sound can be heard) although a key design feature, are rarely considered during the building process and sometimes only tackled during a renovation.
Soundwaves seep through doors, windows, ceilings and cracks, so how do you reduce unwanted sound from affecting your day to day activities?
Hard flat surfaces tend to bounce sound waves around, sometimes creating a lasting echo effect if the surfaces are parallel walls. The softer and less uniform the surface, the less opportunity sound has to bounce off. Textiles, including drapery and upholstered furniture and furnishings not only deliver a design aesthetic they also play a significant role in the absorption of sound.
However not all textiles have equal sound absorption qualities however. The level of sound absorption is dependent upon a textile’s weight, composition, and/or construction. Generally (due to the large vertical mass) drapery provides the main textile source of sound absorption however, there are several other ways to achieve this.
To decrease the level of sound in a room you need to dampen the sound waves. This can be achieved by adding surfaces that absorb the sound (or reverberation) so the sound doesn’t bounce from one thing to another.
Here are some sound absorbing ideas that you can implement fairly simply into your home:
- Acoustic panels/tiles: These come in a range of colours and fabric styles and can be designed into your interior decor. The purpose of acoustic panels is to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, resonance within the room.
- Drapery: Fabrics are an effective solution for managing sound. The more drapery folds, the more sound absorption. Hanging a curtain a small distance off the wall increases sound absorption and softening opposing walls reduces sound waves from travelling wall to wall
- Upholstered furniture: The fabrics on your upholstered furniture also help to reduce sound waves. The thicker the fabric and foam the better. Add cushions and other textiles throughout a space for ultimate sound absorption.
- Cork flooring: While it may not be fashionable of late, cork is one of the best materials for sound absorption. Made up of a honeycomb design of air-sealed cells made of the bark of the cork oak. The cells each absorb the vibrations of sound, preventing those sounds from passing through to the other side. Cork reduces sound and noise vibration by trapping it in its cell structure. It reduces the sound transmission of sound through walls and absorbs the impact of feet through the floor to the ceiling below.
- Concrete flooring: Surprisingly, lightweight porous concrete can be effective in absorbing sound (however it essentially transmits the sounds through to the next room too).
- Carpets, rugs and padding: If your floors are timber, tiles or linoleum on subfloor concrete, you may want to try rugs or carpet coupled with a sound-absorbing underlay or foam rubber backing.
- Floating hardwood: This type of flooring installation includes a gap between the subfloor and your actual floors, which effectively dampens sound.
- Fabric pendant lamps/floor lamps: Update your light shades with a textile shade, the thicker the better. Every textile in a space will help.
A combination of the techniques above, depending on your budget and skill level should help in the overall acoustics in your home. Below we have outlined a selection of fabrics from our range that offer great sound absorption qualities due to the high level of either wool content, thickness and/or construction.
We've loving our Rugby World Cup fans sharing their photos on Neighbourly and bringing the spirit!
These fans below have won some spot prizes, keep sharing your photos to be in to win!
*** INSTALLATION OF THE WEEK ***
This week's installation of the week is on a Shower with a small amount of clearance between the shower frame and the roof.
We have completed the installation on this shower by using a low blow Showerdome. These domes are designed specifically for showers… View more*** INSTALLATION OF THE WEEK ***
This week's installation of the week is on a Shower with a small amount of clearance between the shower frame and the roof.
We have completed the installation on this shower by using a low blow Showerdome. These domes are designed specifically for showers with less clearance than required for a normal Showerdome.
Our regular dome requires a clearance of at least 150mm from frame to roof, and our low blow domes can be installed on showers which have a minimum of 60mm clearance. The main use of the low blow Showerdome has been for tiny homes.
We're always striving to find the best possible solutions.🚿
Do you have a small space above the shower that you would like a Showerdome for?
Send us a photo of your shower to info@showerdomewaikato.co.nz and we can let you know our recommendations for the best possible installation.
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask … View moreNow’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
In Huntly west they've been ripping up parks, racing in the street - and sometimes with a toddler passenger, say frustrated residents.
One described the bikes as buzzing like wasps and said she wanted to get the fly spray out because "they’re annoying the hell out of me".
Do … View moreIn Huntly west they've been ripping up parks, racing in the street - and sometimes with a toddler passenger, say frustrated residents.
One described the bikes as buzzing like wasps and said she wanted to get the fly spray out because "they’re annoying the hell out of me".
Do you get dirt bikes buzzing around your area?
Hi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you… View moreHi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.
Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.
We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
… View moreWe're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
But that's not all! Many broadband plans currently offer FREE subscriptions to top streaming services. It's the perfect time to switch!
Compare your broadband and power bills to save big this Spring!
COMPARE NOW: www.broadbandcompare.co.nz...
It's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share … View moreIt's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share your vote and your reasons below!
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
We are excited to be exhibiting at the @waikatohomegardenshow this year. Come down and see us at Stand 163, chat to the experts and take advantage of our show specials.
We'll be here from the 5th - 8th October, at the GLOBOX Arena & Events Centre, Claudelands, Hamilton.
… View moreWe are excited to be exhibiting at the @waikatohomegardenshow this year. Come down and see us at Stand 163, chat to the experts and take advantage of our show specials.
We'll be here from the 5th - 8th October, at the GLOBOX Arena & Events Centre, Claudelands, Hamilton.
#waikatohomegardenshow #diyshowerdome #showerdome #DIYShowerdome #DIY #showerdomewaikato #steamfreebathroom #bathroomrennovation #waikato #hamilton #claudelandseventcentre #globoxarenaclaudelands
Fraser ACE has many classes to help you learn life skills, but what about when life is coming to an end?
Many people want to be prepared but don’t know where to start, and don’t want their family to be left to make hard decisions at an emotional time.
Our new Death Literacy course is a … View moreFraser ACE has many classes to help you learn life skills, but what about when life is coming to an end?
Many people want to be prepared but don’t know where to start, and don’t want their family to be left to make hard decisions at an emotional time.
Our new Death Literacy course is a valuable and necessary offering to help individuals navigate the challenging process of end-of-life planning. Addressing various aspects of preparing for the end of life. Advanced care planning, funeral planning, burial options, and will making basics.
Attained through self-reflection, discussion and self-empowerment. Find out more.
Our research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this … View moreOur research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this investment in heart health possible.
Click the link to find out more about the transformative research projects.
If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do … View moreIf you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do need to register to use this service though, before noon (NZ time) on Saturday 14 October.
You can find more information on our website here: vote.nz...
For anyone who might like to keep up to speed on all of the info, submission-writing, public meetings (yes, some are on ZOOM), etc. around the proposed industrial incinerator project in Te Awamutu - please join the Don't Burn Waipa FB group. I'll link it in this post. There are heaps of … View moreFor anyone who might like to keep up to speed on all of the info, submission-writing, public meetings (yes, some are on ZOOM), etc. around the proposed industrial incinerator project in Te Awamutu - please join the Don't Burn Waipa FB group. I'll link it in this post. There are heaps of resources there, links to events, flyers you can use, etc. This is a very active/engaged group of people who are fighting this project that would be a disaster for our regional environment AND would set a precedent for building MORE of these types of facilities in NZ. www.facebook.com...
Kia ora, we’re holding a Waikato Disability, Whānau Hauā Forum and we want to hear from you.
At Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand we want you to join the conversation on enabling better access to community health and wellbeing services for those with a disability/whānau hauā.
This … View moreKia ora, we’re holding a Waikato Disability, Whānau Hauā Forum and we want to hear from you.
At Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand we want you to join the conversation on enabling better access to community health and wellbeing services for those with a disability/whānau hauā.
This month’s forum will include a local health update, discussion of our new health system, localities development, and community feedback. We’ll also update you on key health and disability services related matters, and emerging initiatives. Join us online to share your knowledge and experience.
Waikato Regional Disability Hui/ Whānau Hauā Forum (via Zoom)
When: Monday 9 October, 4 - 6pm
Please email norma.taute@waikatodhb.health.nz for a Zoom link to join this forum
Disability Health Forums are a gathering of local people living with a disability or whānau hauā. These forums provide a platform to discuss matters important to their community, as well as an opportunity to hear updates from Te Whatu Ora, along with other health and social service providers and local organisations/groups.
We look forward to meeting you online. Nei nā mātou e whakarongo ana – we’re here to listen.
EarthDiverse's Language programme continues in Term 4, beginning the week starting Monday 16 October 2023 and runs through Friday 8 Dec 2023. Each course has eight consecutive weekly sessions. Register Now for our continuing Language Programmes on our website.
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