Urban density and increasing levels of traffic are resulting in ever greater background noise. Not only does it cause disruptions and reduce quality of life, it can even lead to illness. In view of this, improved measures for the suppression and spread of noise in the planning of new buildings in urban spaces are increasingly coming to the fore.
At BAU 2019 in Munich, Schüco is presenting new solutions for the building envelope which can reduce noise levels indoors and in urban outdoor spaces. Furthermore, the company is presenting two acoustics planning tools for window and façade fabricators as well as for developers, architects and clients.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently drawn up „Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region” with the aim of protecting human health from environmental noise. These guidelines recommend reducing noise levels caused by street traffic, for example, to less than 53 decibels (dB), because roadway noise above this level can be harmful to health. It is alarming that 80 decibels and higher are already being measured on busy streets today. Developers of windows and façades are being faced with the challenge of finding new solutions in structural design and in the form of surface finishes used as quickly as possible. Schüco has set itself this task and developed products and new proposals for solutions which reduce noise levels across the building envelope.
Sound reduction with natural ventilation
The new Schüco AWS 90 AC.SI (Aluminium Window System, 90 mm basic depth, Acoustics, Super Insulated) sound reduction window offers sound reduction and natural ventilation in the tilted position. This is achieved by means of a specially developed centre gasket and guidance of fresh air through the vent frame. In this way, the sound dissipates and noise pollution is markedly reduced. When the window is tilted, a sound reduction value of 31 dB is achieved with simultaneous natural ventilation. The window offers particularly high levels of user comfort, especially in residential and office buildings in noise-polluted areas.
Schüco is showing a prototype of two further examples for reducing noise transmission. ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) ventilation modules are used here. Loudspeakers and microphones are installed in the ventilation channel of the ANC ventilation module. The exerted noise level is recorded by the microphones. The loudspeakers instantly generate a corresponding counter-noise for this noise level. These two sound waves interfere with each other destructively, which means that the noise and counter-noise mix in such a way that the overall noise level is reduced. The ANC ventilation module will be shown in the opaque AWS VV ventilation vent and in the ASE 80.HI (Aluminium Sliding Element, 80 mm basic depth, High Insulation) sliding unit. The ASE 80.HI Design Line sliding unit is fitted with an ANC ventilation module in pocket design. When the sliding unit is closed, the ANC ventilation module is concealed in the wall. For ventilation, the handle position on the sliding vent can be used to pull the ANC ventilation module out of the wall.
Sound reduction by means of absorption
Sound-absorbing exterior façades can make a significant contribution towards reducing the spread of noise in urban spaces. In contrast to conventional building components, they absorb the sound rather than reflecting it. With sound-absorbing components, up to 80% sound absorption can be achieved.
Schüco will present a prototype with four solutions which allow absorbing units to be integrated in the building envelope design. Example 1 is the Schüco FACID Silence façade, an absorbing unit integrated in the façade. Example 2 is perforated sheet cladding, which is fitted with absorbing material.A third version which is just as visually attractive and technically functional shows sound absorption with micro-perforated pilasters. The fourth example presents a sun shading absorption louvre blade made from perforated sheet metal, which is based on the Schüco ALB large louvre blade system.
Acoustics planning tools
With SoundCal and Digital Acoustics Lab, Schüco will soon be launching two new planning tools for determining the sound reduction effect of window and façade units. Reliable data on sound reduction values can thereby be calculated quickly even for complex units, suitable glass can be compared and the best combinations of frame and glazing determined.
The SoundCal acoustics software calculates the weighted sound reduction index RW for Schüco windows and façades. A sound simulation also makes the result audible. The calculations are based on DIN 4109-2:2016-07 and DIN EN 12354. The value, which is calculated depending on the unit size and division as well as the profile system and glazing, serves as a planning aid.
The Digital Acoustics Lab (DAL) acoustics software is a cloud-based software application. Developers, architects and clients can use it to determine the effects of noise transmissions for Schüco windows and façades, based on the frequency. A sound simulation also makes the result audible. The different façade and glazing systems are compared across the entire acoustic frequency range. Architects can use the software to check their window and façade specifications and clients can check the performance for project specifications.
