WINFRIED BEHRENSCompany ownerMaster of Construction; Mechanical Engineer

JÜRGEN MENDELCompany ownerGraduate Engineer for Wood Technology

Room acoustics with passion!

ABOUT US

About usProfessionalism and reliability are important values to us which have

been appreciated by our customers, business partners and employees

for many years. We work with joy and passion and always find the

proper balance between theory and practice.

We inspire you with…

˅ Economical and customised acoustic solutions

˅ Special services like acoustic measurements and calculations,

space planning, colour design, acoustic assembly, seminars,

modern product collections etc.

We optimise your room acoustics …

˅ In all office styles, conference, meeting, reception and recreation

rooms, heritage protected rooms, event and exhibition spaces,

company canteens, hotels, restaurants etc.

We offer the perfect sound quality in…

˅ Sophisticated living spaces, event venues, theatre and concert

halls etc.

Our head office with a show room, seminar room and our

own workshops is based in Landsberg near Munich.

We plan your innovative work and living environments of the future

with our extensive, general knowledge from hundreds of successfully

implemented acoustic measures and our scientific work.

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2. How do employees experience sound?

Long hours of work and stress affect our efficiency. Frequent

hearing impairments are for example age-related hearing failure

and hypersensivity to sound if combined with stress and tinnitus.

A loud environment with bad voice communication can lead to

consequential damages.

3. How can the own behaviour improve the acoustic environment?

Conversations amongst employees and telephone calls often lead

to acoustic disruptions. Raising awareness for the misconduct

(e.g. long conferences at the desk) and behavioural change (e.g.

retreat into meeting area) improve the work environment.

Employee training can reveal misbehaviour and trough practice

can enforce change.

4. How can office planning create calmness?

Future disruptions can be strongly decreased by proactive

planning of area division and furnishing as well as combining

suitable office teams. Divided zones lead to relaxed work

behaviour and separate busy from calm areas.

The sensitive hearingThe auditory sense is more sensitive, precise and efficient than

the visual sense. The ear is directly connected to our mood - music

can move us to tears and calm us down. But sounds which are

perceived as noise, e.g. permanent office noise, can lead to stress,

mistakes and illness.

The FactsAccording to recent Studies, the room acoustics have the maximum

need for action. In Germany, half of the employees work in an

office. 73% prefer a single or double office and 43% sometimes

to very often feel disturbed by noise (source: bso-Studie, 2015).

They are dissatisfied with the acoustic privacy, the background

conversations and the noise level (source: Schlittmeier&Liebl, 2012).

Questions, Answers, Solutions1. What is the current room condition?

Every room has an acoustic fingerprint. Acoustic elements need

to be correctly calculated by amount, surface, efficiency and

placement. In unusual rooms, mathematical calculation is not

enough and modern acoustic measurements and evaluation

methods are needed.

NOISE REDUCTION IN THE OFFICE

SABINE BEHRENSSpecialist for company health management programs

AKUSTIK UND RAUMOur team for your perfect acoustic solutions

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COMPETENCES

Room EvaluationFirst interview, room review, collection of room data, determine

(acoustic) problems, conversations about future steps (e.g.

acoustics measurement, calculation etc.).

Procedure to evaluate acoustic situationRoom acoustic measurement

Local assessment with most modern equipment, scientific

interpretation and evaluation of the data, solution presentation

and creating a quotation

Room category A: Churches, halls, music rooms

Room category B: Very big and complex rooms, e.g. office space

with more than 25 workplaces or >200 m²

Room category C: Big rooms, e.g. office space with up to 25

workspaces or 65-200 m²

Room acoustic calculations

Medium sized rooms up to 65 m²: Calculating and planning the

acoustic method and creating a quotation with concrete proposed

solutions.

Room acoustic recommendation

Small rooms: planning acoustic method with concrete proposed

solutions.

Room PlanningProfessional planning and improvement of the workplaces and

office by separating workspace, implementing acoustic and visual

shielding measures and if necessary structural changes

Acoustic AssemblyFast and very professional (Even difficult and customized

assemblies)

Other Competences ˅ Room and colour consulting

˅ Presentation of current textile and product collections

Seminar for a healthy voiceWe offer professional employee training in small groups in

consultation with medical doctors and speech therapists to

raise awareness of misbehaviour and to prevent illness.

Seminar “Basics of room acoustics”Professional training, e.g. for architects and office planners,

about acoustics and adequate usage of rooms

Content: basics, changing work environment, detailed explanation

of acoustic data or functional acoustic systems and practical

examples of acoustic measurements etc.

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ACOUSTIC PRODUCTS

High quality and professional certified products and solutions –

produced in our own wprkshop and by selected manufactures

Wall absorbers ˅ Wall panels with print

˅ Single colour or colour blocking

˅ Individual fabric collections

˅ Projection panel/ banner

Customised production, single absorber and entire wall surfaces,

a big frame selection and smart extras (sections, extensions etc.)

Panel absorbers ˅ Wall panel with print

˅ Single colour or colour blocking

Customised production and many frame options

Acoustic partition walls and table absorber ˅ Translucent, synthetic material

˅ Opaque, covered with fabric

Customised production, many Variations (e.g. linkable, partially

glazed elements)

Complementary acoustic products ˅ Acoustic pillars

˅ Acoustic curtains

Ceiling absorber – whole surface solutions ˅ Extensive acoustic ceiling absorber

(Many shapes, in single colour or motif print)

˅ Full acoustic stretch ceiling

(Many shapes, in single colour or motif print)

Assembly of lamps and other installations is possible.

Ceiling absorber – isolated solutions ˅ Single acoustic ceiling panel up to 4 m²

˅ Acoustic baffles and acoustic cylinder

Acoustic furniture ˅ Meeting and telephone boxes

˅ Wall covering, real wood, veneered, slotted/ perforated

Custom solutions ˅ Diffusor

˅ Broadband absorber

˅ Sound masking systems

˅ Sound modules (not visible integrated speakers)

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REFERENCES | MULTI PERSON OFFICE SERVICE COMPANY | HAMBURG

Project service companyRoom type multiple person officeProducts vertical sound absorber breeze

This projects main scope was to maintain the wide and open office

structure while improving the flexible project and team work. To

create pleasant acoustics and visual protection, absorbing and

shielding acoustic elements were needed.

Multiple six-part “vertical sound absorber breeze” were placed between

different work and meeting groups to strongly decrease the visual and

acoustic disturbance and to improve concentration and work quality.

Based on the CI, the customer decided to use the colour combination

grey and green and the fabric spanned frame design. The customer

was very satisfied with the visual and acoustic effect.

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MOVIE AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY | MUNICH

Project Movie and television industryRoom type multiple person officeProducts Artsorber wall panel, vertical sound absorber breeze, absorbing acoustic ceiling panels

REFERENCES | MULTI PERSON OFFICE

The communication in this modern multiple person office was difficult

because of many non-absorbent and reflecting surfaces. The high

reverberation time had to be decreased with absorbers that had to suit

the current design.

The room acoustic was adjusted with wall absorbers, vertical sound

absorbers and horizontal ceiling panels to the optimum. “Multi piece

artsorber breeze” were placed with a little gap above a highboard and

separate the room advantageous. The metal edges were lacquered in

bright colours and emphasise the room’s features. White absorbing

ceiling panels were mounted right underneath the ceiling and complete

the acoustic measure.

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MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY | MUNICH

Project Medical technology company Room type open-plan office with work and meeting zonesProducts Acoustic images (wall and vertical absorber), acoustic ceiling panels

REFERENCES | OPEN-PLAN OFFICE

The open-plan office was intentionally designed without high walls to

create an open work atmosphere. Different zones, e.g. for office work

or meetings, were created by thoughtfully placed furniture.

To optimise the work environment, the office acoustic had to be

adjusted with absorbing ceiling panels (e.g. wall absorber) and sound

shielding elements (vertical sound absorber). The three-part vertical

sound absorbers breeze with motif were the optimal choice, because

they brought nature into the office, increased the protection of visual

distraction and absorbed the occurring clangour.

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TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMPANY | MUNICH

Project Traffic engineering companyRoom type Conference roomsProducts Artsorber wall panels (colour blocking and printed motif)

REFERENCES | CONFERENCE ROOMS

The walls, windows and furniture’s sound reflecting surfaces affected

the attentive listening and speaking volume during meetings. An

improvement of the conference rooms and meeting zones acoustic

was absolutely necessary.

Using our customisable wall absorber allowed the customer more

creativity. Horizontal and vertical colour segments and individual

motives gave the room individuality and a colourful look. The

conference rooms now provide the best conditions for relaxed

conversations and productive meetings.

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GERMAN EMBASSY | SYDNEY/ AUSTRALIA

Project German EmbassyRoom type Reception roomProducts Acoustic elements artsorber printMotif Andreas Denstorf, PLATUX Fotokunst

REFERENCES | RECEPTION ROOM

After the relocation of the German Embassy to a new business space,

the reception room needed an acoustic improvement. The PLATUX

artwork “Brandenburg gate Berlin” was requested to be the measures

main component.

A large wall surface of 15 m² was upgraded with an artsorber print.

It consists of nine single elements; each creates two horizontal and

vertical axes. The acoustic element is the perfect choice, because the

modern art complements the motif of the historic Brandenburger

Gate, the expressive image blends easily with the acoustic function

and unites the faraway Embassy with the home country.

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SERVICE COMPANY | MUNICH

Project Service companyRoom type Foyer/ Reception roomProducts Artsorber wall panel, round ceiling panel, linear absorber

REFERENCES | RECEPTION ROOM

The Foyer was used as a reception and waiting room and because

of many non-absorbing surfaces, a high noise level and long

reverberation time occurred.

The big room with open staircase required acoustic measurements

and calculation to get reliable data. By installing absorbing surfaces,

reverberation time and noise level were strongly decreased. A friendly

atmosphere was created by acoustically effective images, linear

absorbers and round ceiling panels in white, grey and yellow.

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HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION | CENTRAL SWABIA

Project Highway administrationRoom type Common roomProducts Artsorber wall panel with individual fabric covering and bench extension

REFERENCES | COMMON ROOM

In the big common room, the employees meet during breaks to have

food, relax and talk. Big wall absorbers were used to improve the room

acoustics and special customer requests were taken into account.

The versatility of the innovative artsorber wall enabled an individual

covering with gray, high-quality wool and the extension of customised,

self-supporting benches. Now the room has a pleasant atmosphere

and can perform additional functions, e.g. informal meetings.

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BICYCLE MANUFACTURER | SCHWEINFURT/MUNICH

Project Bicycle manufacturerRoom type Show room with workplacesProducts Artsorber wall panel (printed motives and pure wool felt), acoustic baffles, round ceiling panels

REFERENCES | SHOW ROOM

The nice and loft-like room of the industrial building is used as a show

room, where modern E-bikes are presented to buyers and journalists

and where sales talks and briefings take place.

The high reverberation time and the general noise level were strongly

decreased by installing a very big wall absorber (19 m x 1,5 m), individually

designed with photo motif, graphics and dark gray pure wool felt, gray

linear acoustic baffels and round ceiling panels. Now the visitors and

employees can concentrate on the popular E-bikes and conversations

without any disturbances

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NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER | MUNICH

Project Newspaper publisherRoom type Event roomProducts Artsorber wall panels (print motif), acoustic ceiling panel

REFERENCES | EVENT ROOM

The high reverberation time and noise level were asked to be decreased,

because the big event room is used for many conferences, readings,

theater and music performances.

Large wall absorber and acoustic ceiling panels created the desired

well-balanced room acoustics. The absorbers with motives of earlier

days of the company gave a touch of nostalgia to the modern and

technical equipped room. Together with the effective and irregular

arranged acoustic ceiling panels we created a special listening

experience.

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MUSIC ROOM | PENZING

Music room PenzingProject Funkstunde e.V.Room type Music roomProducts Artsorber wall panel 50 and 120 mm, diffuser for ceiling and wall

REFERENCES | MUSIC ROOM

After the expansion of the music room, one of the biggest operational

and receptive facilities was developed, which can be used for recordings

by professional musicians. Acoustics measurements (DIN 3382-1)

enabled us to get the exact knowledge about the quality and placement

of acoustic elements.

Broadband and low-frequency absorber, 50 mm and 120mm thick,

provide the optimal acoustic experience in every spectrum. Their

historic motif shows the “Funkstunde Berlin”. Handmade wooden,

convex ceiling panels and vertical wall elements contribute to the

sound scattering and are complemented by acoustic curtains and

acoustic pyramid absorbers.

The music room with improved acoustics was inaugurated by

performances of professional musicians. The musicians, audience

and sound engineer, Johannes Brüning, praised the high quality of

the sound and recordings.

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TECHNOLOGY COMPANY | MUNICH

Project Technology companyRoom type Company canteenProducts Conference boxes with wall absorbers, absorbing projection surfaces and real wood wall coverings, acoustic baffels and curtains

REFERENCES | COMPANY CANTEEN

After the reconstruction, the company canteen was supposed to be

usable as both a retreat and meeting room. The purpose of the acoustic

planning was to develop combinable acoustic solutions, which fit in

the design of the room harmonically.

Eating area: Vertical acoustic baffles let light shine through the glass

ceiling and acoustic curtains reduce sound reflection and sun glare.

Absorbing, real wood wall coverings calm the canteen’s atmosphere.

New area: Multiple acoustic conference boxes with communication

technology offer a silent retreat for meetings and breaks. In addition,

two absorbing projection surfaces enable the room to be used for

seminars and lectures.

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AUTOMOTIVE GROUP | MUNICH

Project Automotive groupRoom type Company canteenProducts Wall absorber (projection surface, felt-covered)

REFERENCES | COMPANY CANTEEN

This modern company canteen is used in peak times by hundreds of

employees. Before the implementation of the acoustic measures, the

conversations and recovery were disturbed by a high noise levels and

sound reflection.

Three different zones of the canteen will be used after the conversion

for education and entertainment purposes as well. Presentations can

be performed on multiple, large and sound absorbing projection surfaces,

which ensure excellent image display and the highest possible noise

absorption. Large wall surfaces were optically and acoustically upgraded

with multiple gray wall absorbers. The calmer environment ensures a

good and enjoyable atmosphere.

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PRIVATE RESIDENCE | MUNICH

Project Private residenceRoom type Open living space; kitchen and living roomProducts Broadband artsorber wall (individual design)

REFERENCES | OPEN LIVING SPACE

The open living area combines kitchen with dining/living room and

adds range and charm. However, the non-absorbent surfaces reflected

noise, which resulted in noise disturbances in the entire living area.

Even the wanted sound, e.g. from the music system, didn’t result in

the desired listening experience.

By installing a long broadband absorber above the L-shaped kitchen

unit and two big broadband absorbers in the living room, the room

acoustics of the entire living space improved. The fine surface covering,

pleated and imprinted fabric in white and beige, adapts beautifully to

the living ambiance.

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Akustik und Raum OHG

Celsiusstraße 5

86899 Landsberg a. Lech

Tel. +49 8191 972 78-0

Fax +49 8191 972 78-10

info@akustikundraum.de

www.akustikundraum.de