Soundproofing And Proper Acoustic Treatment

Soundproofing and proper acoustic treatment are essential for living and working at home. Here’s our guide on how to do them right.

Sound isn’t something that often comes up when we talk about designing and renovating. We tend to focus on the aesthetics first, but it’s an essential element – especially when we’re living and working in the same place.

Letting the sound of traffic disrupt your sleep or having neighbours complain about the volume of the TV while you’re watching Netflix late at night are not situations anyone looks forward to. That’s why it’s essential to plan for soundproofing and room acoustics – especially if you live near a busy road or close to others in a dense residential area.

Yes, there is a difference between the two, says Edric Hwang, co-founder of acoustic-focused design studio Ehka F. “Soundproofing refers to the prevention of sound transmission from one space to another, like the din of roadworks while you’re indoors,” he explains. “Acoustics, on the other hand, refers to the amount of reverberation or echoing that can be heard within a room when one is speaking or playing music.”

Both are equally important during our resting and working periods. “When you’re in a room with proper acoustic treatment, instead of being distant and echoey, your voice will be clearer and easier for others to focus on during a conference call,” Edric says.