7 Projects Harnessing the Potential of Acoustical Plaster

Outside the realm of concert halls, acoustical treatments have historically been considered as an afterthought in architectural design. However, with increasing research indicating that reverberation time has an important impact on wellness, the ability to learn, speech intelligibility and ultimately, quality of life, acoustical treatments are taking center stage, not only in performance venues but also in commercial and even residential environments.

Helping to create a comfortable environment in even the harshest sound conditions, BASWA Acoustical Plaster systems have been harnessed to deliver premium acoustical environments in high-end commercial, retail and residential spaces. “BASWA acoustic systems’ microscopically porous surfaces, which appear to be solid, are applied onto mineral wool panels,” said Edwin Sellers of BASWA acoustic. “High frequency sound energy passes through the pores, into the mineral wool, and is then converted into heat energy. Low frequency sound energy vibrates the porous surface diaphragmatically, transforming the sound energy into heat energy.”

Including six different architectural typologies, the following projects reveal just how versatile and effective BASWA Phon acoustical plaster systems are.

Caring Wood by Macdonald Wright Architects, United Kingdom

30mm & 70mm BASWA Phon Classic Fine by BASWA acoustic

Caring Wood by Macdonald Wright Architects is a peaceful private home that completely reimagines the traditional English country house. The lively, sculptural design was imagined to accommodate three generations of the same family under a single roof. The architects worked with BASWA acoustic to skillfully construct a pleasant interior, which boasts an impeccable acoustic environment even amidst busy family life. This year, Caring Wood won the RIBA House of the Year 2017, in addition to several other RIBA awards.

Grace Farms by SANAA Architects, New Canaan, CT

40 mm BASWA Phon Classic Fine by BASWA acoustic

At Grace Farms, SANAA Architects partnered with BASWA acoustic to remedy a series of acoustical concerns that frequently occur in the educational setting. They sought to creative a quiet, productive setting in which classroom lessons would be highly intelligible. In this non-reverberant space, students experience a learning environment that is simultaneously tranquil and stimulating. With this project, BASWA proved the importance of the correlation between acoustics and ease of learning.

Carnegie Hall Studio Towers Renovation by Lu + Bibliowicz Architects, New York City, NY

70 mm BASWA Phon Classic Fine by BASWA acoustic

While the considered application of acoustics in a state-of-the-art music hall is no surprise, BASWA acoustic is particularly proud of its collaboration on the Carnegie Hall Studio Towers Renovation as a result of the project’s technical sophistication. At Carnegie Hall, BASWA Phon is featured throughout the walls of the practice rooms, allowing for speech intelligibility and the localization of sound, despite surrounding noise levels. Accordingly, Lu + Bibliowicz selected BASWA Phon for its excellent performance in pre-function spaces, fostering acoustically sound environments for thoughtful and intimate conversation.

Denver Union Station by SOM, Denver, CO

70 mm BASWA Phon Custom Finish by BASWA acoustic

Sometimes, it is challenging to imagine how acoustical treatment can be integrated into historical buildings without profoundly altering the building’s existing aesthetic. However, Denver Union Station by SOM — a Beaux Arts masterpiece on the edge of the city’s central business district — illustrates how acoustical plaster can be impeccably harnessed to take the performance of period buildings into the 21st century. Mirroring the building’s existing substrate, preserving the original design and even integrating existing trims and molds, BASWA Phon created an enhanced acoustical environment whilst maintaining the spirit and historic intent of this bustling transit hub.

Santa Rosa Chapel at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio by EYP and Stanley Beaman & Sears, San Antonio, TX

30mm BASWA Phon Classic Base by BASWA acoustic

Inspired by the therapeutic qualities of water, the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio was imagined to serve the fast-growing pediatric population in South-Central Texas. Emphasizing the linkages between fine-tuned acoustics and human health, BASWA Phon was integrated throughout the spiritual and clinical facilities of the project, in order to create an environment of ease and fluidity. The impeccable acoustic environment allows for speech privacy among patients and their families, confidential communication among staff and tranquil patient rooms that create an optimal setting for respite and recovery.

Eleven Madison Park by Allied Works Architecture, New York City, NY

30mm BASWA Phon Classic Fine by BASWA acoustic

Restaurant patrons are all too familiar with the experience of being unable to hear the person sitting 2-feet across from them. However, at Eleven Madison Park, Allied Works Architecture worked with BASWA acoustic to firmly address the importance of acoustical treatment in the busy restaurant setting. With a focus on executing an environment for gracious hospitality and extraordinary culinary experience, the architects selected BASWA Phon for its unique ability to manipulate reverberation time, creating a calm, welcoming setting.

The Vault House by Johnston Marklee, Oxnard, CA

30 mm BASWA Phon Classic Fine by BASWA acoustic

In the past, acoustical treatments in the residential setting have oftentimes been viewed as unimportant when compared to aesthetics. However, with ever-growing research in the field of acoustics — which draws direct linkages between acoustics, human health and productivity — acoustical plaster within the home is more prominent than ever. Responding to growing demand, BASWA Phon delivers a premium acoustical environment while also mastering a sought-after minimalist aesthetic. The Vault House by Johnston Marklee is a beautifully executed project that emphasizes the importance of residential acoustic health. The architects used BASWA acoustic’s sound absorption technology to reduce reverberation time and dampen noise and distraction.

The above precedents illustrate how high-performing acoustic systems can be integrated into a variety of interior spaces with minimal impact on the aesthetic qualities of each architectural environment. With the right technical properties, material combinations and detailing, architects can boost the health and wellbeing of their clients through acoustic design — without compromising on visual impact. If you require further information on acoustic conditions for your next project, contact the experts at BASWA acoustic and they can help you find an optimal design solution.