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 are
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. Fortunately, improving the sound in your home is easy when you plan ahead and use the right materials.
Soundproofing: Replace hollow-core doors or add seals.
Still able to hear the TV even though the door is closed? Standard HDB doors have a hollow core that lets vibrations and, therefore, sound in. You can remedy this by replacing them with solid-core ones, which will cost between $1,200 and $1,800 each, depending on the size. For an immediate, less expensive solution, adding top and bottom seals to existing doors can block unwanted sound. Invest in aluminium ones; rubber and foam are less effective.
Soundproofing: Replace regular windows with soundproofed ones.
Replacements can start at $2,400 per window, but they can be a good investment if you live right next to a busy road or a train track. After all, who can put a price on a good night’s sleep? “Many HDB-approved window contractors can provide soundproofing solutions,” says Edric.
Improving Acoustics: Use soft furnishings or acoustic panels.
Damping or reducing resonance in a room can be as simple as adding a thick rug or thick curtains as these absorb or damp sound well. In areas with higher noise levels, you may need sound-absorbing panels such as the Oddlaug ones by Ikea. It’s also possible to get custom ones that range between $220 and $450 per panel from companies such as Ehka F. These can be easily added to walls with minimal or no renovation.
Improving Acoustics: Opt for wooden flooring if you’re renovating.
“As a general rule of thumb, wooden floors are usually less reverberant and echoey than concrete or tiled floors,” says Edric. He advises hiring contractors who specialise in acoustics to have your home effectively treated and soundproofed since the materials and skills needed are different from those used in a standard renovation.
For more information, visit www.ehkaf.com.