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How Soundscapes Impact Our Well-Being and Productivity

Sound layers, as they exist in a unique environment, create soundscapes—the clicks of typing, machinery beeps or the whirring of an air conditioner. A pleasant soundscape can positively impact our engagement, while a soundscape that exists as a by-product of acoustic failings can be harmful to our daily lives. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to noise can pose increased health risks, decrease learning and productivity and negatively affect revenue and earning potential.

There are three primary acoustics testing utilized. How do they each impact the built environment?

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An IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rating references how well a flooring material reduces the impact of sound. When we step across a floor, drop an object or move something across the floor, the movement and effects create sound vibrations that can travel through the floor, subfloor and ceiling of the room below.

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An STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating measures the amount of airborne sound energy the product prevents from transmitting from one room to another. Airborne sound like conversations, music, or dogs barking in the room above travels through the floor and ceiling construction to impact the soundscape of the room below.

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Sound Absorption Average (SAA) is a test that measures the amount of sound energy absorbed by an object such as flooring, ceiling tiles, fabric or furniture. When designing a commercial or living environment, this test allows you to measure how two different spaces with the same amount of sound energy will differ from one another. How quickly the sound dissipates and how it reflects will change occupants' perceptions of their space.



Hear the Difference 

Sound Advisor is designed to help you select the right floor covering for your project by presenting the industry's most comprehensive set of data—all collected at the same lab, allowing you to accurately compare the difference between floor coverings. Simply select the floor and ceiling construction for your project, apply the flooring choice and you can, for the first time, hear what the IIC score actually sounds like.



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Select the best floor covering to achieve your desired IIC rating

The patented Sound Advisor tool from Shaw Contract gives you the power to select the right flooring combination for your project's needs.



Living Environments 

The soundscape in a multi-family housing complex, senior living communities and any environment where people live, sleep and play, can greatly impact the satisfaction of residents. A study was conducted by HomeAdvisor and it found that 53% of respondents say they’ve either considered moving or have moved because of a neighbor. What if the materials selected during design or renovation could improve the soundscape to enhance resident satisfaction? 

Cozy bedroom with beige carpet flooring, white bedding, and modern decor

Acoustics + Impact 

Modern living room with light wood flooring, a brown chair, and a colorful round rug

What to learn more about acoustics and how it impacts the built environment? View a curated selection of resources and flooring types designed specifically for reducing the noise transfer in your client's commercial space 

Learn About Acoustics

Want To Know More About The Three Primary Acoustics Tests And How They Impact The Built Environment?

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Medical Pharmacy focused on Acoustics + Comfort Underfoot

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Norwood Medical Centre’s biophilic design brings the Alberta, Canada, mountainscape to its urban Edmonton location. The project designers specified Shaw Contract Diffuse carpet tile on EcoLogix®. For this location to provide underfoot comfort and acoustical benefits for pharmacists and staff, which complements the space function of promoting human health.

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