Akustics is currently one of the most trendy topics being discussed across all fields in construction. We asked Stanislav Beránek, the founder of ACUTEC, which is among the innovative leaders in the market, why this is the case.

If you follow the construction industry, and especially trends in interiors, you've probably noticed that one of the new aspects being considered is acoustics, both in terms of noise reduction and, primarily, in unwanted echo. This is no longer just necessary in spaces where you might expect it, such as theaters, cinemas, restaurants, or schools. Today, there is talk about acoustics in virtually all interiors, from offices to family homes. We can see for ourselves, just a few years ago, many completed interiors where measures against echo were simply not considered. Stanislav Beránek knows this well; he encounters it every day and accepted our suggestion for a short interview on this topic.

Stanislav Beránek, founder of ACUTEC

Why do you think acoustics is the topic of today's interiors?
Has there been any change?
Undoubtedly. The insight and style of today's interiors are shifting in this direction. They are characterized by austerity, exposed ceilings with hard materials. At the same time, it is important to realize that every space has its own laws, and for example, someone who dreams of a large spacious living room will unfortunately also have to deal with echo as in a church.

Let's perhaps go back to the beginning; how can one navigate the field of acoustics?
Personally, I receive inquiries every day, and even experts sometimes find it confusing. Acoustics is divided into building acoustics (i.e., noise that spreads within the building structure and outside of it) and also spatial acoustics (the so-called echo that occurs in a given room due to reflection). This is a field we also focus on.
Building acoustics has long been recognized, and if the relationships are not underestimated during the design stage and sufficient insulation thicknesses are defined in the structure, then the result is guaranteed. This cannot be said for spatial acoustics; there are always more factors that influence it, and the outcome needs to be calculated from multiple perspectives.

What material should you choose and where is it suitable?
For noise reduction (soundproofing your neighbor), dense heavy insulations should be chosen, from which continuous complex partitions will be created. Conversely, to reduce echo, a material with an open structure should be selected, one that can absorb sound (air flow). This is also denoted by the so-called aw, which approaches the number 1.0 for the best materials, indicating 100% absorption. Often we encounter aw 0.8, which means 80% of the material's surface is absorptive and 20% reflective.
These are important numbers that determine how the given type of material will behave.

We talked about trends; what materials are currently popular?
Generally speaking, anything that is recyclable or sustainable. We can debate whether a metal ceiling is sustainable or not. If it has a lifespan of 50-60 years, it will likely outlast the life of the interior itself many times over and still be repurposed.
We observe that there is a renewed interest in wood and cement-based boards known as heraklit. Additionally, boards and ceilings made from recycled PET, primarily in natural and pastel colors, are gaining popularity.
For open ceilings, there are suspended elements also containing a mixture of recyclates.

How can we prevent echo if we are still in the project phase?
A frequently asked question, and rightfully so. In the project phase, it is essential to know what the final interior will look like. Unfortunately, there is no single "cure" to treat and reduce echo. There are always multiple solutions, materials, and application methods.
That’s why we at our company have a broad portfolio of represented brands so we can always recommend a solution that will be suitable both technically and aesthetically.

Do you have any tips for planning?
Principles for designing an interior without echo could fill a book on their own. Every space is different, and the way it is used affects whether potential echo will be acceptable or not. The reverberation time (which determines how we perceive echo) also varies depending on the shape, size, and volume of the room. In a small office, a reverberation time of around 1 second is unacceptable, while in a gym, that number will be several times higher and unapproachable.

I recommend considering the intended use, where we know we want to achieve a pleasant environment, whether it be for offices, restaurants, or the aforementioned living rooms. We should always start with the ceiling; that's a large area where sound can be dampened. Subsequently, there should be absorptive material on at least one wall. Then we can think about accessories like curtains, carpets, etc.

Who can we turn to?
If you are designing spaces for schools, theaters, conference rooms, or even restaurants, I wouldn't leave anything to chance and would verify everything with acoustics experts. Fortunately, there are more and more professionals in this field. If you already have a completed interior and are dissatisfied with it, you will certainly find more guides online or on YouTube on how to proceed. Of course, we are also open and happy to help all those struggling with echo. By the way, that was also the reason we founded our company. We saw many mistakes and unhappy builders trying to achieve a sense of tranquility through trial and error.

What would you like to say in conclusion?
Personally, I am glad that acoustics is being discussed more and more. As a result, more projects already have acoustic measures designed during the planning phase. Nothing is worse than when a project is completed, everything is finished, and it turns out that echo will require redoing or repairing. We often have to explain that this cannot be easily remedied and that one must start from scratch. Quality planning is, therefore, essential.

---

As can be seen, and especially heard, acoustics is truly a field that is experiencing a new phase. If you are currently working on a project that requires acoustic measures, you can turn to experts from ACUTEC led by Mr. Beránek, who will be happy to assist you. They also offer measurement services and acoustic studies simultaneously. They exclusively represent and import European manufacturers who are leaders in this area. You can choose from their offerings, which range from heraklit boards, wooden laminates, metal ceilings to award-winning boards made from recycled PET. Their products have received numerous awards. What is unique is their expertise, which allows them to provide suitable advice.