Acoustic glass, also known as soundproof glass or noise-reducing glass, is designed to minimise sound transmission from one side of the glass to the other.
The demand for noise control in building design is growing, with a 300% increase in search interest in ‘soundproof room dividers’¹ and a 90% increase in interest in ‘soundproof window’ over the past five years.
Acoustic glass is especially useful in commercial building design, helping to control the noise level for the comfort of customers, employees and the public. With this in mind, we have created a guide discussing the benefits of acoustic glass in a commercial environment; keep reading to find out more!
1. Enhanced privacy and noise reduction
The most obvious benefit of acoustic glass for commercial buildings is that it effectively reduces noise pollution, either stopping the flow of sound entering from outdoors or limiting sound travelling between indoor areas.
The thickness and composition of the glass layers, separated by an interlayer of acoustic membrane, such as PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral), can vary in each project to achieve different levels of sound reduction.
Acoustic glass is a great alternative to acoustic insulation in commercial settings, providing insulation from external sounds, such as busy roads or construction noise. Minimising external noise can create a more peaceful customer experience in museums or art galleries.
Sound reduction glass is also helpful for reducing the spread of noise internally. You will often find acoustic glass used when installing partitioning in office spaces, whether creating a soundproof meeting room, perfect for confidential conversations, a focus room for wellbeing sessions or just a quiet space to concentrate.
Acoustic glass dividers between desks can also limit noise in an open office and increase productivity and wellbeing, resulting in improved employee satisfaction.
2. Improve building security and durability
The structural composition of noise-reducing glass adds more strength and durability than single-pane glass. While its primary purpose is noise reduction, acoustic glass can also provide some safety and security benefits, such as:
- Thicker acoustic glass, especially when laminated or treated for security purposes, can provide a higher physical security level than standard glass. It is more difficult to break, and if it does break, the shards are less likely to pose a safety hazard.
- Depending on its composition and thickness, acoustic glass can provide resistance to forced entry attempts. Laminated or tempered acoustic glass can be more challenging to break or penetrate, making it a deterrent to potential intruders.
- The layered composition of acoustic glass will provide better physical protection from outdoor elements and temperature fluctuations compared to single-pane glass, which can add more durability to doors and windows on the building’s perimeter.
- Some acoustic glass products also offer UV protection. This can help protect both individuals and interior furnishings from harmful UV rays, contributing to long-term safety and wellbeing.
Damage resistance for glass features is essential in commercial areas of high traffic, such as hallways, entranceways and reception rooms, where accidents are most likely to happen.
If you require glass with a primary focus on security, you may want to consider toughened glass or laminated safety glass. Both glass types can be produced in a custom flat or curved glass unit, specifically designed to resist breakage and provide higher physical security.
3. Design versatility
While acoustic glass has natural security qualities, the layered composition does not interfere with light transmission. Acoustic glass is available in various designs, tints, and finishes. It allows architects and designers to incorporate it into their projects while maintaining aesthetics in existing architecture and suit various building types.
Acoustic glass can be integrated into various features, including operable windows and sliding doors, and fixed glass panels such as wall partitions and glass flooring.
Acoustic glass can also be curved, which is perfect for hospitality and retail settings with large shopfronts, balustrading and entertaining areas.
4. Multi-functionality
Acoustic glass can also be customised to meet specific building requirements, including sustainable considerations, making it even more suitable for various commercial needs.
Acoustic glass can be combined with low-E (low emissivity) coatings to improve thermal insulation. This reduces heat loss in cold weather and heat gain in hot weather, contributing to energy efficiency, lower utility bills and decreasing the carbon footprint.
Using energy-efficient glass to create green buildings is important following the announcement of government objectives for net-zero emissions by 2050. Glass can contribute towards sustainable property development as it is fully recyclable and promotes less energy consumption.
Other custom properties for noise control include self-cleaning glass, perfect for commercial environments such as head offices, where a great first impression of the building is critical.
5. Improve property value
Acoustic glass is a long-term investment as the benefits combine noise control for building occupants with the aesthetic appeal of glass features to create a professional, contemporary look.
As noise control glass considers the acoustic comfort of those within the building, the commercial space becomes more high-value, especially in retail or leisure environments, as customers will have a more pleasant experience and be likely to return.
In addition, including statement glass features, such as glass walls, staircases and glass flooring in a building, promotes sustainability by allowing more natural light to flood in and reducing the need for electric lightbulbs.
Overall, incorporating acoustic glass within your commercial property showcases the builders’ attention to detail, which immediately creates a positive perception amongst buyers and could create quicker sales or higher rent rates.
How SGP can help
When considering the use of acoustic glass, consult with professionals who can recommend the appropriate type and thickness of glass for your project based on your environment’s specific noise control needs.
At SGP, we can cut acoustic glass to any custom flat glass measurement up to 6000mm x 3210mm, or the glass can be curved up to 3200mm x 5000mm to suit any application from our state-of-the-art factory.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can help to provide the perfect glass units for your next project.
Sources
- Google Trends data for the search query ‘sound proof room divider’ in the past five years, correct as of the 22nd of September.
- Google Trends data for the search query ‘sound proof window’ in the past five years, correct as of the 22nd of September.
