Did you know most of us spend 90% of our time indoor on daily basis?

Just think about it, whether it is at home, at work, or in a classroom, we are almost always inside some sort of interior environment.  It is therefore imperative that we make wise decisions to impact the health of those interior spaces! 

SECRET #2 :  Sound of Silence

In design, acoustical comfort is often overlooked until after the effect.  Did you know that the effects of exterior noise from transportation or industrial sources have been linked to sleep disturbance, hypertension and the reduction of mental arithmetic of school-aged children? In one study taken from a sample size of 4115 participants, it was found that the risk for myocardial infarction was elevated in men from road traffic noise at night and in women by air traffic noise at night.*  So besides discomfort, noise may do more harm to our health than we realize. 

Another research indicated that occupants are generally dissatisfied when conversations can readily transmit between rooms or across an open office, thus hindering confidentiality or creating distraction from tasks.*  As for those of you whom work from home, you probably already know the importance of acoustical insulation!

*referenced via: WELL Building Standards (https://v2.wellcertified.com/v/en/sound)  

So choose windows and door materials wisely...

For WINDOWS:

select well insulated glass, such as "Dual-pane glass" or "Triple-pane glass" when shopping for replacement windows.  It will make a whole world of difference in the way you sleep and function, which translates to better mental and physical health.  These types of window will insulate your space from unwanted exterior noise, while also help you save on heating and cooling cost. 

For DOORS:

• select "Solid Core" wood or metal exterior door.
• apply "Rubber Weather Stripping" around edges of doorway to decrease sound entering your space while also keeping dust out and decrease your energy bills. 
• add "Door Sweep" to prevent sound from intruding from bottom of the door; make sure you measure your door gap correctly.
• choose from premium "Acoustic Door" or "Soundproof Door" is yet another option; look for one with high STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating

...and specify interior materials that soften sound

For FLOORS

• specify FloorScore carpet or Carpet Tiles; they will help absorb and dampen interior sound.  Carpet tile preferred for its cleanability.
• can also use cork flooring, which is not only a renewable material, but also a superbed acousticsound absorbing material.

For WALLS:

• can use Fabric window treatment to soften spaces while provide privcy and add to acoustic insulation

• apply fun Acoutic Wall Panels to decorate while enhance sound absorption in the room