Acoustic ceilings and wall panels

What is an acoustic ceiling or wall panel?

An acoustic ceiling or wall panel helps control ambient noise, in order to improve acoustic comfort.

Reality and Performance of Acoustic Metal Ceilings
Plafometal has successfully harnessed the natural properties of metal and enhanced them to transform the ceiling into an architectural element with exceptional acoustic performance. To impart acoustic qualities to metal, it is necessary to perforate the panels to allow sound waves to pass through. One might think that the more perforations per cm² and the larger their diameter, the better the sound absorption.
However, this idea is incorrect: standard void percentages have little impact on sound absorption, making perforation a primarily aesthetic choice. The new range of acoustic metal ceilings has been designed to meet all acoustic comfort requirements by effectively controlling sound waves.
The Key Role of Ceilings in Acoustic Treatment
As the ceiling is generally the largest free surface in a room, it plays a crucial role in controlling sound reverberation. Its ability to absorb sound waves is therefore essential to ensure optimal acoustic comfort. A good acoustic environment not only makes a space more comfortable, but also more conducive to serenity, work, and even healing.

Better understand the rules of acoustics

Sound is a vibration that propagates in the form of a spherical wave. When the wave encounters an obstacle, it is either absorbed by it or reflected. In the latter case, it can mix with other waves and create a feeling of noise that generates discomfort.

Sound absorption
The sound absorption of a suspended ceiling is defined by its ability to reduce sound energy by absorbing it completely or partially, thus reducing reverberation time. This absorption power is measured by the Alpha Sabine coefficient (α), calculated by frequency bands according to the EN ISO 354 standard, and expressed by a single index αw. This index allows for comparison of acoustic performances, ranging from 0 (no absorption, strong reverberation) to 1 (total absorption, no sound reproduction).
Plafometal metal ceilings are made from materials capable of absorbing sound energy, thus improving the acoustic comfort of a room by reducing the reflection of waves.
Equivalent acoustic absorption area (Aeq

The Aeq (m² sabin) indicates the ability of an acoustic element (island, baffle) to absorb sound. It corresponds to the hypothetical surface of a perfectly absorbing material (α = 1) that would provide the same performance. Unlike a continuous ceiling, which only absorbs sound on its visible face, these open solutions capture sound on all faces and sides, increasing their effectiveness. Measured in a laboratory according to EN ISO 354, the Aeq allows objective evaluation of performance.
PLAFOMETAL islands and baffles provide an equivalent acoustic absorption area that ensures significant reverberation reduction and improved acoustic comfort.
Lateral Attenuation
The lateral attenuation of a suspended ceiling is defined by its ability to reduce the propagation of sound waves between adjacent rooms sharing the same plenum, a common configuration in commercial buildings. This performance is measured by a standardized sound insulation index, Dn,f,w, expressed in decibels.
Plafometal offers a range of metal ceilings specially designed to provide high performance in terms of lateral attenuation, in addition to sound absorption.

Technical and acoustic performances

With extensive experience in suspended ceilings, Plafometal places innovation at the heart of its approach. To ensure maximum efficiency, the performance of Plafometal products is systematically evaluated by the Scientific and Technical Center for Construction (CSTB). All tests were conducted in a certified and independent laboratory, over a short period of time and under similar conditions, thus ensuring consistent results. Since 2014, more than 200 measurements have been carried out, allowing us to improve our offering and develop new solutions.

A complete offer to meet all needs

Alpha intelligibility

The cassettes or trays are equipped with a new generation thermo-bonded veil, offering an absorption coefficient αw of up to 0.85.

Alpha plus acoustic comfort

The cassettes or trays are filled with high-density bagged or surfaced mineral wool, offering an absorption coefficient αw of up to 1.00. It is also possible to include the absorption surface in radiant ceilings for optimal acoustic performance.

Plafond rayonnant réversible — Reversible radiant ceiling

A Decibel+ of confidentiality

The bins are equipped with mineral wool and a rear cover, ensuring lateral sound insulation of up to 52 dB and an absorption coefficient αw of up to 0.75. It is also possible to integrate the absorption surface into radiant ceilings for optimal sound management.