Draper is proud to introduce a new line of acoustical shading products.
We’ve all heard of different kinds of pollution as they pertain to buildings. Of course, there are physical types of pollution we have to worry about—by-products getting into groundwater, for instance, or chemicals off gassing into the air. Then there’s light pollution. That’s too much light escaping buildings at night.
Draper has shading solutions to combat all of those. Now we’ve added a new one to the list.
Noise pollution.
You might not have thought about it, but the non-profit group Noise Pollution Clearinghouse calls noise one of the most pervasive pollutants in today’s built environment
“Noise negatively affects human health and well-being,” according to their website. “Problems related to noise include hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep loss, distraction and lost productivity, and a general reduction in the quality of life and opportunities for tranquility.”
So how did we get here?
Like many of the other problems mentioned above, the trend towards more and larger windows has made a big difference. There are more open spaces, sleeker surfaces, exposed ceilings, and glass used in modern design.
This has led to more noise getting into our home and work spaces. Higher noise levels are also experienced due to those more open spaces—there are fewer space dividers to stop or absorb the conversation and activity levels. In addition, we can’t forget the impact of reverberation—the noise echoing back off of all of that exposed glass.
To mitigate these problems, we’re introducing EchoControl, a line of acoustical shading solutions.
EchoControl reduces reverberation—echo—inside a room, as well as the overall level of sound in a space. Acoustic treatments are already used to improve the acoustics within a room by using sound-absorptive materials. With EchoControl, echoing caused by sound reflecting off windows can also now be addressed.
Walls, especially those with windows, offer good surfaces to install acoustic absorbers. This fabric offers a unique combination of acoustic and lighting control and comfort! Available on both motorized and manual shades.
EchoControl has a Noise Reduction Coefficient of 0.60. The Noise Reduction Coefficient (ASTM C423-90a) rates the ability of a material to absorb sound. Zero is completely reflective, and one is completely absorptive. The NRC is calculated by averaging the frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz (rounded to the nearest multiple of 0.05).
In addition to its sound absorption properties, Draper EchoControl brings with it the advantages inherent in light filtering window shades. It diffuses light, reduces glare, controls solar heat gain, and reduces fading of interior furnishings. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD certified so there’s no off-gassing, and it’s infused with Microban® antimicrobial product protection.
For more information on Draper’s all-new EchoControl acoustical shading, click here.
