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“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”
Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing … View more“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”
Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing excessive noise is not only aggravating it can actually be harmful to your ears and has a significant impact on the way our spaces work in the home.
When it comes to residential design, the acoustics, (the way in which the structural characteristics of a space relate to how well sound can be heard) although a key design feature, are rarely considered during the building process and sometimes only tackled during a renovation.
Soundwaves seep through doors, windows, ceilings and cracks, so how do you reduce unwanted sound from affecting your day to day activities?
Hard flat surfaces tend to bounce sound waves around, sometimes creating a lasting echo effect if the surfaces are parallel walls. The softer and less uniform the surface, the less opportunity sound has to bounce off. Textiles, including drapery and upholstered furniture and furnishings not only deliver a design aesthetic they also play a significant role in the absorption of sound.
However not all textiles have equal sound absorption qualities however. The level of sound absorption is dependent upon a textile’s weight, composition, and/or construction. Generally (due to the large vertical mass) drapery provides the main textile source of sound absorption however, there are several other ways to achieve this.
To decrease the level of sound in a room you need to dampen the sound waves. This can be achieved by adding surfaces that absorb the sound (or reverberation) so the sound doesn’t bounce from one thing to another.
Here are some sound absorbing ideas that you can implement fairly simply into your home:
- Acoustic panels/tiles: These come in a range of colours and fabric styles and can be designed into your interior decor. The purpose of acoustic panels is to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, resonance within the room.
- Drapery: Fabrics are an effective solution for managing sound. The more drapery folds, the more sound absorption. Hanging a curtain a small distance off the wall increases sound absorption and softening opposing walls reduces sound waves from travelling wall to wall
- Upholstered furniture: The fabrics on your upholstered furniture also help to reduce sound waves. The thicker the fabric and foam the better. Add cushions and other textiles throughout a space for ultimate sound absorption.
- Cork flooring: While it may not be fashionable of late, cork is one of the best materials for sound absorption. Made up of a honeycomb design of air-sealed cells made of the bark of the cork oak. The cells each absorb the vibrations of sound, preventing those sounds from passing through to the other side. Cork reduces sound and noise vibration by trapping it in its cell structure. It reduces the sound transmission of sound through walls and absorbs the impact of feet through the floor to the ceiling below.
- Concrete flooring: Surprisingly, lightweight porous concrete can be effective in absorbing sound (however it essentially transmits the sounds through to the next room too).
- Carpets, rugs and padding: If your floors are timber, tiles or linoleum on subfloor concrete, you may want to try rugs or carpet coupled with a sound-absorbing underlay or foam rubber backing.
- Floating hardwood: This type of flooring installation includes a gap between the subfloor and your actual floors, which effectively dampens sound.
- Fabric pendant lamps/floor lamps: Update your light shades with a textile shade, the thicker the better. Every textile in a space will help.
A combination of the techniques above, depending on your budget and skill level should help in the overall acoustics in your home. Below we have outlined a selection of fabrics from our range that offer great sound absorption qualities due to the high level of either wool content, thickness and/or construction.
We've loving our Rugby World Cup fans sharing their photos on Neighbourly and bringing the spirit!
These fans below have won some spot prizes, keep sharing your photos to be in to win!
Kia ora,
Our next meeting of the Western Suburbs Stroke Survivors will be on Tuesday 10th October at 10.30am at Huntleigh Home, 221 Karori Road.
To find us, go in and past Reception and turn right.
Did you know in New Zealand about 9,000 people each year have a stroke. Some 2,000 die … View moreKia ora,
Our next meeting of the Western Suburbs Stroke Survivors will be on Tuesday 10th October at 10.30am at Huntleigh Home, 221 Karori Road.
To find us, go in and past Reception and turn right.
Did you know in New Zealand about 9,000 people each year have a stroke. Some 2,000 die from a stroke; about another 2,000 are left severely incapacitated, about another 2,000 have considerable disability and the rest have some disability or nearly recover. Nobody recovers completely.
It is estimated that some 50% of strokes can be avoided with life style changes.
Interested to find out what you can do to have a good chance to avoid a stroke??
We look forward to meeting all fellow stroke survivors, carers and friends and discussing how we are getting on.
Nga mihi,
Peter Macleod
Convenor
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask … View moreNow’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Hi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you… View moreHi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.
Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.
We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
… View moreWe're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
But that's not all! Many broadband plans currently offer FREE subscriptions to top streaming services. It's the perfect time to switch!
Compare your broadband and power bills to save big this Spring!
COMPARE NOW: www.broadbandcompare.co.nz...
It's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share … View moreIt's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share your vote and your reasons below!
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Our research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this … View moreOur research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this investment in heart health possible.
Click the link to find out more about the transformative research projects.
Advanced Voting opened today at the Brooklyn Community Centre for Wellington Central, Rongotai and Te Tai Tonga. For the next two weeks you can cast your vote between 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. Trained election staff will be onsite to guide you through the voting process and answer any … View moreAdvanced Voting opened today at the Brooklyn Community Centre for Wellington Central, Rongotai and Te Tai Tonga. For the next two weeks you can cast your vote between 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. Trained election staff will be onsite to guide you through the voting process and answer any questions.
*Photo taken by Brooklyn Community Centre with permission of the Electoral Commission.
If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do … View moreIf you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do need to register to use this service though, before noon (NZ time) on Saturday 14 October.
You can find more information on our website here: vote.nz...
Kia ora,
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 4th of October in Zampelles coffee shop in Johnsonville Mall at 2 p.m.
We look forward to seeing fellow stroke survivors and their carers there.
Did you know that in New Zealand about 9,000 people each year have a stroke. Some 2,000 die from a … View moreKia ora,
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 4th of October in Zampelles coffee shop in Johnsonville Mall at 2 p.m.
We look forward to seeing fellow stroke survivors and their carers there.
Did you know that in New Zealand about 9,000 people each year have a stroke. Some 2,000 die from a stroke; about another 2,000 are left severely incapacitated, about another 2,000 have considerable disability and the rest have some disability or nearly recover. Nobody recovers completely.
It is estimated that some 50% of strokes can be avoided with life-style changes.
Interested to find out what you can do to have a good chance to avoid a stroke??
Kind regards
Tony Biss
President
You can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....
If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.
However if yours hasn't … View moreYou can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....
If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.
However if yours hasn't arrived yet you can vote without it! Find your nearest voting place here:
map.vote.nz...
The best booksellers in Wairarapa have come together to give you the ultimate book-lovers weekend out - This weekend Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October 2023 is the WAIRARAPA BOOKSHOP HOP!
Collect the map from any of the 13 participating bookstores in Wairarapa. For each store you visit & make a… View moreThe best booksellers in Wairarapa have come together to give you the ultimate book-lovers weekend out - This weekend Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October 2023 is the WAIRARAPA BOOKSHOP HOP!
Collect the map from any of the 13 participating bookstores in Wairarapa. For each store you visit & make a purchase from on the day, you'll receive a stamp on your map. Each stamp gives you an additional entry into the grand prize draw for $650 worth of bookshop vouchers - $50 from every participating store!
Wairarapa has 13 bookshops all within about 30 minutes drive of one another, so it's entirely possible for you to hop around all 13 bookshops if you feel so inclined!
See the stores here:
wairarapanz.com...
Today we launched our new tour 'Military Tales' with some of our members. Richard's carefully researched tour focuses on the Services Area. On this walk you will visit the graves of many of the senior officers who shaped New Zealand’s involvement in war and the ethics and character… View moreToday we launched our new tour 'Military Tales' with some of our members. Richard's carefully researched tour focuses on the Services Area. On this walk you will visit the graves of many of the senior officers who shaped New Zealand’s involvement in war and the ethics and character of the fighting New Zealander.
If you would like book this tour, we will next be running it during Wellington Heritage Week. Follow the link to secure your ticket:
events.humanitix.com...
Exercise equipment of weights. Take away for free. They're in very well-used condition (rust, some holes etc as described below, but still good heavy things for getting stronger cheaply).
Pickup from Newtown.
Barbell (rusted)
Dumbell x2 (slightly rusted)
10kg x4 (one torn and leaking … View moreExercise equipment of weights. Take away for free. They're in very well-used condition (rust, some holes etc as described below, but still good heavy things for getting stronger cheaply).
Pickup from Newtown.
Barbell (rusted)
Dumbell x2 (slightly rusted)
10kg x4 (one torn and leaking sand)
5kg x2
2.5kg x2 (two different brands, one black one has hole taped over)
1kg x8
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