So, what are biophilic acoustic panels and why are they important?
There has been a well documented desire amongst certain architects and interior designers, over the past 60-70 years, to focus their thoughts on the creation of heathy indoor environments.
These environments have traditionally been designed around ensuring that the indoor air quality (IAQ) promotes the wellbeing of its occupants. However, for some designers this was not enough, feeling that mental wellbeing was every bit as important.
This led to a research driven push for designs that seek to actively connect building occupants with elements of the natural environment. This has become know in modern design as Biophilic Design
So, can our absorbers be referred to as biophilic acoustic panels?
You probably already knew that Woolly Shepherd acoustic panels (ceiling suspended and flush mounted) provide fantastic levels of sound absorption (Class A). However, did you know that they can also significantly improve the air quality in your room and provide a positive connection with the external environment.
There are a vast array of acoustic absorbers available on the market that all provide very similar levels of acoustic performance, but very few can actually improve the wellbeing of those using the rooms in which they are installed.
According to the BRE Trust, improving people’s quality of life is intrinsically linked to the quality of their environment.
More precisely:
Improving People’s Lives
High quality living and working environments are essential for good physical and mental health.
Improving indoor noise, light and air quality conditions, and reducing overheating, damp, cold and pollution can have an incredibly positive impact on people’s health.
This may sound quite obvious, but knowing this doesn’t do anything to help those of us who spend 90% of our lives in buildings that are harming our physical and mental health (Sick Building Syndrome).
So, what has this got to do with a company manufacturing, selling and installing acoustic treatment?
Well,
Natural sheep’s wool acoustic panels and baffles – create calm, productive spaces, help remove harmful indoor air pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), help moderate relative humidity, producing a more comfortable environment and provide a direct and tangible connection with the natural, external, environment. For many Architects and Interior Designers the approach of creating connections with the external environment has become known as Biophilic Design.
