Human perception has always been multisensory: heat, light, sound. Thermal and visual comfort are positively influenced by structural membranes - this is already well known in architectural design.
However, this is also true in the field of acoustics, where ETFE plays a role. In buildings, comfort is often disturbed by the sound pressure caused by people talking, walking or music. Schools, hospitals, and other buildings designed for entertainment require low pressure levels, and shopping malls require acoustic comfort to be commercially successful.
ETFE building materials have sound permeability. Noise reflections generated inside the building are minimized. When ETFE is used for roofs and exterior walls, it is more comfortable to try to enjoy Spaces where other harder materials (such as concrete, glass, etc.) echo the noise.
Are you aware that when you step outside after sitting and chatting with friends in a restaurant, you find yourself breathing deeply and long - it's not because the air is bad, but because the sound pressure level inside is high. If you use ETFE as the roof, you're actually sitting inside, but it feels like you're outside, like in a garden restaurant.
Why is that?
Architects like to use hard and polished materials, but the disadvantage is the sound reverberation (echo). This has led to unpleasant noise levels in public areas such as retail malls, school atriums and sports stadiums. You find yourself speaking up in order to communicate, which has a domino effect on all parties.
This is known as the Lombardy effect, and it means that speakers increase their vocal intensity and make some vocal changes when speaking against loud background noise. To mitigate this effect, sound-absorbing materials are usually placed at the bottom of the ceiling application. ETFE has a lower material quality, so it has a shorter reverberation time and acoustic transparency.
The ETFE foil system helps reduce sound by 8-10 dB in reverb situations. The noise level of the ETFE is reduced by 50% compared to the glass roof.
You can see and feel the difference, ETFE is stronger for acoustic comfort. You will see and feel the difference between glass and ETFE; Brighter, lighter, quieter.
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