OREANDA-NEWS. February 09, 2016. Armstrong Ceiling Systems has introduced Total Acoustics™ ceiling panels, a new generation of ceiling panels that feature the ideal combination of both sound absorption and sound blocking in one ceiling panel.

By providing the ability to both absorb unwanted sound and block noise from traveling into adjacent areas, Total Acoustics ceiling panels are an ideal choice for today's flexible workspaces where a mix of private offices, quiet concentration areas, and collaborative teaming areas often share the same floor space.

By meeting the acoustical needs of each type of workspace in a single panel, Total Acoustics ceilings also provide the ability to reconfigure the workspaces without changing the ceiling while still meeting the acoustical requirements of each space.

"Creating new products designed for acoustics in today's flexible interiors takes on new importance as traditional acoustical recommendations are not always compatible with current design trends," states

Jeff Hederick, Armstrong Vice President of Marketing for Commercial Ceilings.  "Architects today are challenged with designing spaces that have multiple functions.  Now the science behind the ceiling is able to provide them with both high sound absorption and sound blocking in the same panel."

Internationally known sound and communication expert, Julian Treasure, collaborated with Armstrong for the introduction of Total Acoustics ceilings.  "Noise is the number one problem in modern offices," he states.  "A big part of addressing this issue is making sure unwanted sound from adjacent spaces doesn't intrude or interfere. It's time architects start designing for our ears as well as our eyes."

Offered in Variety of Product Lines
Ceiling panels featuring new Total Acoustics performance are offered in a variety of Armstrong product lines, including Ultima®, Calla™, Lyra™, Cirrus®, Fine Fissured™, Mesa™, Canyon™, and School Zone®.  

To make it easier to specify the right ceiling for a space, Total Acoustics panels are rated as good, better, and best based on their combination of sound absorption as denoted by their Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and sound blocking as denoted by their Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC). 

To meet the criteria for Total Acoustics performance, ceiling panels must have an NRC of 0.60 or greater and a CAC of 35 or greater.  Ceilings with a CAC less than 25 do not adequately contribute to sound blocking.

Easy to Specify Right Ceiling 
Total Acoustics ceilings rated as "Best" have an NRC of 0.80 or higher and a CAC 35 or higher.  They are ideal for high traffic spaces or multipurpose spaces where maximum sound absorption and sound blocking are needed to help keep noise levels down and prevent disruption to adjacent spaces.

"Better" ceilings have an NRC of 0.70-0.75 and a CAC 35 or higher.   They are well-suited for spaces where strong sound absorption and sound blocking are needed for all-around acoustical performance.

"Good" ceilings have an NRC of 0.60-0.65 and a CAC 35 or higher.  They are intended for spaces where less sound absorption is required but sound blocking is needed to maintain privacy between adjacent areas.

For additional information on Total Acoustics ceiling panels, including videos featuring Julian Treasure, visit armstrong.com/totalacoustics.

Related Links: To view the Total Acoustics virtual press conference, click here.  To download a photo, click here. To download a video, click here.  To download a case study, click here.

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE: AWI) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of ceilings and floors. In 2014, Armstrong consolidated net sales from continuing operations totaled approximately \\$2.5 billion. Based in Lancaster, Pa., Armstrong operates 32 plants in nine countries and has approximately 7,500 employees worldwide.