Topakustik acoustic systems

 

Topakustik acoustic systems are grooved and perforated panel systems, installed on the walls or the ceilings and used to absorb sound. They can also be used as cabinet elements.

They include panels or planks with circular perforations at the back, the hidden part, and groove perforations at the front, the visible part (see Perforations below for the different types of perforations).

Topakustik systems usually include the following components (see the sketch below):

• air cavity of 30, 40, 60, 80 mm, 200 mm or 210 mm height
• 30mm fibreglass (40-60 kg/m³) in the cavity
• acoustic fleece (SP 60 laminated)
• 16 mm Topakustik plank or panel

 

Topakustik planks and panels

Topakustik planks and panels come with different perforation sizes, groove dimensions & layouts and core panels.

 

  Note:

What is the difference between panels and planks?

• • The planks have tongue and groove connections to allow simple and flexible assembly. They allow the joints between the panels to be invisible.

 

• • The panels have visible joints for removeable ceiling or wall systems. They can be used for cabinet fronts or dividers.

 

Many other edge details are available. Get in touch with Topakustik or your local supplier for more information (check Who supplies Topakustik systems? below).

 

 

Perforations

Three different perforation designs are available for Topakustik panels and planks.

• M-perforations provide better sound absorption at medium and high frequencies (above 500 Hz)

• T-perforations provide better sound absorption at low and medium frequencies (below 500 Hz)

• Without perforations (just the grooves), acoustic reflectors don’t absorb sound. They diffuse sound. This is an interesting feature for practice or performance music spaces where obtaining a diffuse sound field is important.

Grooves

Different groove designs are available for Topakustik panels and planks.

The following features can vary:

• the groove width (2 mm, 3mm and 4mm)

 

 

• the spacing between the grooves (6 mm, 7.7 mm, 8.7 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 19 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 61 mm and 93 mm)

 

• different (repeated) groove patterns (for Topakustik-R)

 

• special grooves (for Topakustik Caro and Topakustik HR)

With Topakustik Line, it is also possible to carve personnalised groove patterns and designs.

Core panels

All Topakustik panels and planks are 16 mm thick.

Although, the main material used for the core panel is Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), other materials are also used to provide better fire, impact or humidity resistance. See Materials used in Topakustik systems below.

 

Sound absorption characteristics of Topakustik acoustic systems

Topakustik acoustic systems achieve sound absorption performances ranging from Class E to Class A depending on the following:

• the perforation type
• the groove width
• the spacing between the grooves
• the size of the cavity behind

 

Some interesting sound absorption features are as follows:

• the influence of the air cavity behind the Topakustik panel

 

Sound absorption coefficients of Topakustik 6/2 M with 40 mm and a 200 mm air cavity behind

 

Sound absorption coefficients of Topakustik 6/2 M and 30/2 M with a 40 mm cavity behind

 

• the influence of the perforations

Sound absorption coefficients of Topakustik 6/2 M and 6/2 T with a 40 mm cavity behind

 

• the configuration having similar sound absorption coefficients over a large frequency range

Sound absorption coefficients of Topakustik 14/2 M  with a 200 mm cavity behind

All sound absorption performances of Topakustik acoustic systems have been measured in accordance with ISO 354:1985 – Acoustics — Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room.

 

 

Materials used in Topakustik acoustic systems

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is the main material used for Topakustic panels and planks.

However, other materials can be used as alternatives such as:

• RESAP® which is a non-flammable panel made from natural gypsum and recycled cellulose fibres (see Fire resistance below)
• Cement
• Particle board
• Flakeboard OSB
• ‘standard’ plywood
• 3-layer plywood (using silver fir)
• Blockboard
• MDF and hardwood (such as spruce or also white fir) for ARIA-Plus systems
• Hardwood (such as silver fir) for ARIA-Pure systems

 

Finishes and shapes of Topakustik acoustic systems

 

Finishes

Three types of finishes are available for Topakustik acoustic systems:

• Wood veneer including Oak Europe, Knotty Oak, Maple Europe, Maple US, Birch, Ash, Nut Tree/ Walnut, Cheery US, etc. For more appearances, get in touch with Topakustik or your local supplier (check Who supplies Topakustik systems? below).
• Painted with any color available.
• Melanine including Oak, Maple, Beech, Cheery, Walnut, Ash, White, Silver, Acacia, Thermo, etc. For more appearances, get in touch with Topakustik or your local supplier (check Who supplies Topakustik systems? below).

 

Shapes

Although the main shape for Topakustik panels is flat, it is also possible to bend them to create curved surfaces.

Other bespoke shapes can also be made.

 

Other physical characteristics of Topakustik acoustic systems

 

 

Fire resistance

The fire resistance of Topakustik acoustic systems depends on the material used for the core panels and wether fire retardant agents are applied to them.

The following fire resistances are achieved:

• B2 (EN C-s2, d0 ; CH RF 3) with the core panel made of blockboard, plywood, flakeboard OSB or particle board.
• B1 (EN B-s2, d0 ; CH RF 2) with the core panel made of forex.
• A2 (EN A2-s1, d0 ; CH RF 1) with the core panel made of cement.
• A1 (EN A1-s1, d0 ; CH RF 1) with the core panel made of RESAP®.

It is also interesting to note the following fire ratings for various types of raw MDF panels used for Topakustik core panels:

• B2 (EN C-s2, d0 ; CH RF 3) for
  • MDF E1-B2 Standard
  • MDF E0-B2 FSC certified
  • MDF E0-B2 with no added formaldehyde
  • MDF E1 moisture resistant V313
• B1 (EN B-s2, d0 ; CH RF 2) for
  • MDF E1-B1 with fire retardant
  • MDF E0-B1 with fire retardant

Humidity resistance

Topakustik acoustic systems which core panels are made of forex or cement are suitable to be installed in humid environments.

 

Impact resistance

Topakustik acoustic systems are impact resistant and therefore can be installed in sports halls (even at low level).

 

Sustainability of Topakustik acoustic systems

Topakustik systems can use raw MDF which fibres are bonded without using formaldehyde (see Fire resistance above).

They can also use raw MDF that is FSC certified, ensuring the timber used to produce the fibres has been sustainably sourced.

Download the latest Environmental Product Declaration for Topakustik acoustic panels here: Topakustik EPD.

Who supplies Topakustik acoustic systems?

In the United Kingdom, Acoustic Products Ltd supplies Topakustik products. See the contact details in the Additional Information tab.

(If you supply Topakustik in another country, please get in touch at marc@ateliercrescendo.ac and you will be added to this section)