Case study in a mental health environment
The need for a good room acoustic environment within mental health environments is generally well recognised, with the UK Design in mental health network providing a publication on this subject*. Whilst little research has taken place in mental health settings, staff and patients throughout healthcare report noise as a challenge; increasing stress and anxiety, reducing concentration and affecting sleep.
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The Health Building Note (HBN) 03:01 on acute mental health settings states that “The environment should be designed to minimise noise and promote a sense of calm and safety” and the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 08:01 Acoustics sets levels of sound absorption to be achieved in healthcare patient settings.
Collaboration to identify key issues
With this in focus Ecophon was invited to help investigate room acoustic challenges and offer possible remedial solutions at a unit supporting people with complex specialist mental health needs.
After initial conversations it was decided that on site acoustic testing would not be possible, as it would be too noisy and intrusive in this low stimulus space. So, the information used to shape the acoustic intervention was based on acoustic calculation, a visual and auditory walkaround and discussions with people both residing and working there.
Sound reflection and sound propagation were shown as acoustic challenges. Generally, the materials and furnishings used within healthcare are designed to be hardwearing, smooth and resilient this usually makes them acoustically reflective. Sound propagates along corridors and reverberates around a space.
Tailored recommendations for specialist spaces
Following the visit Ecophon undertook some mathematical calculations to show the quantity of sound absorption Class A product that would be required to meet the HTM 08:01 criteria for room acoustics in healthcare, whilst also utilising existing sound absorption within the space. Additional notes were made on specific acoustic requirements for some areas, such as dining rooms, seclusion and quiet spaces and advice taken on types of product used and location to fit with customer requirements and retrofit design.
The impact resistant, direct fix system Ecophon Super G™ with edge B was chosen for the project.
There is often a specific requirement within mental health settings for an impact resistant, direct fix system (no grid) in white. For this project the decision was made to offer Ecophon Super G™ edge B Class A sound absorber to meet these criteria.
The change was immediately noticeable even during installation, with less sound reflection providing a more pleasant, calmer, less intrusive sound environment. A representative from the unit said:
“Both patients and staff gave positive feedback about how the acoustic panels have made such a huge difference. The noise level has significantly dwindled with the application of Ecophon panels”.
