Optimising Acoustic Performance in Modern Interiors

Modern buildings demand more than aesthetics; they must also perform acoustically. From schools and offices to theatres and transport hubs, controlling noise and reverberation is essential for comfort and functionality.

Sculptform’s Click-on Battens combine design flexibility with measurable acoustic performance, helping architects and designers create spaces that are both visually striking and acoustically controlled.

In this guide, we’ll explore how battens affect sound absorption, compare timber and aluminium options, explain global acoustic rating systems like NRC and αw, and show how to configure battens for maximum acoustic performance.

Why Acoustics Matter in Architecture

Poor acoustics can lead to:

Excessive reverberation in classrooms, reducing speech clarity
Distracting background noise in open-plan offices
Reduced audience experience in theatres and performance spaces
Stress and fatigue in healthcare and transport environments

By integrating acoustic solutions into ceilings and walls, designers can significantly improve comfort, usability, and compliance with local building standards.

How Acoustic Performance is Measured Globally

Acoustic ratings vary across regions. Understanding the different systems ensures your specification aligns with project requirements worldwide:

Region	Standard / Measure	Description	Typical Use
Australia / New Zealand / United States	NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) - ASTM C423	Averages sound absorption across mid frequencies (250–2000 Hz). Simple, widely understood, but provides only a general snapshot of performance.	Commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States for quick specification comparisons.
United Kingdom / Europe	αw (Weighted Sound Absorption Coefficient) - ISO 11654 / EN ISO 11654	Provides a single-number rating with an absorption class (A–E) for more detailed acoustic assessment. Offers better insight into frequency performance than NRC.	Predominantly used in the UK and Europe for architectural and interior acoustic design.

Acoustic Differences between Timber and Aluminium Battens

Timber Battens

Naturally reflective but can be highly effective for acoustic tuning when used with acoustic backing, insulation, and cavity depth.
Offer a warm, organic aesthetic and excellent control over how sound is absorbed, diffused, or reflected.

Ideal for projects where both sustainability and acoustic performance are key considerations.

Aluminium Battens

Have a harder, reflective surface that also requires acoustic treatment to absorb sound effectively.
Perform exceptionally well when combined with acoustic backing and insulation, achieving comparable results to timber.

Durable, non-combustible, and ideal for high-performance environments where fire or moisture resistance is essential.

Key Factors That Influence Acoustic Performance

The acoustic performance of Click-on Battens depends on how they’re configured.

1. Acoustic Backing

Perforated or fabric backings allow sound to reach absorptive layers
Essential for effective performance with aluminium battens

2. Cavity Depth

A deeper cavity between battens and the substrate increases absorption, especially at lower frequencies

3. Insulation

Adding insulation behind battens significantly boosts absorption across frequencies

4. Batten Spacing

Narrower gaps = greater surface coverage, more reflection
Wider gaps = more sound passes through to absorbent backing

Example Acoustic Configurations

Material	Configuration	Measured NRC	Comment
Timber battens	7 mm acoustic backing, 25 mm acoustic batts, 90 mm stud cavity	0.88	Excellent tuning potential when paired with acoustic treatment
Aluminium battens	7 mm acoustic backing, 25 mm acoustic batts, 90 mm stud cavity	0.82	Comparable to timber when configured with the same acoustic system

Tested under ASTM C423 with equivalent configurations.

Applications of Acoustic Battens

Our Click-on Battens are used globally across industries where acoustic control is essential, including:

Theatres & auditoriums: enhancing clarity and sound quality
Education: reducing reverberation in classrooms and lecture halls
Commercial offices: improving speech privacy and comfort
Healthcare: lowering stress through quieter environments
Transport hubs: reducing echo in large, hard-surfaced spaces.

How to Specify Acoustic Battens for Your Project

Define acoustic targets: NRC or αw
Choose material: timber or aluminium, along with acoustic backing
Configure for performance: adjust spacing, backing, cavity, and insulation
Use digital tools: Sculptform’s Price & Spec Tool helps model battens and estimate acoustic outcomes

Finding the Right Acoustic Solution

Acoustic performance is a critical element of modern design, and Sculptform’s Click-on Battens make it possible to achieve both stunning aesthetics and reliable sound absorption. Whether you’re working to NRC in Australia, NZ, and North America, or αw in UK/Europe, the right configuration of battens, backing, and insulation ensures your project meets its acoustic goals.

Ready to explore acoustic battens for your next project? Try our Price & Spec Tool to get the right configurations or contact our team to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between NRC and αw?
A. Both NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) and αw (Weighted Sound Absorption Coefficient) are single-number ratings that describe how well a material absorbs sound, but they’re calculated differently and used in different regions.

NRC (ASTM C423)
- Common in Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
- Calculated as the average absorption at four mid-range frequencies (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz).
- Provides a quick, simplified snapshot of a material’s overall sound absorption.
- Example: NRC 0.80 means the material absorbs 80% of incident sound energy in that range.
αw (ISO 11654)
- Used primarily in Europe and the UK.
- Based on absorption data across multiple frequencies, then weighted to create a single-number value.
- Results are also expressed as an absorption class from A (highest) to E (lowest) for easier comparison.
- Example: αw 0.85 (Class A) indicates very high absorption performance.

Q: What NRC or αw rating is considered good for acoustic battens?
A. A higher value indicates better sound absorption. As a guide:

NRC / αw 0.70–0.90 = excellent sound absorption (Class A–B under ISO 11654)
NRC / αw 0.50–0.65 = moderate absorption (Class C)
Below 0.50 = primarily reflective surfaces
For most interior applications such as classrooms, offices, or theatres, a rating above 0.70 is ideal.

Q: Do timber battens perform better than aluminium battens?
A. Not inherently - both materials need acoustic treatment (backing, insulation, and cavity depth) to absorb sound effectively.
When configured identically (e.g. 7mm acoustic backing, 25mm acoustic batts, 90mm stud cavity), timber achieves NRC 0.88 and aluminium achieves NRC 0.82 - a minor difference acoustically.

Q: What affects the acoustic performance of battens most?
A. The key factors are: