22 March 2022

Timber: an excellent sound insulator

We are surrounded by noise, especially in cities. Where noise can be a huge problem is in the office: high noise level in the workplace decreases concentration and affects productivity.

The best way to create a quiet and comfortable atmosphere is through the use of wood, a material that stands out for its acoustic behaviour.

It is not very common to use only wood in the construction sector; it is combined with other materials or can be found in floors, doors, walls, etc. and has a merely decorative function. But wood has a great potential.

Wittywood is the first office building in Spain that uses only wood as a construction material and provides benefits for both the planet and the user.

Sound is a wave that arises from the vibration of an object, creating a mechanical disturbance that causes the waves to propagate.  As wood is a porous material, it absorbs much of the sound vibrations that are trapped in its cavities. The greater the thickness of the wood, the greater the noise blocking.  This is how this material becomes a good insulator.

In addition, where wood is used, there is less reverberation time. In other words, there are fewer echoes and noises compared to other types of construction.

What’s more: wood reduces stress.

Its ability to absorb noise not only affects the acoustic level of a room, it affects the wellbeing of the users, creating a unique environment that encourages concentration and creativity.

Working in a wooden office is an extraordinary sensory experience, it’s hard to describe.

When we choose wood as a building material for an office we not only consider its renewable character but also its benefits: creating a good workplace experience, improving people’s stay in the building where they will spend most of their days.