Architects seek green innovations in acoustic solutions

Industry trends and the push for sustainability

There is significant industry momentum for more sustainable practices. “The design and construction industry recognises that construction waste makes up a significant portion of total waste going to landfills in New Zealand,” remarks Wells.

“As manufacturers, we feel it's our responsibility to provide solutions that help deal with the products we create at the end of the life cycle.”

This proactive stance taken by companies like Autex Acoustics highlights the role of industry leaders in driving change, even in the absence of strict regulatory frameworks within New Zealand. It underscores the importance of corporate responsibility in achieving sustainability goals.

Meeting consumer and architect demands

Architects often drive the demand for sustainable solutions, according to Wells. These professionals are at the forefront of design innovation, making crucial decisions about materials and their long-term impacts.

“We find that the push for sustainable solutions often comes from architects. They consider the impact of materials on their client’s immediate and long-term wellbeing and the environmental impact.”

“Architects are specifying products that ensure either the longevity or ‘repurposability’ of materials,” says Wells. 

This trend signifies an industry shift in which design decision-makers are considering not only aesthetics but also the environmental footprint of their choices.

Sustainable innovations in acoustics

In response to this industry trend and the company’s own environmental concerns. Autex Acoustics has introduced two revolutionary products that exemplify its commitment to sustainability: SpinFix and ReForm. 

1. SpinFix is a glueless mounting system designed to install acoustic panels without adhesives or nails. “Using palletising technology, SpinFix repurposes offcuts from the manufacturing line, transforming them into pellets that can be shaped into various products,” says Wells.

“This system involves plastic clips that, when drilled onto an acoustic panel, create a friction weld, eliminating the need for glue. “This allows for the entire panel, including the clips, to be recycled at the end of its life, ensuring complete circularity,” Wells explains. 

2. ReForm addresses the pressing issue of building waste by taking old acoustic panels and manufacturing offcuts and turning them into new panels. This process not only reduces waste but also creates a product that is both high-quality and sustainable.

“ReForm is about taking materials at the end of their life and giving them a new purpose. It’s a perfect example of closing the loop in material usage,” says Wells.

Litigation firm Meredith Connell approached Jasmax to design its new Auckland office; Autex Acoustics was selected as the supply specialist for its stringent acoustic design requirements.

Soundproofing enables people to hear one another, reducing overall stress and ensuring privacy. As Meredith Connell managing partner Steve Haszard explains, “Our 160 lawyers are dealing with some of the most sensitive criminal matters in New Zealand, and there must be no possibility of anything being overheard even within our office. Sound security is essential to us. In addition, we need absolute sound clarity within our secure spaces.”

Haszard confirms the new office’s successful acoustic outcome, “During Covid, the courts went online. Yet, to my knowledge, there was not a single issue raised by the judiciary, opposing counsel or anyone else connected to Meredith Connell’s secure meeting room—and Autex Acoustics technology was a major part of our court work being as unaffected as possible during lockdown.”

The journey towards sustainability in design is ongoing. Still, with industry leaders like Autex Acoustics paving the way, there is hope for a future where every product contributes positively to the environment. Through its innovative solutions, SpinFix and Reform, Autex Acoustics addresses current sustainability challenges and sets a benchmark for others to follow. 

Find out more about Autex Acoustics on ArchiPro today.