Materials for soundproofing spaces: how Krion® LUX contributes to sound insulation

Noise affects privacy, rest and the user experience in any space. In hotels, offices, restaurants, shops, healthcare centres or homes, having acoustically insulated areas helps to create more comfortable, functional and pleasant environments.

To achieve this, simply incorporating a decorative element is not enough. It is necessary to devise a solution tailored to the project’s requirements, select materials that contribute to sound insulation and pay careful attention to every feature within the space.

At Krion, we see acoustic comfort as an opportunity to enhance people’s experience without compromising on design. Our solid surface therefore contributes to sound insulation thanks to its intrinsic properties, whilst also enabling the creation of seamless, durable, hygienic and customised spaces.

What will you learn in this article?

• How soundproofing a space works.
• Which methods help to reduce noise transmission.
• Which materials are involved in an acoustic solution.
• How to plan a soundproofed space step by step.
• In which applications Krion® Lux can be used.
• Why our solid surface can achieve overall sound insulation of up to 33.5 dBA.

How soundproofing a space works

Sound is transmitted through vibrations. When sound waves reach the elements that define a room, some of the energy is reflected, some is absorbed and some may be transmitted to adjoining spaces. It is therefore important to distinguish between three concepts that are often confused:

• Sound insulation: reduces noise transmission between spaces.
• Acoustic treatment: improves sound quality within a single room by reducing echo and reverberation.
• Soundproofing: a common term used to describe solutions aimed at limiting the propagation of sound to other areas.

When seeking to reduce internal echo, absorbent materials are primarily used. However, when the aim is to create acoustically better-insulated spaces, other factors come into play: mass, continuity, airtightness, absorption and vibration control.

For this reason, acoustic performance does not depend on a single choice. It depends on how materials are combined, how joints are treated, and how the solution is adapted to the activity that will take place in the space. 

Methods for reducing noise when soundproofing a space

To reduce sound transmission, the space must be treated as a complete system. Every construction decision influences the final acoustic performance. Although each project requires a specific solution, there are four basic principles worth bearing in mind:

• Increase mass: compact, dense materials hinder the passage of airborne noise.
• Reduce vibrations: decoupled elements help to limit sound transmission through the structure.
• Incorporate absorption into interior cavities: certain materials can reduce resonances and improve overall performance.
• Ensure continuity: joints, interfaces, service penetrations and perimeters must be sealed to prevent sound leakage.

None of these principles works in isolation. The solution must address the source of the noise, the required level of privacy, the dimensions of the space, and the project’s design, usage and maintenance requirements.

Best materials for soundproofing spaces

The most suitable solution depends on the type of noise, the use of the space, construction constraints and the level of sound insulation required. Rather than seeking a single material capable of meeting all needs, it is better to select those that fulfil a specific function within a coherent solution.

Krion® LUX: a solid surface for projects with acoustic requirements

Krion® LUX is a new-generation solid surface that contributes to the acoustic insulation of spaces where privacy, well-being and quality of use are key factors.

Its composition, consisting mainly of natural minerals such as aluminium trihydrate and high-strength resins, results in a compact, homogeneous material with virtually zero porosity. These characteristics, together with its density, the fine particle size and the ability to work with different thicknesses, enhance its performance in terms of sound transmission.

Furthermore, Krion® LUX allows for the creation of continuous surfaces with imperceptible joints. This continuity helps to reduce discontinuities within the project and enables acoustic performance, durability, hygiene and design to be integrated into a single solution.

According to tests carried out in accordance with the ISO 717-1:2013 standard, our solid surface can achieve an overall sound insulation rating of up to 33.5 dBA. As decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, an apparently moderate reduction can result in a noticeable improvement in the acoustic comfort of a space.

In addition to this capability, there are other significant advantages for hotels, offices, restaurants, shops, healthcare centres, listening rooms and leisure spaces: ease of cleaning, resistance to intensive use, the possibility of repair, and the freedom to create curves, volumes, integrated furniture and bespoke solutions.

Absorptive materials to complement an acoustic solution

Absorptive materials help to control sound energy within chambers or rooms. This group includes rock wool, glass mineral wool, polyester fibres, PET panels, geotextiles, cork and certain technical foams. Their main function is to reduce reverberation or improve acoustic comfort within a space. On their own, they are not always sufficient to limit noise transmission between adjacent areas.

They are therefore used to complement compact materials, decoupled systems and sealing solutions that contribute to overall acoustic performance.

Materials to provide mass and decoupling

Acoustic panels, high-density sheets and other mass-providing materials help to hinder the transmission of airborne noise.

Furthermore, acoustic clips, silent blocks, resilient strips and decoupled profiles reduce the transfer of vibrations through the structure. These elements may be necessary in projects with high acoustic requirements. They should be selected based on the type of noise, the available space and the technical configuration defined for each specific case. 

Sealants and continuity elements

Acoustic putties, elastic sealants and watertight strips help prevent air leaks and discontinuities around perimeters, joints, service penetrations and structural interfaces. These are discreet yet crucial elements. Even a small opening can compromise the performance of an entire acoustic solution.

How to soundproof a space step by step

To design a space with good acoustic performance, it is necessary to analyse both the source of the noise and the functional and aesthetic requirements of the project.

1. Identify the source of the noise. Determine whether it is airborne noise, impact noise, vibrations or internal reverberation.
2. Analyse the use of the space. A hotel, a clinic, a restaurant, an office or a rehearsal room all have different acoustic and maintenance requirements.
3. Define the required level of sound insulation. The solution must meet the anticipated requirements for privacy, comfort and intended use.
4. Select materials that deliver good performance. Choose the combination of materials based on the type of noise, the characteristics of the space, the required level of sound insulation, and the project’s requirements for modification and maintenance.
5. Incorporate complementary elements where necessary. Internal chambers, absorbent materials, mass sheets or decoupled systems can enhance overall performance.
6. Ensure joints and interfaces are correctly resolved. Avoiding discontinuities is essential to minimise sound leakage.
7. Integrate the design from the outset. Acoustic solutions must also reflect the project’s identity, meet the required durability and enhance the user experience.
8. Validate the acoustic performance of the entire system. In projects with high requirements, it is advisable to seek specialist technical advice to assess the construction solution, the interfaces and the required performance.

Applications of Krion® LUX in projects with acoustic requirements

Krion® LUX enables the development of solutions for spaces and products where sound control, technical precision and design must work in tandem.

High-fidelity loudspeakers

One example of its application is Kroma, an Andalusian manufacturer of high-end loudspeaker enclosures. The brand chose our solid surface to manufacture the cabinets for its loudspeakers due to the material’s ability to contribute to sound insulation and enhance high-fidelity sound reproduction.

Constructed entirely from Krion® LUX, Kroma speakers combine technical precision, premium aesthetics and design possibilities that are difficult to achieve with traditional materials. The material’s stability, its malleability and the ability to create seamless pieces enable the development of ergonomic and refined shapes, designed to deliver a clean, natural and realistic sound.

Nightclubs, clubs and nightlife venues

In venues with high sound pressure levels, such as nightclubs, concert halls, clubs or nightlife venues, sound insulation is key to enhancing the indoor experience and limiting noise transmission to neighbouring areas.

KRION® Lux can be incorporated into DJ booths, private rooms, VIP areas, entrances, corridors, relaxation areas or bespoke architectural features. Its ability to create continuous volumes, curves and customised surfaces allows for the design of immersive environments without compromising the venue’s acoustic requirements or visual identity.

Recording studios, rehearsal rooms and listening rooms

In recording studios, rehearsal rooms, audiovisual production spaces or listening rooms, sound quality is an essential part of the experience.

KRION® Lux can be integrated into booths, technical furniture, control areas, bespoke elements or reception areas, providing continuity, durability and design freedom. In this type of project, it must be combined with the acoustic treatment and insulation solutions specified by a specialist.

Frequently asked questions about materials for soundproofing spaces

What is the best material for soundproofing a space?

There is no single material suitable for all projects. The choice depends on the type of noise, the use of the space, the level of privacy required and the structural characteristics of the room.

What is needed to reduce noise between adjoining spaces?

It is necessary to identify how sound is transmitted: through the air, via vibrations, through structural joints, or via doors, installations and other points of leakage. An effective solution must manage the continuity of the space, minimise discontinuities and select materials appropriate to the required level of insulation.

Does KRION® Lux contribute to sound insulation?

Yes. KRION® Lux possesses intrinsic physical characteristics that contribute positively to sound insulation, such as its compact composition, high mineral content, virtually zero porosity, the ability to be worked in different thicknesses, and the continuity afforded by its joints.

According to tests carried out in accordance with the ISO 717-1:2013 standard, KRION® can achieve an overall sound insulation rating of up to 33.5 dBA.

What is the difference between sound insulation and acoustic treatment?

Sound insulation aims to reduce the transmission of noise between spaces. Acoustic treatment, on the other hand, improves sound quality within a single room by reducing echo and reverberation.