Insitu Wallcovering Solutions range of antibacterial acoustic wall coverings
A new range of acoustic wall coverings has taken a step away from the more traditional options by offering an antibacterial treatment as an additional feature. Dimi Kyriakou reports.
There are countless antibacterial detergents, hand lotions, disinfectants – even socks – which all claim to make our lives healthier and germ-free. But who would have thought that acoustics also needed some TLC in the form of an antibacterial treatment?
Insitu Wallcovering Solutions is a new range of antibacterial acoustic wall coverings from Australian textile company Charles Parsons Group. It was developed to meet the increasing demand for aesthetically pleasing, high performing solutions that could be incorporated into multiple applications across the building and interior design sectors.
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“We want to offer a wall covering range that goes beyond the traditional acoustic wall covering that historically existed in the market,” Charles Parsons general manager (technical) Andrew Antala says.
“We’ve achieved this by adding the protection of an antibacterial treatment and additionally offering a printable option, thereby taking this type of product into areas never before possible. This allows designers and installers more freedom for creation while maintaining the key functionality of the acoustic wall covering.”
The range is available across three product options: Insitu Kaleidoscope is a highly engineered face fabric, while Insitu Synergy combines this fabric with an acoustic backing. Insitu Fusion, on the other hand, offers acoustic pre-cut self-adhesive tiles for easy installation.
For home theatre applications, Synergy and Fusion are good options as they have been tested for noise reduction performance according to AS/ISO 354-2006, and typically reduce reverberated noise by approximately 40%.
“These two product options will improve the acoustic quality in an AV environment, such as a home theatre, family and entertainment room. The various methods of installation depend on the project and applications.”
The active ingredient in the Polygiene antibacterial treatment is silver, which helps to prevent the spread and growth of mould, mildew and bacteria. Andrew explains that this treatment is based on natural silver ions and is used in very small amounts – only recycled silver from the precious metal industry is used in its production.
“Silver is probably the oldest known antibacterial product and the Polygiene treatment is proven to be effective against a range of bacteria. The treatment is permanent and sufficient for the life of the product, so the wall covering will stay efficient against the transferring of bacteria for as long as it is on the wall.”
So why do acoustic wall coverings need an antibacterial treatment in the first place?
According to Andrew, it offers a much greater flexibility for its inclusion in a wide range of projects above and beyond the traditional applications.
“Areas such as health, aged care, hospitality and childcare would never before consider using this type of acoustic wall covering because of the fear of its surface increasing the likelihood and chance of bacteria and viruses spreading. With the Polygiene antibacterial treatment, Insitu can now be used in these environments,” he says.
The range also adheres to AS1530 Part 3 (which describes the measurement of early fire hazard of properties of building materials), AS/NZS 3837 (method of test for heat and smoke release rates) and AS2001.4.B02.
“However, beyond the acoustic properties, Insitu also offers other advantages such as a palette of vibrant colours and being pin and Velcro receptive. As a whole product package, it offers much greater project compatibility compared to other traditional acoustic wall coverings,” Andrew says.
“Custom installers definitely need to be made aware of this range because there will be a greater demand in the future for a safer interior environment. Insitu Wallcovering with its antibacterial treatment is the perfect solution.”
Contact:
Insitu Wallcoverings
www.insituwallcoverings.com.au
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