A new apartment development sought to feature exposed CLT ceilings while also meeting G6 building code regulations.
Balancing superior acoustic performance with simplicity was why Wellington developers, Palmer & Cook chose to use the PhoneStar Lite acoustic system in their recent apartment project, Kakariki.
“What made PhoneStar stand out to us most was its sustainability, but even more so, the support and guidance we received from Woodland Acoustics. Acoustic systems were uncharted territory for us, and their expertise made all the difference.”- Curtis White, Palmer & Cook
PhoneStar Lite by Woodland Acoustics is a high-performance acoustic system that adds mass while remaining at the minimal build-up height of 20mm. The core component of this system is Woodland Acoustic's PhoneStar soundproofing board. PhoneStar utilises natural sand in carefully engineered layers to effectively disrupt sound waves, particularly those at low frequencies, providing superior noise reduction.
The PhoneStar Lite system is simple and versatile, meaning there were no complicated build ups. Comprised of two layers, an underlay and the PhoneStar boards, it is compatible with all floor coverings. As the Kakariki project utilised three different floor coverings, tiles, carpet and Woodland Lifestyle bamboo, it was important to have a system that was compatible and compliant with all three.
Palmer & Cook’s latest Wellington development combines contemporary living with environmentally friendly materials. The use of PhoneStar, made entirely from sustainable materials, further reinforced their commitment to environmentally responsible construction.
"Timber mid-floors can present challenges in managing low-frequency noise, such as footfall from people above. PhoneStar Lite is great for this type of noise," says Ambrose Hewetson, Acoustics Specialist at Woodland Acoustics, "It's also a straightforward specification for the architect. Being a very thin system, it saves valuable build height and, because it doesn't rely on an air cavity, it remains within the fire cell of the mid-floor, making it even easier to integrate into the project."
PhoneStar Lite’s quick and simple installation process was a significant advantage, as it could be installed by their on-site construction team, ensuring there were no external delays to the project.
The architect, Moore Design, also wanted to avoid the use of a raised floor batten system to minimise the mid-floor height to reduce costs. However, they still required a system that would meet the requirements of the NZ Building Code.
“This system stands out as the best mid-floor acoustic system available, perfectly meeting the required STC and IIC ratings for stacked apartments.
The decision to specify the PhoneStar System was made easier by the comprehensive information available directly from Woodland Lifestyle.
This convenience, along with the system's proven effectiveness in controlling sound transmission, made it the clear choice for ensuring a comfortable living environment for future residents." – Grant Clarke, Moore Design
The PhoneStar Lite system is backed by local New Zealand acoustic testing and not only meets but exceeds the performance expectations for G6 compliance.