Wood is generally accepted as a desirable surface treatment in general architectural spaces, as well as critical listening and performance spaces. However, one of the problems is that flat wooden panels may generate problematic reflections compromising the intelligibility and music quality. To mitigate offending reflections, upholstered fiberglass, stretch fabric systems and expanded/perforated metals have been used. Topakustiks provides an alternative approach by offering the ability to utilize flat or curved attractive wooden panels and provide absoprtion in precisely the frequency range desired or over a broad range of frequencies.
Problem
Wood paneling provides a handsome visual architectural appearance, however,
flat panels can potentially generate strong specular reflections and excessive
reverberation that may corrupt intelligibility and sound quality.
Solution
Topakustik
perforated wood panels offer the attractive appearance of wood, coupled
with sound absorption over a wide range of frequencies. This offers architects
and acousticians an alternative finish material to fabric wrapped panels,
stretch fabric systems and perforated metals. The Topakustik surface consists
of a series of 0.2” (5 mm) deep parallel grooves either 0.078”
(2 mm), 0.118” (3 mm) or 0.157” (4 mm) wide. At the base of
the groove, there is a single or double diameter hole, providing a sound
path through the panel. By varying the groove spacing, the diameter of
the single or double diameter hole, and the rear air cavity depth and
content, one can obtain absorption over a wide variety of frequencies.
Other manufacturers offer one or two pattern options. Topakustik offers
20 patterns. Or create your own signature pattern.
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| M Perforation:
Provides absorption and reverberation control in the mid to high frequency region |
T- Perforation: Provides absorption and reverberation control in the mid to low frequency region |
Reflector: Contains no rear perforations and provides minimal absorption, but offers a matching face profile to complement absorptive panels. |
Nomenclature
Topakustik
product names include the width of the reflective area in mm, the groove
width in mm, the type of rear hole M or T, and the percent open area,
plus the type of core (standard Class A or moisture resistant) and the
species and finish of the face veneer. Face finishes are available in
natural wood veneers, painted colors, melamine finishes and metallic finishes.
Topakustik Formats (Planks, Panels, Tiles)
Topakustik is available in three formats:
Tongue
and groove planks:
5” (128 mm) wide x up to 12’ (3.65 m ) in length
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Longitudinal edges have standard tongue and groove detail. If requested, a special tongue detail can be provided for mounting with metal T-bar mounting clips. Transverse edges are cut cleanly and at a 90 degree angle. The rear perforations are visible on the cut edge. |
| If requested, the rear perforations on the transverse edge can be set back and the edge can be finished to match the face of the plank. The rear stress relief grooves are necessary for stability and are visible. | |
| If requested, the first and last plank can have visible veneered edges, without tongue or groove, finished to match the face of the plank. |
Hardwood Edge Molding
Flat
or curved panels:
up to 47.87” (1216 mm) x 11.94’ (3640 mm)
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| Grooves and rear perforations visible on the edge | 0.16” (4 mm) deep female rabbet for spline joint | Grooves extends to a veneered edge |
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| Grooves extend to the finished edge, but rear perforations are not visible. | Tongue or groove joint | Grooves terminated before the edge |
Layin Tiles:
23
3/4” x 23 3/4” (603 x 603 mm) and 23 3/4” x 47 3/4”
(603 x 1207 mm) concealed grid ceiling tiles.
Finishes
Topakustik is available in any wood veneer species and finish, any painted
finish, a wide selection of cost-effective melamine finishes and a selected
range of metallic finishes. Special flitch requests can be accommodated.
Due to different computer monitor settings, it is impossible to display accurate images of finishes. Therefore, we are deliberately not displaying sample finishes, as these images are not helpful and may lead to more confusion. We will attempt to satisfy all finish requests, by supplying a sample to match all paint colors, wood veneer species and finishes or melamine finish.
Core
All core material is 16 mm Class A MDF. Moisture resistant cores are also
available for humid environments. See Important Information in the side
bar.
Absorption
One of the advantages of Topakustik is that you can select from a wide
variety of designs to provide absorption in a specific frequency range
or over a broad range of frequencies to fine tune the room’s reverberation
time. The frequency range is determined by the spacing of the 5 mm deep
grooves, the diameter of the holes, and the air cavity depth behind or
above the panels or planks.
Installation
Topakustik planks can be installed by toe nailing through the T&G
groove into a wood furring strip or alternatively using a proprietary
metal fastening clip which attaches to a standard suspended 15/16”
T-bar. Topakustik panels can be installed in an upward access G- or Z-
system, downward access torsion spring system or as layin, tegular or
concealed grid T-bar panels.
The World’s Leading Absorptive Wood Panel System From the Acoustical Industry’s Leading Acoustical Innovator
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Copyright
2000, RPG Diffusor Systems, Inc. |