by Brianna Crandall — April 8, 2015—As commercial design trends continue to lean toward the contemporary — open spaces and sleek surfaces with the use of more glass and exposed ceilings — and with LEED green building objectives in mind, architects, designers and other interiors specifiers have been met with new acoustical challenges.
Phifer Inc. recently announced the new SheerWeave Style 4901 line, a two-sided twill weave fabric in a range of neutral colors, as part of its range of interior sun-control fabrics that address acoustical needs within the commercial and office environment.
Part of Phifer’s SheerWeave sun control collection, the company’s acoustical fabrics show beneficial performance ratings of .50-.60 as measured by the noise reduction coefficient, or NRC, for their ability to absorb sound. The performance of these SheerWeave fabrics peaks depending on the type of sound they are exposed to.
In fact, the acoustical SheerWeave BASIC 3%, Style 2500, Performance + Style 2500, and Style 4901 fabrics have each been shown to display increased absorption among human speech frequencies, making them even more effective at controlling sound in environments, such as office settings, where privacy and noise reduction are key, points out Phifer.
Marketed as an “exciting” alternative to ordinary window coverings, Phifer’s SheerWeave fabrics are said to elegantly manage the sun’s heat and glare. SheerWeave’s light-filtering qualities are engineered to diffuse light, reduce glare, help control solar heat gain, and reduce the fading of interior furnishings. With a “whisper” of light and color, SheerWeave fabrics can complement even minimalist interior design schemes and can be fabricated into many different types of window treatments.
For additional peace of mind, SheerWeave BASIC 3%, Style 2500, Performance + Style 2500, and Style 4901 are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. These fabrics also meet the more stringent GREENGUARD Gold Certification standards for use in sensitive environments such as schools and healthcare facilities.
These acoustical fabrics are also infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection for an additional layer of cleanliness protection. Added during the manufacturing process, Microban works continuously during the lifetime of the shade to inhibit the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew that can damage the shades, says Phifer.
