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. Topakustik 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.

Challenge

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 grooved and 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.

          

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

	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 Moulding

Flat or curved panels:

up to 47.87” (1216 mm) x 11.94’ (3640 mm)

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 many wood veneer species and finishes, a painted finish or a wide selection of cost-effective melamine finishes.

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. MDF cores can be standard, fire retarded, no added fomaldehyde, FSC moisture resistant or coloured. Depending on required fire class alternative cores such as RESA¹P®, Cement, Gypsum, Particleboard, Flakeboard OSB, Forex, Plwood and Blockboard. B1 MDF Core, RESAP Standard and RESAP+CPL in lacquered finish all achieve Group 1 Class when tested to AS3837 Cone Calorimeter. Certificates Available upon request.

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.