Acoustic ceilings create air of calm in city flat

Andreas and his family recently installed a simple and effective acoustics solution with floating acoustic clouds and framed Troldtekt acoustic panels in their flat in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. Now, Andreas no longer has to wear earplugs in his own living room.

Troldtekt Porcelænshaven, København
Photo: Tommy Kosior, Troldtekt A/S

When Andreas and his family returned to Denmark after a stay abroad, they looked forward to moving into their new home, a lovely flat close to Frederiksberg Gardens in central Copenhagen. The property is light and spacious. Its layout is modern and stylish, and offers many exciting details – among other things skylights in the sloping ceilings, and a living room and children’s room on different levels. The children’s room is also separated by a floor-to-ceiling height bay window.

Acoustics a big challenge
However, there was one fly in the ointment. Quite soon after moving in, Andreas found out that the acoustics in the apartment were far from optimal. And in his case it was particularly problematic because he suffers from Ménières disease, and therefore suffers considerably from noises, a situation which is greatly exacerbated by poor acoustics.

“We had just moved from the USA to Denmark, so we couldn’t see our flat before we moved in. Even though it’s a bit embarrassing to talk about hearing loss, it is unfortunately something I have to contend with, and the bad acoustics made it impossible for me to be in our living room unless I was wearing earplugs,” says Andreas.

Acoustic clouds and decorative images ensure comfortable sounds
The workmen set to work, and the family now has four floating acoustic clouds with Troldtekt Plus, which absorb the high frequencies before they bounce around the large living room.

In addition to the new ceilings, there is new art on the walls. Framed Troldtekt acoustic panels have been used as decorative elements in the interior design, and Andreas was able to choose the motifs for the artworks.

Discreet and effective solution
The Danish trend expert Mads Arlien-Søborg has visited Andreas’ flat, and says:

“I think it’s a really good and interesting solution. The acoustic panels have been set up in ‘islands’. It is discreet, and does not strike one as an alien element in the interior – and I think that’s quite important. In addition, I really like the fact that Andreas has decided the acoustic panels can also be used as paintings – i.e. as a purely decorative element in his home, while also playing an important acoustic role,” says Mads Arlien-Søborg.

Noticeable and tangible difference
The family is extremely happy with the way in which the Troldtekt solution combines functionality and aesthetics, and the new sound environment has made a big difference to Andreas and his family in their daily life.

“Talking about acoustics can be a tricky. But the difference now is that I don’t think about it. Now I can return home and enjoy being in a ‘safe zone’ where it’s easy on my ears,” says Andreas. 

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About Ménières disease
Ménières disease is caused by problems with pressure regulation in the inner ear, with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of pressure in the ear.
The disorder usually affects just one ear. For some, Ménières disease starts on one side, but then also develops later in the other ear. Women and men are affected just as frequently. The disease may occur at any age, but typically affects people aged 30-60 years.

Source: Danish Association of the Hard of Hearing