The effectiveness of using furnishings to improve the housing acoustic of low-cost flats in Malaysia
The acoustical performance of high-rise residential housing in the marketplace of Malaysia is under satisfactory as the residents are consistently dealing with internal and external noises. One of the most practical solutions to improve housing indoor acoustic comfort is by introducing furniture a...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2020
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/15767/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/15767/1/405-1573-1-PB.pdf |
| Summary: | The acoustical performance of high-rise residential housing in the marketplace of Malaysia is under
satisfactory as the residents are consistently dealing with internal and external noises. One of the most
practical solutions to improve housing indoor acoustic comfort is by introducing furniture and furnishings
which can absorb sound energy. The objective of this research is to evaluate and compare the
acoustical performance of public low-cost multi-storey housing (PPR low-cost flats) in Kuala Lumpur in
unfurnished and furnished conditions. Three scenarios: (1) empty housing unit without any furnishing,
(2) housing unit furnished with basic furniture, (3) housing unit furnished with basic furniture and extra
furnishings (carpet and curtains), were modelled in Google SketchUp and exported into ODEON Room
Acoustic Software 13.0 for simulation. Results were then compared in the parameter of Reverberation
Time (RT) and Speech Transmission Index (STI). Based on results, scenario (3) demonstrated the best
improved result in overall after evaluating the performance of acoustical criteria. The more the furniture
and furnishings with higher absorption coefficient introduced in the housing unit, the lesser the RT and
higher STI, resulting in a better indoor acoustical environment. |
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