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Why Acoustics Matter in Retirement Communities
Acoustic comfort is a critical consideration in retirement communities, yet it is often overlooked in design discussions. Nearly 40% of adults over 75 experience some degree of hearing loss, (New Zealand Medical Journal) and poorly controlled reverberation or background noise can make conversations difficult, leading to social withdrawal and reduced engagement.
Studies from audiologists and speech therapists highlight that clear, balanced acoustics are essential for supporting communication and interaction in shared spaces (ASHA). Organisations focused on hearing health also stress that improving room acoustics can create more inclusive and enjoyable environments for seniors (Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa, Hearing Link).
For architects designing aged care facilities, this means that acoustic performance should be treated as an essential design feature, just as important as natural light, accessibility, and thermal comfort.
The Design Challenge
At Orewa Sands Senior Living, the brief was to create a main lounge ceiling feature that reflected the warmth of timber while addressing acoustic comfort for residents.
The design team needed a solution that was:
- Acoustically effective: To reduce reverberation and background noise in a large communal lounge.
- Lightweight: Compatible with engineering requirements in a multi-residential setting with seismic considerations.
- Fire compliant: Meeting the stringent safety standards of aged care facilities.
- Visually natural: Blending with Orewa’s coastal environment while avoiding the “institutional” feel often associated with acoustic treatments.
The Solution: dbsorb's PET Acoustic Battens with Timber Aesthetics
Instead of traditional timber or aluminium battens, dbsorb supplied a timber-look printed acoustic batten system manufactured from 60% recycled plastics.
Key Advantages for Architects & Designers
- Acoustic performance: Controls reverberation, improving clarity and comfort for residents with hearing challenges.
- Lightweight & seismic-friendly: Installed via dbsorb’s FinLock™ + TCR bracket system, removing the need for heavy extrusions and simplifying engineering approvals.
- Fire-rated: Fully compliant for aged care environments without intumescent coatings.
- Sustainability: Locally manufactured, recycled PET with minimal waste.
- Installer-ready: Panels supplied pre-assembled, reducing site labour and installation time.
- Healthy living spaces: Can be installed without glue, making them VOC-free and safe for residents.
The result was a timber-look ceiling feature that felt warm, natural, and contemporary — with the added benefit of acoustic comfort built in.
Partially installed dbsorb acoustic battens show the FinLock™ clip system in action. Once fixed, the clips are completely hidden, allowing the ceiling to integrate seamlessly around lighting, HVAC, and other building services while maintaining a clean, natural timber-look finish.
Why Choose PET Over Timber or Aluminium Battens?
Architects often default to timber or aluminium battens for feature ceilings in retirement homes. dbsorb’s PET solution delivers unique advantages:
- Cost efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
- No coatings or on-site finishing required.
- Lightweight design reduces structural load and simplifies seismic approvals.
- Customisable in size, spacing, and finish.
- Integrated acoustic absorption, turning a visual feature into a functional performance layer.
For retirement communities, this means one system solves both aesthetic and acoustic challenges.
The Outcome at Orewa Sands
The finished ceiling is a striking timber-look feature that resonates with Orewa’s coastal surroundings while delivering acoustic comfort that supports clear conversation and social interaction. This outcome was made possible through the creative vision of Macintosh Harris, specification support from Comfortech, and the expert installation by Apex Interiors, who brought the design to life with precision and care.
By combining sustainable materials with high-performance acoustics, dbsorb helped create a lounge where residents can gather, connect, and enjoy daily life without the distraction of excessive background noise, demonstrating how thoughtful design and functionality can coexist seamlessly.
