26—06—2024
The Acoustic Benefits of Perforated Plywood Panels
It’s no secret that aesthetics play a key role in successful interior design – however, another equally critical aspect to consider is the acoustics of your space. While focusing on the quality of sound is clearly important within performance spaces such as theatres and concert halls, many other buildings benefit from acoustic design principles too, such as corporate offices, education settings, libraries and sporting facilities, to name a few.
Timber acoustic panels are often favoured for interior designs where sound absorption is needed, and our Maxi Perforated Panels can be seen in a wide range of commercial and residential settings. In this article, we’ll take a look at the acoustic properties of our perforated acoustic panels, and share some recent case studies where the ‘quiet achiever’ of our plywood range has been used to stunning effect.
The unique properties of acoustic plywood
When it comes to measuring sound absorption levels, the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is the method most commonly used for materials in Australia. The NRC rating measures both the sound absorption and reflection levels of materials, allowing specifiers to choose materials that not only meet the relevant building codes but also achieve the desired acoustic levels within the space.
The NRC ratings range between 0 and 1, with materials with total reflection (and zero absorption) rated 0, and those with total absorption (and zero reflection) rated 1. Most timber products have a low absorption rating, however, our acoustic timber panels are perforated, which allows air to pass through, and in the process, the plywood dissipates the sound waves. This design allows our perforated sound absorption panels to achieve NRC ratings of up to 0.8, making them the perfect choice for any environment where acoustics are a factor.
Acoustic plywood in action
From offices and theatres, and a multitude of spaces in between, our Maxi Perforated Panels are creating ambient environments with acoustics that are perfectly aligned with the space. Here’s a sample of some recent projects.
Drysdale Library: A vibrant gathering place for the local community, the Drysdale Library features our perforated acoustic panels as a focal point of the design. Utilised in the ceiling of various rooms, the aesthetics are enhanced by circular patterns, curved lines and a vibrant Maxi Colour finish.
Botanicca: Architecturally designed, the stunning Botanicca office space in Melbourne is spread across multiple floors, with our acoustic timber panels featured in the ceiling of meeting rooms, improving the sound quality of the space and allowing for effective communication. Our perforated panels are also utilised within a feature wall, creating a unique and eye-catching ‘peg board’ wall with innovative signage.
Donvale Christian College Community Hub: The impressive Donvale Christian College hub provides students and the wider community with a flexible space for sports and other activities. With expansive dimensions, the hub benefits from the addition of Maxi Perforated Panels, in this case, crafted from the stunning Maxi Veneer.
Lang Lang Sporting Hub: Providing sporting facilities for the local football, cricket, tennis and netball clubs, all under one roof, the Lang Lang Sporting Hub is impressive from every angle. Inside, our acoustic plywood has been added to the interiors to accentuate sound waves, which is often needed in a sporting environment, particularly after a big win when sound levels can reach a cacophony.
Talk to us about acoustics today
When it comes to acoustics, our team can offer sound advice on the best ply product for your school, office, venue or public space. Get in touch today to find out more and uncover the design possibilities of acoustic ply.



26—06—2024
It’s no secret that aesthetics play a key role in successful interior design – however, another equally critical aspect to consider is the acoustics of your space. While focusing on the quality of sound is clearly important within performance spaces such as theatres and concert halls, many other buildings benefit from acoustic design principles too, such as corporate offices, education settings, libraries and sporting facilities, to name a few.
Timber acoustic panels are often favoured for interior designs where sound absorption is needed, and our Maxi Perforated Panels can be seen in a wide range of commercial and residential settings. In this article, we’ll take a look at the acoustic properties of our perforated acoustic panels, and share some recent case studies where the ‘quiet achiever’ of our plywood range has been used to stunning effect.
The unique properties of acoustic plywood
When it comes to measuring sound absorption levels, the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is the method most commonly used for materials in Australia. The NRC rating measures both the sound absorption and reflection levels of materials, allowing specifiers to choose materials that not only meet the relevant building codes but also achieve the desired acoustic levels within the space.
The NRC ratings range between 0 and 1, with materials with total reflection (and zero absorption) rated 0, and those with total absorption (and zero reflection) rated 1. Most timber products have a low absorption rating, however, our acoustic timber panels are perforated, which allows air to pass through, and in the process, the plywood dissipates the sound waves. This design allows our perforated sound absorption panels to achieve NRC ratings of up to 0.8, making them the perfect choice for any environment where acoustics are a factor.
Acoustic plywood in action
From offices and theatres, and a multitude of spaces in between, our Maxi Perforated Panels are creating ambient environments with acoustics that are perfectly aligned with the space. Here’s a sample of some recent projects.
Drysdale Library: A vibrant gathering place for the local community, the Drysdale Library features our perforated acoustic panels as a focal point of the design. Utilised in the ceiling of various rooms, the aesthetics are enhanced by circular patterns, curved lines and a vibrant Maxi Colour finish.
Botanicca: Architecturally designed, the stunning Botanicca office space in Melbourne is spread across multiple floors, with our acoustic timber panels featured in the ceiling of meeting rooms, improving the sound quality of the space and allowing for effective communication. Our perforated panels are also utilised within a feature wall, creating a unique and eye-catching ‘peg board’ wall with innovative signage.
Donvale Christian College Community Hub: The impressive Donvale Christian College hub provides students and the wider community with a flexible space for sports and other activities. With expansive dimensions, the hub benefits from the addition of Maxi Perforated Panels, in this case, crafted from the stunning Maxi Veneer.
Lang Lang Sporting Hub: Providing sporting facilities for the local football, cricket, tennis and netball clubs, all under one roof, the Lang Lang Sporting Hub is impressive from every angle. Inside, our acoustic plywood has been added to the interiors to accentuate sound waves, which is often needed in a sporting environment, particularly after a big win when sound levels can reach a cacophony.
Talk to us about acoustics today
When it comes to acoustics, our team can offer sound advice on the best ply product for your school, office, venue or public space. Get in touch today to find out more and uncover the design possibilities of acoustic ply.