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Glamox has launched a new family of indoor luminaires that can absorb sound called FX Silence. The suspended energy-efficient LED luminaires are aimed at transforming noisy open-plan offices and workspaces. The secret to their noise-dampening properties is a unique acoustic sandwich construction and an external fibre coating made largely from recycled PET plastic bottles.
Today, the negative effects of noise on human health, well-being, and productivity are well understood. Too much noise, too often, can impact stress levels leading to spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. In a survey, 60% of office workers reported that they had experienced difficulties concentrating and had delivered poor-quality work due to loud workspaces.1 The primary causes for preventing people from working effectively are colleagues talking to each other followed by people on phone calls. Once disturbed, it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to the task.2
“Our acoustic luminaires have been specifically designed to dampen down sound and proved to be effective during independent laboratory testing at AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland,” said Andreas Wendestam, Manager of Product Management for Glamox’s Professional Building Solutions Division. “The new luminaires meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products that support health and well-being in offices and public buildings. What’s more, around 75% of the soundproofing fibres on the exterior of the panels are made from recycled plastic bottles.”
FX Silence luminaires are constructed using a fire-resistant acoustic sandwich comprising two 9mm outer layers of compacted recycled fibres which are odourless, non-toxic, and do not create dust. The interior of the luminaire is filled with rock wool. Together they work to absorb sound.
Each stylish-looking luminaire contains energy-saving LED lights that provide downward and upward light (see technical specification). The luminaires may be connected and wirelessly controlled and versions can incorporate presence and daylight sensors to further help reduce electricity use. Versions are also available that feature tuneable light sources that can mimic natural daylight conditions for human-centric lighting applications. The luminaires are available in a grey and black finish, along with a further eight custom colours.
FX Silence has been installed in office environments, including chill-out rooms and conference rooms. The range is now available across Europe.
1 Oscar Acoustics survey polling 2,000 office workers, July 2022
2 Research by Gloria Mark, Professor at the University of California, Irvine