Minimal thickness, maximum impact

Palmer & Cook’s latest Wellington development combines contemporary living with environmentally friendly materials. The use of PhoneStar made entirely from sustainable materials, further reinforced their commitment to environmentally responsible construction.

“What made PhoneStar stand out to us most was its sustainability, but even more so, the support and guidance we received from Woodland Acoustics," says Curtis White, Palmer & Cook. "Acoustic systems were uncharted territory for us, and their expertise made all the difference."

PhoneStar Lite by Woodland Acoustics is a high-performance acoustic system that adds mass while remaining at the minimal build-up height of 20mm. The core component of this system is Woodland Acoustic's PhoneStar soundproofing board. PhoneStar utilises natural sand in carefully engineered layers to effectively disrupt sound waves, particularly those at low frequencies, providing superior noise reduction.

The PhoneStar Lite system is simple and versatile, meaning there were no complicated build ups. Comprised of two layers: an underlay and the PhoneStar boards, it is compatible with all floor coverings. As the Kākāriki project utilised three different floor coverings, tiles, carpet and Woodland Lifestyle bamboo, it was important to have a system that was compatible and compliant with all three.

"Timber mid-floors can present challenges in managing low-frequency noise — such as footfall from people above, PhoneStar Lite is great for this type of noise," says Ambrose Hewetson, Acoustics Specialist at Woodland Acoustics. "It's also a straightforward specification for the architect. Being a very thin system, it saves valuable build height and, because it doesn't rely on an air cavity, it remains within the fire cell of the mid-floor, making it even easier to integrate into the project."

Simplifying acoustic specification

PhoneStar Lite’s quick and simple installation process was a significant advantage, as it could be installed by their on-site construction team, ensuring there were no external delays to the project.

The architect, Moore Design, also wanted to avoid the use of a raised floor batten system to minimise the mid-floor height and reduce costs. However, they still required a system that would meet the requirements of the NZ Building Code.

“This system stands out as the best mid-floor acoustic system available, perfectly meeting the required STC and IIC ratings for stacked apartment," says Grant Clarke, Moore Design. "The decision to specify the PhoneStar System was made easier by the comprehensive information available directly from Woodland Acoustics. This convenience, along with the system's proven effectiveness in controlling sound transmission, made it the clear choice for ensuring a comfortable living environment for future residents."

The PhoneStar Lite system is backed by local New Zealand acoustic testing and not only meets but exceeds the performance expectations for G6 compliance.