ACOUSTICS.

CONTENTS Page 3 INTRODUCTION Sound & space: the challenges and indicators of modern architecture Page 7 HOW DOES THE SOUND DIFFER? Can room acoustics be measured? Page 9 BLACKTHERMO®FELT ACOUSTIC PLUS OBJECT CARPET flooring – an unbeatable noise absorber Page 11 OBJECT CARPET FLOORING Work and live: more quietly, more comfortably and economically with OBJECT CARPET Page 13 OBJECT CARPET AND YDOL Partners in tailored sound-optimising of rooms Page 15 HOLISTIC ACOUSTIC PLANNING Our versatile professionalism for your project Page 19 REFERENCES Implemented projects 3

INTRODUCTION Sound & space: the challenges and indi- cators of modern architecture Whether open space offices or modern conference rooms, room acoustics are one of the factors defi- ning the quality of architecture. Acoustics are decisive for work efficiency and communication, as well as for comfort in offices, classes or workshops. Modern architecture and living concepts using plain, hard materials and open structures need sophistica- ted planning of acoustics - since glass, steel and concrete reflect the sound and open spaces provide less possibility for sound absorption. The consequence is a long reverberation time and loud footstep sounds resulting in background noise, which makes communication, concentration and creative thinking almost impossible. Noises exceeding 60 dB are unpleasant and can trigger stress. Besides detailed planning, a user-oriented and economical acoustic solution requires materials which prevent the noise or absorb it. The floor surface is one of the main causes of the formation and emissi- on of noise - whether in the form of footstep sounds or sound reflection. Floor carpeting significantly contributes to noise reduction and to customised optimisation of room acoustics. OBJECT CARPET flooring provides well-balanced room acoustics. With its optimal absorption values it helps you to better hear and understand speech in offices, confe- rence rooms, hotels, shops, restaurants and residential buildings. To offer holistic room acoustic solutions, OBJECT CARPET partners with acoustic specialist company YDOL. In this way, it can develop individual, interior concepts additionally involving walls and ceilings into the acoustic planning, sustainably contributing to sound absorption. For the planning, all modern techniques are available, e.g., computer simulation, model measuring and auralisation. The earlier you involve us in your project planning, the more precisely we can support you in your chal- lenges in acoustics. Do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to assist you at any time. 5

HOW DOES THE SOUND DIFFER? How does the sound differ? Can room acoustics be measured? Disturbing noise sources diminish our power of concentration. Noise stress in the office impairs our pro- ductivity and can be noxious to our health. In a research of the VDI (Association of German Engineers), labour productivity losses caused by noise are estimated to 20-30 per cent. To systematically reduce noise, as well as to meet requirements on footfall sound insulation against sound transmission acc. to DIN 4109, we need to distinguish between room sound and footstep sound. Regardless of its source, ROOM SOUND spreads out in the room either directly or via several sound reflection areas on walls and floors. Besides speech and noise from office equipment and other appli- ances, walking noise and moving chairs are also typical sources of noise. Objects and materials have an impact on deadening or boosting sound in the room through their sound absorption (absorption coefficient). FOOTSTEP SOUND is caused by walking on the floor and by moving chairs and tables. It is transferred to adjacent rooms and to the next floors above and below. Thus floor carpeting not only significantly influences the level of noise in the room where it develops, but also in adjacent rooms through which sound and vibrations spread. REVERBERATION TIME is the measured value for room acoustic quality. It expresses the time interval in which the acoustic pressure level in the room falls by 60 dB after switching off the sound source. The higher the sound absorption the shorter is the reverberation time. With carpets from OBJECT CARPET absorption values of up to aW 0,40 are achieved, which is many times higher than with other carpets and granolithic floors. „ Fitted carpet is not only an effective inhibitor of footstep sound on its source, but also a room sound absorber of all kinds of noises.“ Professor Philip Leistner, Dr. E.Sc. Fraunhofer Institute of Building Physics IBP, Faculty of Building Physics, University of Stuttgart 7

BLACKTHERMO®FELT ACOUSTIC PLUS OBJECT CARPET flooring: unbeatable noise absorber Footstep sound in rooms depends on the type of flooring. Hardflooring increases the impact noise of foot traffic whereas softly padded floors like carpets significantly reduce transference noise from the outset. Even very thin carpets can improve footstep sound absorption by about 20 dB, and carpets with high pile by about 30 dB. In contrast, in plain floors (laminates, linoleum, parquet), the improve- ment potential is only 5-15 dB. Carpets from OBJECT CARPET impress the user even with the standard version providing the best sound and acoustic values. Carpets do not only excellently absorb footstep sound, but also reduce sound pressure level and reverberation time. In order to additionally improve the sound-absorbing effect of carpets, OBJECT CARPET developed its BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus. Its special backing coating reduces reverberation time by up to 40 %, compared with granolithic flooring, and diminishes the footstep sound by up to 40 dB. So you create a quiet atmosphere, in which you feel good, achieve your best performance, and let your creative ideas flow. The typical structure of OBJECT CARPET flooring, paired with the BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus backing, ensures that the acoustic properties remain stable for many years. High density and thermo-fixing of the backing coating provide longevity, and ensure that the carpet is ideally suitable for regularly frequented building areas. Footstep sound compared in different types of flooring Reduction of footstep sound by using BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus carpets compared with laminates and granolithic floors - by up to 40 %. 40 30 20 10 0 Footstep sound absorption in % 40 25 6 0 Laminate / wood (without un- derlay) Laminate / wood (with underlay) Fitted carpet Fitted carpet with BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus Plain and granolithic building materials reflect sound more strongly than porous surfaces like carpets or fabrics, which absorb sound energy and convert it into thermal energy. The more covered the sound-reflecting surface is, the more pleasant the room acou- stics. The floor in the room is a large and continuous surface and hence it is the most suitable for this purpose. 9

BLACKTHERMO®FELT ACOUSTIC PLUS Work and live: more quietly, comfortably and economically with OBJECT CARPET MORE COMFORT FOR LESS MONEY: BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus creates a pleasant and well- balanced atmosphere in any room. A softer tread means improved walking comfort. Greater insulation properties retain pleasant underfoot warmth and save on heating energy costs. The higher and denser the pile, the better the room and footstep sound absorption and the lower the noise level both in the room and in adjacent rooms. In this way, OBJECT CARPET flooring positively influences the working atmosphere and improves motivation and productivity. Moreover, BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus, compared with other sound absorbing measures, minimises costs of building works in the room. The result being you do not need special additional underlay. The existing floor is preserved since BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus only has to be fixed and not laid in a traditional way. For this reason, BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus is also ideally suitable for quick refurbishment. Advantages of the carpets with BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus backing coating Acoustic optimisation by Reduction of footstep sound by up to 40 dB Reduction of reverberation time by up to 40 % compared with granolithic floors Best noise absorption rates up to aW 0.40 Less costs, less material and less time spent Simple to fix and no traditional gluing necessary Existing floor remains preserved No additional underlays needed Ideally suitable for quick refurbishment Labour is largely free of dust and dirt Significantly lower price compared with alternative noise reduction measures Manufacturing and quality High density and thermofixing Long lifecycle Made in Germany Comfortable and healthy Less particulate matter in the air (DAAB - German Federation of Asthma- and Allergy Sufferers) Luxurious walking comfort since a comfort underlay is already incorporated Suitable for allergic persons (TUEV tested) Suitable for buildings certified by LEED and DGNB Do you like using a certain grade from the OBJECT CARPET collection as acoustic carpet – broadloom, tiles or RUGX carpets? Do not hesitate to contact us. ® 11

PARTNERS IN ACOUSTICS: OBJECT CARPET AND YDOL Object Carpet and YDOL ACOUSTICS PARTNER for tailored sound-optimising of rooms With OBJECT CARPET building owners and architects provide a basis for absorption of noises like room sound and footstep sound. YDOL contributes to better and more targeted optimisation of room acoustics by a diversifi ed product range of acoustic ele- ments, also involving wall and ceiling surfaces. Thus, depending on the room demands, you can achieve an individually designed and acoustically effi cient ambience in the range of sonically hard surfaces, as well. Style aesthetics and room acoustics are not mutually exclusive, quite the contrary: the versatile design carpets of OBJECT CARPET paired with the highly effi cient, sound- absorbing acoustic elements of YDOL offer considerable scope for artistic ideas. Besides elements mounted on the wall or hanging elements, the YDOL’s portfolio also compri- ses fl at wall covering and movable walls, where each element can be made in individual form, colour and size. With its own collection of lighting, furniture and curtains, YDOL additionally combines sound-absorbing properties and advanced design. This allows fl exible and cost-effi cient planning without restriction of artistic design possibilities. The products are manufactured in Germany and fulfi l very high standards concerning used materials, process quality and lifecycle. Innumerable design options - as unique as rooms and their users. Acoustic wall element Acoustic lighting Acoustic wall covering Acoustic pillar Acoustic partition Carpets with BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus Acoustic seating 13

PARTNERS IN ACOUSTICS: OBJECT CARPET AND YDOL Holistic acoustic planning: versatile professionalism for your project OBJECT CARPET and YDOL have expanded their services together and offer holistic advice on room acoustics. The partners’ collaboration unites their professionalism and experiences. Both manufacturers have distinguished themselves through their fruitful co-operation with architects, and interior planners for many years. The co-operative portfolio comprises a holistic comprehension of the project including advice, analysis and conception. After determining an “optimal acoustics” and taking into account the room’s purpose and use, a custom-designed solution, which appre- ciates the individual demands of the user, is worked out. The emphasis is always on the design preferences of architects and planners. With their versatile knowledge and professionalism, OBJECT CARPET and YDOL will assist you in the aesthetic implementation of your acoustic requirements. As acoustics planners, they also provide individual on-site consultations with experi- enced application engineers and specialist advisers upon the client’s request. Service Advising Warranty Analysis Installation Configuration 15

PARTNERS IN ACOUSTICS: OBJECT CARPET AND YDOL OBJECT CARPET and YDOL, the partners in acoustics, bring you: The most comprehensive collection of broadloom, SL-tiles and rugs for acoustic optimisation in the building. Innovative BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus, specially designed for requirements in commercial buildings Reduction of footstep sound up to 40 dB The most comprehensive collection of design acoustic elements in Germany. Specialists in acoustics Professional advice and analysis Measuring and calculating individual acoustic values Reduction of reverberation time by 40 % Professional acoustic planning Noise absorption values up to aW = 0.40 Acoustic values stable for many years Sound absorption rates of aW = 1.00 100% absorption across the entire frequency range of the human voice ACOUSTIC PARTNERS Holistic aesthetic solutions for your interior concepts – for floor, walls and ceiling Advice, analysis and detailed planning optimised according to DIN 18041 – all from a single source, using decades of experience Determination of demand and calculation of acoustic target values for your project – based on DIN 18041, ISO 3382-3 and VDI 2569 Products with certified acoustic properties – tested by independent testing institutes Individual and flexible possibility of interior design – with 1,200 carpet designs and tailored acoustic components Professional planning data – available for free at www.object-carpet.com and at www.acousticspartner.com For further information on products, services and various online tools for architects and designers, see www.object-carpet.com/acoustics and www.acousticspartner.com 1717

OBJECT CARPET’s references: ACTELION BUSINESS CENTRE, Allschwil ADAC MITTELRHEIN E.V., Koblenz (fig. 6) INNEN_ARCHITEKTEN BALS + WIRTH, Wiesbaden INTERSTUHL, Messtetten-Tieringen (fig. 5) BERGAGER CHEESE DAIRY, Waging am See BSU, Hamburg CINEPLEXX Kinobetriebe GmbH, Vienna (fig. 1) ERNST & YOUNG, Munich EMC2, Ismaning FRAPORT, Frankfurt Airport HOFBURG, Vienna HOTEL EGERNER HOEFE, Rottach-Egern HYPO NO, St. Poelten LATHAM & WATKINS, Munich LBBW, Stuttgart LIBRARY & LEARNING CENTER, Campus WU, Vienna (fig. 2) MICROSOFT, Unterschleissheim PORSCHE, various locations TOWN HALL in Dornstetten ROHDE & SCHWARZ, Munich STUDENTS’ CENTER, Campus WU. Vienna (fig, 3) SPARKASSE WERRA-MEISSNER, Darmstadt (fig. 4) SYZYGY Advertising Agency, Frankfurt TAYLOR WESSING, Munich TELEKOM, various locations VDK Berchtesgaden, Ursberg, Oberstdorf 4 For reference objects with BlackThermo®Felt Acoustic Plus, as a flooring solution, see www.object-carpet.com For other reference objects with YDOL RELAX acoustic elements, see www.ydol.de REFERENCES: OBJECT CARPET AND YDOL 6 5 19