The Ntgraten Greenfelt felt backing significantly impacts room acoustics by providing up to 22dB of sound reduction. This innovation made from recycled materials functions as an effective sound-absorbing layer beneath textile vinyl flooring. The felt backing dampens footstep noise, reduces room reverberation, and improves the overall soundscape, particularly in open public spaces. Explore our expert services and find the right acoustic solution for your spaces.
What is Ntgraten Greenfelt felt backing and why was it developed?
Ntgraten Greenfelt felt backing is an innovative underlayer for textile vinyl flooring made from recycled materials, developed to address the acoustic challenges of modern public spaces. The felt backing consists primarily of fibers made from recycled PET plastic bottles, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flooring solutions.
Acoustics is an extremely important factor in public spaces, directly affecting people’s well-being, concentration, and comfort. Open office spaces, restaurants, and hotels often suffer from excessive noise and reverberation, which diminishes the usability of these spaces. Finnish interior design culture values calm and balanced environments where the soundscape is pleasant.
Greenfelt felt backing was developed when a need was identified to combine high-quality textile vinyl flooring with effective sound reduction. Domestic design expertise is evident in the product, which meets the specific requirements of Finnish public spaces. The felt backing enables the creation of acoustically pleasant spaces without compromising on style or durability.
How does Greenfelt felt backing technically dampen sound?
Greenfelt felt backing dampens sound by up to 22dB, which is a significant improvement compared to traditional textile vinyl flooring. Technically, this is based on the felt’s porous structure, which absorbs the energy of sound waves when they strike the material. As sound travels through the porous material, the sound waves lose energy due to friction and are converted into heat.
In practical terms, 22dB of damping capacity means that footstep sounds and other noises generated in spaces are significantly reduced. A normal conversation is approximately 60dB, so a 22dB reduction decreases sound intensity by roughly one-third. This makes the space considerably quieter and more pleasant.
The felt backing’s structure consists of tightly compressed recycled fibers that form a flexible yet durable layer. This layer functions as both a shock absorber and a sound insulator. Compared to traditional textile vinyl flooring, the Greenfelt-backed solution:
- More effectively dampens high-frequency sounds (such as speech)
- Reduces footstep noise and sounds from moving furniture
- Improves the room’s reverberation time, making speech more distinct
- Provides a more pleasant feel underfoot
In what types of spaces do the acoustic benefits of Greenfelt felt backing shine most?
The acoustic benefits of Greenfelt felt backing are particularly evident in open office spaces, where sounds travel easily and can disrupt concentration. The typical challenges of open-plan offices, such as speech transmission and reverberation, are significantly reduced thanks to felt-backed textile vinyl.
In restaurants and hotel lobbies, acoustics directly affect the customer experience. These spaces often feature hard surfaces such as glass, concrete, and metal, which reflect sound. Greenfelt-backed textile vinyl serves as an effective acoustic element that softens the space’s soundscape and makes conversation more pleasant.
In retail environments, pleasant acoustics can extend customers’ dwell time and improve the shopping experience. Finnish retail design often emphasizes a calm and clear aesthetic, to which the Greenfelt-backed solution is excellently suited. Greenfelt is particularly beneficial in:
| Space Type | Acoustic Challenge | Greenfelt Backing Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Open Offices | Speech propagation, concentration disturbances | Speech clarity improves, background noise decreases |
| Restaurants | Reverberation, high noise levels | More pleasant dining experience, better conversation environment |
| Hotels | Footstep noise in corridors, sound transmission | Quieter corridors, better privacy |
| Retail Stores | Hard background noise, unpleasant sound environment | More comfortable shopping environment, longer visit duration |
Explore Ntgraten textile vinyl flooring and find the right solution for your public spaces’ acoustic challenges.
How does Greenfelt felt backing affect the overall interior design appearance?
Ntgraten textile vinyl flooring with Greenfelt felt backing offers versatile interior design possibilities by combining acoustic benefits and visual appeal. The collection includes over ten different texture options such as Soft Core, Noble, and Fair, each bringing its own atmosphere to the space. The color range is extensive and follows current Finnish interior design trends, which favor earthy and calm tones.
Finnish interior design style values connection to nature, clarity, and timelessness. Ntgraten textile vinyl flooring fits this aesthetic perfectly while also providing a durable and easy-to-maintain surface. The flooring material’s texture adds depth and interest to the space while remaining subdued and stylish.
Current interior design trends emphasize sustainability and naturalness. Greenfelt felt backing supports this trend both in appearance and environmental friendliness. The textile vinyl’s surface structure can be:
- Smooth and elegant for office environments
- Textured and lively for restaurants and hotels
- Graphic and distinctive for retail spaces
- Subdued and calm for healthcare facilities
Acoustics and aesthetics combine seamlessly in Ntgraten products. Although the felt backing’s primary function is to improve the space’s soundscape, it does not limit visual possibilities. On the contrary, Greenfelt backing enables more versatile applications for textile vinyl flooring, as they can now be utilized in spaces where acoustics is particularly important.
What environmental benefits does Greenfelt felt backing offer compared to traditional solutions?
Greenfelt felt backing offers significant environmental benefits, as it is made primarily from recycled PET plastic bottles. This reduces the need for virgin raw materials and utilizes material that would otherwise end up as waste. The use of recycled material reduces the product’s carbon footprint and supports the circular economy.
The product has received the prestigious M1 emissions classification, which means it meets strict indoor air quality requirements. This is particularly important in public spaces where people spend extended periods. Additionally, Ntgraten textile vinyl flooring with Greenfelt backing supports BREEAM and LEED environmental certification systems, which can help building projects achieve higher environmental ratings.
Domestic production is a significant environmental advantage. Shorter transportation distances reduce logistics emissions, and Finnish production adheres to strict environmental standards. From a sustainability perspective, Greenfelt felt backing represents a responsible choice:
- Reduces plastic waste by utilizing recycled materials
- Improves indoor air quality due to its low emissions
- Extends flooring material lifespan thanks to its durable structure
- Reduces energy consumption by improving spaces’ acoustic efficiency
Compared to traditional solutions, Greenfelt felt-backed textile vinyl offers a more comprehensive approach to sustainable interior design by combining environmental friendliness, acoustic benefits, and long service life. Explore Ntgraten’s environmentally friendly flooring solutions and make a responsible choice for your public spaces’ flooring material.
VMC Project provides expert assistance in selecting and installing Ntgraten textile vinyl flooring. We help you find the right acoustic and visual solution for your spaces. Contact us and tell us about your project!