Masonry Magazine April 2002 Page. 37
Sound Cell Blocks
Angling the Sound Cell blocks into the wall not only was efficient, it allowed for more design opportunities. Light falling on the angled face of a Sound Cell through skylights and windows allows for shadows to form and play off the textures and patterns of the block something traditional sound blocks don't offer, Bacino said. Traditional sound blocks with open slots to absorb sound have been around for about 30 years but don't offer the same design opportunities because of the flat surface of the block. They also can't be spray painted because it clogs the sound absorption insert. The Sound Cell, on the market for three years, can be spray painted and solves an aesthetics need as well as a functional one, he said.
And while Bacino and his firm are the first to use the product in the St. Louis area, it has caught on with architects who have used it for 48 projects in a variety of states, said Kerry Von-Dross, CCCM, sales manager for Best Block Co., the Milwaukee company that manufactures the product. More than 100,000 units have sold, VonDross said. Architects like it so much they're willing to pay the trucking fees in states that don't yet have distributors, he said. To facilitate availability, Best Block is expanding its distribution and manufacturing.
The block is easy to work with, according to Leonard. "We were worried about what kind of productivity we could get and quality," he said, adding, "It turned out better than we expected. It turns out the productivity isn't any less, it might be a little bit better. I feel like this is a better look for no more cost."
The product is economic, divisional, load bearing, energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing, said Wally McNeill, CSI,CDT, Masonry Division Manager for Kirchner Block & Brick Inc. Mixed with standard block in the gymnasium and cafeteria/commons areas of the school, 3,650 of the 12-inch width blocks were ordered, McNeill said. The units were placed high on three of the gymnasium walls, with the fourth wall using only structural blocks so a mascot could be painted on the wall. On the cafeteria/commons wall, the Sound Cells were placed at a height that was calculated to be out of the reach of middle school students because of the openings in the the block block. While the units absorb sound, they won't dissipate tuna sandwiches.
But perhaps the best feature of the blocks is that when the West Middle School Wild Cats come charging down home court, fans will only hear the action once instead of constant reverberations coming off the walls. That ringing noise, the high end of the frequency range, that fills a gymnasium by the end of a game is known in acoustical terms as flutter echo, according to VonDross. Noise travels, hits a wall and bounces back mixing with the latest cheering and a cycle begins. The noise keeps building into a big ringing crescendo that doesn't end until the crowd clears out.
Without carpeting, drapes or upholstered furniture in the gym and cafeteria to absorb the noise, the Sound Cells work by collecting the sound and diffusing it similar to ocean water coming in and hitting break waters. The recessed opening of the block draws the sound into the fiberglass/foam inserts; entering sound waves cause friction and a small amount of heat, which dissipates the sound.
QUALITY MASONRY TOOLS
KING BRICK HOO
WTOOLS
4619 Dulin Creek Road House Springs, Mo. 63061
Phone: (636) 671-4187 Fax: (836) 375-3825
Toll Free: 1-800-245-3544
Vinyl Angle Iron Covers
A vinyl solution to an ironclad problem.
We've got you covered!
The unpleasant sight of a rusty, corroded angle iron over your home's entryways and doors can now be easily avoided by using the new Vinyl Angle Iron Covers!
Comes in 5 designer colors!
www.angleironcover.com
Call (800) 407-6266 for the dealer nearest you.
PLANK-TIE
YOUR NAME IMPRINTED HERE
women
Manufactured
by ISI
Scaffold
Plank
Protection
180 Mill Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 949-6839 FAX (540) 949-5531
email isi@scaffoldstrap.com
5311 Cottonwood Lane
Raymond, Illinois USA
(217) 229-3410
Fax: (217) 229-4202
Ward Brick Tools
Concave & Convex Strikers
"Tools Made For Craftsmen By
Craftsmen"
In 6 Inch or 3-Inch Blade Lengths.
Five Blade Widths Are Available:
3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", & 1".
Call Today For A Free Brochure!
MASONRY APRIL, 2002 37