Building for today and tomorrow: Innovations and acoustic performance in real-world contexts

Thursday, 17 July 2025

As the housing crisis pushes the construction industry to deliver more units faster, new solutions are emerging to meet the growing needs of the market. Among them, wooden structures—whether made of lightweight wood or solid wood—are gaining popularity for their speed of construction, durability, and reduced carbon footprint.

But this evolution cannot come at the expense of comfort. Occupants' expectations in terms of acoustics remain high, and this is precisely where recent innovations in soundproofing systems come into play. Dry screed systems now make it possible to achieve excellent sound insulation while reducing the overall weight of the structure—an advantage not only for wooden buildings, but also in the context of new seismic requirements introduced in Canada, where the weight of buildings is becoming a critical factor in safety.

At the same time, new building standards and codes are moving toward more sustainable, low-carbon solutions without compromising acoustic performance. This dual requirement—ecological and acoustic—is redefining the criteria for selecting materials and construction methods.

Beyond Promises: Understanding True Acoustic Performance

While innovations are available, it is still necessary to be able to measure their effectiveness reliably. In the field of acoustics, the distinction between laboratory tests and field measurements is crucial.

The STC (Sound Transmission Class) and IIC (Impact Insulation Class) indices, which are often highlighted, are obtained in the laboratory under ideal conditions. Although useful for initial comparison, these values do not always reflect the reality of the construction site.

This is why AcoustiTECH also favors evaluation based on indices measured under real conditions:

• ASTC (Apparent Sound Transmission Class): measures the ability of an assembly, such as a wall or floor, to attenuate airborne sound transmission in real-world construction conditions. Unlike laboratory tests, ASTC reflects acoustic performance while considering the specificities and particularities of construction methods on-site.
• AIIC (Apparent Impact Insulation Class): evaluates the insulation of impact noises in a floor/ceiling assembly directly on-site. This test offers a more accurate representation of real-world construction by integrating the specificities and weaknesses of structures. It provides greater precision by accounting for indirect sound losses due to the construction methods used.
• HIIC (High Impact Insulation Class): More recent, this index assesses impact noise insulation performance in the mid and high frequencies—those that directly influence the acoustic comfort perceived by occupants. It targets in particular the noises most likely to generate complaints, such as high heels or moving furniture.
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What the Code Requires

The National Building Code (NBC) sets the following minimum requirements for floor/ceiling assemblies in multi-story residential buildings:

• STC ≥ 50 or ASTC ≥ 47
• No minimum requirement for IIC or AIIC (though an IIC ≥ 55 is typically recommended for improved comfort)

Be Wary of Published Acoustic Values

Not all numbers tell the whole story. Manufacturers sometimes highlight favorable lab-tested values without disclosing whether results were obtained on-site or in idealized lab settings — or without specifying the full tested assembly. This lack of transparency can lead to poor product choices, frequent complaints, or even lawsuits.

To ensure reliable results, always compare acoustic values based on similar testing conditions, and favor those measured in real-world applications.

In Summary

As the construction industry embraces sustainable, lightweight, and efficient building systems, acoustics must evolve in parallel. Understanding the key indices — and focusing on real-world results — is essential to delivering spaces that truly meet occupant expectations.

At AcoustiTECH, we’re here to help you find the right product, in the right place, using real data and tested assemblies tailored to your project. Contact us to explore the best acoustic solutions for your needs.

André Rioux 

Co-owner / VP Sales & Marketing

AcoustiTECH