Reuse of coffee and tea waste for acoustical panel applications in architectural design studios

Abstract

This study has been initiated with the aim of enhancing acoustical comfort levels in architectural design studios. Initial assessment of the studios by field tests indicated very long reverberation times, supporting the complaints by the students and instructors. In order to be applied in a studio environment, acoustical panels are developed out of recycled materials. Increasing coffee demand and consumption of our era have motivated the reuse of coffee and tea waste. The end-product is composed of a panel of baked kiln-dried coffee grains and tea leaves. The coffee/tea residues are adhered together using natural binders. In order to determine the best possible alternative of the waste materials with the highest sound absorption performance, different variations are tested. Both impedance tube measurements and room acoustic simulations are utilized. Results indicate the potential improvement of the interior sound field of the studio environment by coffee-tea waste panel application. Considering the increasing demand for green technology, the layered panel system is proposing cost minimized, environmentally friendly and biodegradable solutions with improved acoustical and aesthetical values.