Knauf Absolu®, acoustic ceilings with a designer finish

Respecting the design of large public spaces while offering a soothing acoustic environment: this is the challenge Knauf is taking on with the Knauf Absolu® monolithic smooth acoustic ceiling.

The Knauf Absolu® solution creates acoustic ceilings whose perfectly smooth, uniform linear finish blends discreetly into the background to enhance the architecture of the space. Available in two thicknesses depending on the desired performance, Knauf Absolu® acoustic ceilings (glass wool panels), coated with their specific acoustic plasters, also adapt to all configurations, in both new-build and renovation projects.

Combining particularly high-performance acoustic insulation with the elegance and discreet aesthetics of a smooth ceiling, Knauf Absolu® is a complete offer that holds a technical assessment for experimentation (ATEx) approved by the CSTB.

Knauf Absolu®: invisible acoustics combined with an absolutely smooth and uniform finish
Offices, public access buildings (ERP), schools, hotels: the architectural trend is toward large spaces with a clean design, often lit by large bay windows. For these creations to be fully successful, they require controlled acoustics.

True to its positioning on ?acoustic design?, which combines aesthetics and noise control, Knauf offers Knauf Absolu®, a high-performance acoustic ceiling that is perfectly smooth, with no visible grids or joints.

Whether enhancing the minimalist design of a space or blending into a highly structured decor, the Knauf Absolu® ceiling adapts to every atmosphere. It can even be made in colour (on request, using an NCS shade of the Knauf Absolu® Topcoat finishing plaster).

Bonded directly under the continuous substrate (concrete or plasterboard), the Knauf Absolu® ceiling also offers a low overall thickness and meets current fire regulations (classification A2-s1, d0) (RA18-0106).

Knauf Absolu®: absolutely perfect acoustics
Knauf Absolu® provides optimal sound absorption, from the highest frequencies to the deepest sounds. This performance results from a combination: on the one hand, the Knauf Absolu® glass wool panels (dimensions 800 x 600 mm), which act on medium and high sound frequencies, and on the other hand, the special finishing plasters, which absorb all low sounds.

Thus, the maximum sound absorption coefficient ?w of Knauf Absolu® panels is 0,90 for panels 42 mm thick, and 0,85 for panels 32 mm thick (test report KG-ATE-SH 16 010, without plenum between panels and substrate).

There is also a technical solution for easily integrating recessed areas for light fittings without losing acoustic efficiency.

Technical characteristics
Dimensions: 800 x 600 mm
Panel thicknesses: 32 and 42 mm
Total thicknesses: from 40 to 45 mm and 50 to 55 mm
Surface weights: thickness 32 mm: 8,8 kg/m2
thickness 42 mm: 9,7 kg/m2

Knauf Absolu®: absolutely expert installation
The quality of installation of Knauf Absolu® requires essential expertise for a high-performance result. Knauf has therefore developed an advanced training course (Certibat certified training of 7 hours) to support plasterers in carrying out installation in perfect compliance with industry standards.

To optimise installation and guarantee a finish that is both smooth and uniform, Knauf offers a complete range of products and accessories:
- bonding mortars for gluing the panels under a concrete substrate (mortar SM700) and a plaster substrate (mortar MAK3);
- Knauf Absolu® Basecoat base plaster, in a bucket, ready to use, to be diluted in water. It is machine-sprayed or applied by hand in crossed passes with a 6 x 6 mm notched trowel, then smoothed with a float;
- Knauf Absolu® Topcoat finishing plaster, in a bucket, ready to use, to be diluted in water. It is machine-sprayed or applied by hand with a 3 x 3 mm notched trowel (crossed passes) and smoothed with a float;
- application tools (complete kit consisting of 14 accessories)

More information on the Knauf Absolu® smooth acoustic ceiling system:
https://www.knauf.fr/solutions/produit/systeme-plafond-acoustique-lisse-knauf-absolu