Acoustic Windows for High-Performance Sound Isolation
Engineered fixed acoustic glazing systems designed to maintain visibility and communication while limiting sound transmission between rooms, production areas and noise-sensitive environments.
What Is a High-Performance Soundproof Window?
An acoustic window (high-performance soundproof glazing or vision panels) is a fixed glazed assembly engineered to provide substantially greater resistance to airborne sound transmission than conventional internal glazing. It enables visual communication, observation, and natural light transmission while maintaining acoustic separation between two spaces.
Complete Wall and Window Performance
A window can be a potential weak point in an acoustic wall, so its performance must be assessed as part of the complete opening. The glazing, frame, perimeter sealing, and supporting wall must work together to maintain the overall acoustic performance of the partition.
For this reason, acoustic window openings should be designed as complete systems rather than individual components.
How Acoustic Windows Performance Is Achieved
High-performance glazing, acoustically sealed frames, and carefully detailed perimeter connections help minimize sound transmission and maintain the acoustic integrity of the wall.
Our Acoustic Window Installation Options
A comprehensive range of high-performance acoustic windows designed for architectural, industrial, and specialist applications.
Noise-Lock
W-Series
Acoustic Windows
The standard range for architectural, commercial, studio and industrial applications, with acoustic ratings from Rw 47 to 56 / STC 46 to 56 and NIC 44 to 54.
Super Noise-Lock
High-Performance
Acoustic Windows
The high-performance range for demanding sound isolation, with ratings from Rw 58 to 66 / STC 58 to 64 and NIC 56 to 62. Deeper wall build-ups are required for higher-performance configurations.
Studio
Observation
Windows
Designed for visual communication between control rooms, live rooms and performance or technical spaces. Angled glazing helps reduce internal reflections while maintaining acoustic separation.
Specialist
Glazing
Configurations
Available in specialist configurations including angled-pane windows for deep walls and reflection control, fire-rated glazing and frames, bullet-resistant and security glazing, as well as bespoke designs.
Noise-Lock® Acoustic Windows
IAC Noise-Lock acoustic windows can be engineered with different acoustic performance levels, frame configurations, glazing options, sealing systems, and installation details to meet project-specific requirements. Below are the standard Noise-Lock acoustic window models and their key features and benefits.
Noise-Lock® Acoustic Window Construction
- First Pane of Laminated Safety Glass
- Second Pane of Laminated Safety Glass
- Acoustic Foam
- Host Wall
- Neoprene Acoustic Seal
- Painted Steel Capping Frame
- Acoustic Foam Retainer
Factory Engineering and Site Assembly
Windows are custom-engineered for each opening and factory assembled, including glazing, for simple on-site installation using fasteners, anchors or retrofit fixings. The system integrates with drywall, studs, concrete and masonry constructions.
Construction, Glass and Frame
Two separated laminated safety-glass panes within a steel frame, with a pre-finished sound-absorbing liner and reliable acoustic seals; custom-designed in-house and sized to fit any wall thickness.
Acoustic Performance of Noise-Lock® and Super Noise-Lock® Windows
The range provides published ratings from Rw 47 / STC 46 to Rw 68 / STC 68, with octave-band sound-transmission-loss data from 63 Hz to 8 kHz.
| Window Model | Acoustic Rating | Minimum Wall Thickness |
Octave Band Centre Frequency, Hz | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rw | R'w | STC | NIC | 63 | 125 | 250 | 500 | 1k | 2k | 4k | 8k | ||
| Sound Transmission Loss, dB | |||||||||||||
| Noise-Lock® W-47 | 47 | 45 | 46 | 44 | 100mm / 4" | 20 | 28 | 34 | 44 | 52 | 54 | 63 | — |
| Noise-Lock® W-50 | 50 | 48 | 50 | 48 | 150mm / 6" | 18 | 32 | 38 | 48 | 55 | 56 | 62 | — |
| Noise-Lock® W-53 | 53 | 51 | 54 | 52 | 200mm / 8" | 20 | 33 | 40 | 51 | 59 | 61 | 69 | — |
| Noise-Lock® W-55 | 55 | 53 | 55 | 53 | 300mm / 12" | 22 | 34 | 42 | 53 | 61 | 64 | 73 | — |
| Super Noise-Lock® W-58 | 58 | 56 | 58 | 56 | 250mm / 10" | 24 | 36 | 45 | 55 | 64 | 68 | 78 | 80 |
| Super Noise-Lock® W-60 | 60 | 58 | 60 | 58 | 350mm / 14" | 26 | 38 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 70 | 80 | 80 |
| Super Noise-Lock® W-63 | 63 | 61 | 63 | 61 | 350mm / 14" | 29 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 69 | 73 | 83 | 83 |
| Super Noise-Lock® W-65 | 65 | 63 | 65 | 63 | 400mm / 16" | 31 | 43 | 52 | 62 | 71 | 75 | 85 | 85 |
| Super Noise-Lock® W-68 | 68 | 66 | 68 | 66 | 530mm / 21" | 38 | 48 | 56 | 65 | 72 | 78 | 85 | 85 |
Acoustic ratings and octave-band sound transmission loss values shown above are published performance data for the listed Noise-Lock® and Super Noise-Lock® window models.
Integration with IAC Acoustic Systems
Noise-Lock Acoustics Windows integrate with Moduline acoustic rooms and industrial noise enclosures, as well as studios, music rooms and existing wall constructions. This allows the window and surrounding acoustic elements to be coordinated as one complete system.
Acoustic Window Applications
Common applications for precise hemi free-field acoustic testing in controlled environments.
Industrial Acoustic
Windows
Plant & Machinery Rooms
High-performance acoustic windows for plant rooms, machinery spaces and technical areas where industrial noise must be contained while maintaining visibility.
Power Stations & Industrial Facilities
Sound-isolating windows for power stations, process facilities and industrial buildings requiring high levels of noise control and reliable long-term performance.
Engine & Equipment Test Cells
Acoustic windows for engine test cells, equipment test rooms and specialist facilities where controlled sound transmission and visibility are essential.
Laboratories & Research Facilities
High-performance acoustic windows for laboratories, research spaces and technical environments requiring controlled acoustic conditions.
Manufacturing & Production Areas
Acoustic windows for manufacturing and production environments, helping separate noisy operations while maintaining visual connection between working areas.
Architectural Acoustic
Windows
Commercial Offices
Acoustic windows for offices and professional spaces requiring improved sound separation while preserving natural visibility between rooms and working areas.
Hotels & Public Buildings
High-performance acoustic windows for hotels, public buildings and commercial spaces where acoustic comfort and architectural finish are important.
Schools & Educational Buildings
Acoustic windows for schools, universities and educational facilities requiring sound separation between classrooms, shared spaces and adjacent areas.
Broadcasting & Recording Studios
High-performance studio windows for broadcasting, recording and production environments where reliable sound isolation and visual connection are essential.
Museums & Cultural Buildings
Acoustic windows for museums and cultural facilities where noise control, visual connection and architectural integration are required.
Nightclubs & Entertainment Venues
Acoustic windows for nightclubs, entertainment venues and performance spaces requiring effective noise control without sacrificing visibility.
Medical Acoustic
Windows
Hospitals & Clinical Facilities
Acoustic windows for hospitals and clinical environments where controlled sound transmission, patient comfort and reliable performance are essential.
Patient & Treatment Areas
Sound-isolating windows that help reduce noise transmission between patient areas, treatment rooms and adjacent clinical spaces while maintaining visibility.
Diagnostic & Audiology Rooms
High-performance acoustic windows for specialist diagnostic environments requiring controlled acoustic conditions and dependable separation between rooms.
Specialist Acoustic Environments
Custom-designed acoustic windows for specialist applications where sound must be contained or excluded while maintaining visibility through the opening.
Security & RF Shielded
Windows
Bullet-Resistant Windows
Specialist acoustic windows with bullet-resistant glass options for applications where acoustic performance must be combined with enhanced security requirements.
Secure Facilities
High-performance windows for secure environments requiring acoustic isolation, controlled visibility and specialist security glazing configurations.
RF-Shielded Windows
Specialist shielded window solutions for environments where acoustic isolation needs to be combined with protection against unwanted electromagnetic transmission.
Fire-Rated Windows
Acoustic window systems with fire-rated frame options, including EN 1634-1 rated configurations from E30 to EI90, subject to the required specification.
Custom Security Applications
Built-to-order acoustic windows with custom sizes, specialist glazing and engineered configurations for demanding security and performance requirements.
Why Choose IAC for Acoustic Windows?
IAC combines long-standing acoustic engineering experience, proprietary acoustic window technologies, standards-led design, and turnkey delivery for projects worldwide.
Guaranteed Acoustic Performance
Noise control systems are engineered to achieve defined acoustic performance targets, with solutions developed around project-specific noise criteria and compliance requirements.
Application-Specific Engineering
Each solution is engineered for the application, taking account of equipment layout, access, ventilation, maintenance, cleaning and long-term operational requirements.
Rapid Installation
Installation methods are planned to minimise construction time, site disruption and interference with ongoing production and industrial operations.
Complete Project Delivery
From acoustic surveys and system design through manufacture, delivery, installation and commissioning, IAC can support the complete noise control project.
Modular & Relocatable Construction
Modular acoustic systems provide durable sound control with reduced structural weight, while panels and enclosures can be dismantled, reconfigured and relocated as operational requirements change.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not find the answer to your specific technical question here, please contact our engineering team directly.
How much sound insulation can a Noise-Lock acoustic window provide?
Noise-Lock® acoustic windows offer acoustic performance ratings from Rw 47 / STC 46 up to Rw 68 / STC 68, depending on the window model. Laboratory test data supports the specified performance, with sound transmission loss measured across octave-band frequencies. Custom specifications can also be supported by engineering calculations and installed site testing.
What is the difference between Noise-Lock and Super Noise-Lock windows?
The standard Noise-Lock® range includes models from W-47 to W-55, with acoustic ratings from Rw 47 to Rw 55. The Super Noise-Lock® range covers higher-performance models from W-58 to W-68, providing ratings from Rw 58 to Rw 68.
Why are two separated glass panes used?
Noise-Lock® windows use two laminated safety glass panes, separated by an acoustic foam-filled construction. The system is engineered to provide high levels of sound isolation while maintaining visibility through the window.
Can the glass panes be angled, and what glass is used?
Yes. Noise-Lock® windows are available with angled panes as a bespoke design option. Laminated safety glass is used as standard, while specialist options such as bullet-resistant glass are also available depending on the required specification.
How thick must the wall be, and can it be installed in an existing wall?
The required wall thickness depends on the selected window model, ranging from 100 mm for the W-47 to 530 mm for the W-68. Noise-Lock® windows are custom-designed to suit the required opening and can be engineered for specific project conditions.
Are fire-rated and bullet-resistant glazing options available?
Yes. The brochure confirms the availability of bullet-resistant glass and EN 1634-1 fire-rated frames, with fire-rated specifications ranging from E30 to EI90. These options can be incorporated into the window design according to the project requirements.
Does a high-rated window guarantee the same rating for the complete wall?
No. The acoustic performance of the complete installation depends on the window system and the surrounding construction. Noise-Lock® performance is supported by laboratory testing, installed site testing and engineering calculations for custom specifications, allowing the complete opening to be assessed for the required performance.
Not sure which solution fits your requirements?
Our engineers will help you define the right acoustic test environment based on your application, standards, and constraints.
CONTACT OUR SPECIALISTS