Suggested wall types for different areas of use
What type of wall should you choose? Here we present our suggestions for wall types for different areas of use and building categories.
The tables are based on the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning's building regulations and standards SS 25267 and SS 25268. The recommended wall types meet the minimum requirements for sound, stability, and fire safety (class C) in the building regulations.
Keep in mind that different installations or cladding can affect which wall type you should choose. The designs we present here meet the technical requirements, but it can often be wise to choose a wall with, for example, more layers of board to ensure that the wall can withstand the mechanical stress that can be expected in the environment where the wall is to be built.
See the respective wall table for complete information about the technical performance of the selected wall:
Wall selector
WALL KEY 1, HOUSING
SOUND CLASS C
| Area of application | RequirementsDnT,w,50 | RequirementsDnT,w,100 | Proposed design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment dividing wall. | 52 dB | D C+ 70/70 202 M140 s 450 | |
| Apartment partition wall, retirement home. | 52 dB | E C+120/120 202 M95 s 450 or E CSP+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450 | |
| Apartment partition walls in special needs housing where high noise levels occur. | 56 dB | D C+ 70/70 202 M140 s 450 | |
| Wall between commercial and service activities and communal garage and residential area. | 56 dB | D C+ 95/95 202 M190 s 450 or D C+ 70/70 303 M140 s450 | |
| Wall between stairwell/corridor and living space. | 52 dB | D C+ 70/70 202 M140 s 450 | |
| Wall with window or door between balcony/stairwell/corridor and living space. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| Wall with window or door between a shared corridor separated from other areas and living quarters in accommodation for students, for example, and in special accommodation for the elderly. | 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M0 s 450 | |
| Wall with window or door between spaces where significant foot traffic and high noise levels can be expected to occur more than occasionally, for example, near mailboxes or elevators and living quarters. | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt. E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s450 | |
| Room divider wall within an apartment. | Not required in sound class C | E C+ 70/70 202 M0 s 450 | |
Note
DnT Sound level difference, a measure of a building's ability to insulate a space against airborne sound from one space to another.
DnT,w,50 Weighted standardized sound level difference with spectrum adaptation term, an abbreviated notation for DnT,w + C50-3150
DnT,w,100 Weighted standardized sound level difference, an abbreviated notation for DnT,w + C.
In general, the resulting sound class for walls with doors or other sub-elements is determined by the sound class of the wall and
the sub-element, as well as by the total wall area.
The requirement levels in the table above are taken from BBR 26, valid from July 1, 2018.
With the fourth edition of SS 25267, SS 25267:2015, sound class C must comply with the general recommendations of the regulatory authorities, the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning and the Swedish Public Health Agency, applicable at the time.
WALL KEY 2, CARE FACILITIES
SOUND CLASS C
| Type of space | From other spaces – Requirements R’w | From corridor – Requirements R’w | Proposed design |
|---|---|---|---|
| From corridor – Requirements R’w | Proposed design | ||
| Spaces with particularly high requirements, or with high confidentiality requirements. For example, on-call rooms, isolation rooms, psychology offices. | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M0 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Space for patients to sleep and rest. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Spaces where high sound pressure levels occur. For example, operating rooms, delivery rooms, painful examinations, pool rooms, physiotherapy rooms, rinsing rooms, laboratories. | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Space with normal confidentiality or healthcare work. For example, examination, treatment, reception room, conference/training. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 35 dB* | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Space for normal office work. For example, dispatch and office. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Hygiene facilities or staff rest areas. For example, toilets, rest rooms, shower rooms. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Another tenant or business. | 48 dB | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450 |
| Stairwell/corridor shared with other tenants. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 F101 M0 s 450 |
* For partition walls with large glass sections next to doors that provide a good view of what is happening outside, values 5 dB lower are acceptable.
** Where the space borders on a space for patients to sleep and rest, or a space where silence is required, a 4 dB higher requirement value applies.
In general, the resulting sound class for walls with doors or other sub-elements is determined by the sound class of the wall and
the sub-element, as well as by the total wall area.
The requirement levels in the table above refer to sound class C and are taken from standard 25268:2007+T1:2017 published on January 15, 2018.
WALL KEY 3, CLASSROOMS, SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION
SOUND CLASS C
| Type of space | From other spaces – Requirements R’w | From corridor – Requirements R’w | Proposed design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint teaching, seminar rooms, classrooms, lecture halls, lecture halls, classrooms. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Teaching or student work in small groups, group rooms, home base. | 44 dB* | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Teaching in open spaces, educational landscapes. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| Individual work or conversation, office work, library. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Moderate privacy or seclusion, career counselor, staff room, conference room. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 35 dB** | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| High confidentiality, principal, talk clinic, counselor, psychologist, school health care. | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Hygiene area or rest area, toilet, rest room. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| However, between hygiene areas. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 |
* For partition walls with doors leading to other teaching spaces, values that are 5 dB lower are acceptable.
** For partition structures with large glass sections next to doors that provide a good view of what is happening outside, values that are 5 dB lower are acceptable.
In general, the resulting sound class for walls with doors or other sub-elements is determined by the sound class of the wall and
the sub-element, as well as by the total wall area.
The requirement levels in the table above refer to sound class C and are taken from standard 25268:2007+T1:2017 published on January 15, 2018.
WALL KEY 4, CLASSROOMS, SCHOOL, PRESCHOOL, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE CENTER
SOUND CLASS C
| Type of space | From other spaces – Requirements R’w | From corridor – Requirements R’w | Proposed design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint teaching, classrooms, lecture halls. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Teaching or student work in small groups, group rooms, home base. | 44 dB* | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Teaching in groups in open spaces, educational landscape. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| Individual work or conversation, office work, library. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Moderate privacy or seclusion, career counselor, staff room, conference room. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 35 dB** | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| High confidentiality, principal, director of studies, talk clinic, counselor, psychologist, school health care. | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Spaces for rest or educational activities in preschools. For example, group rooms, assembly rooms, common rooms, studios, playrooms, and woodworking rooms. | 44 dB* | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Hygiene area or rest area, toilet, rest room. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| However, between hygiene areas. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 |
* For partition walls with doors leading to other teaching spaces, values that are 5 dB lower are acceptable.
** For partition structures with large glass sections next to doors that provide a good view of what is happening outside, values that are 5 dB lower are acceptable.
In general, the resulting sound class for walls with doors or other sub-elements is determined by the sound class of the wall and
the sub-element, as well as by the total wall area.
The requirement levels in the table above refer to sound class C and are taken from standard 25268:2007+T1:2017 published on January 15, 2018.
WALL KEY 5, OFFICE PREMISES
SOUND CLASS C
| Type of space | From other spaces – Requirements R’w | From corridor – Requirements R’w | Proposed design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual work or meetings, office space, dispatch. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Moderate privacy or seclusion, meeting rooms, conversation rooms, conference rooms, executive offices. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 35 dB* | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| High confidentiality. | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Socializing, break room, dining room. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| Hygiene area or rest area, toilet, rest room. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Another tenant. | 48 dB | 48 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M70 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450 |
| Shared stairwell and hallway with other tenants. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 F101 M0 s 450 |
WALL KEY 6, HOTEL, RESTAURANT
SOUND CLASS C
| Type of space | From other spaces – Requirements R’w | From corridor – Requirements R’w | Proposed design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest room. | 52 dB | D C+ 70/70 202 M140 s 450 | |
| 40 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M0 s 450 | ||
| Social area, dining room, reception, foyer, lobby, lounge. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| Individual work or meetings, dispatch, office space. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| Moderate privacy or seclusion, meeting rooms, small conference rooms, executive offices. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 | |
| 35 dB* | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | ||
| Hygiene area or rest area, toilet, rest room. | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 70/70 202 MR s 450 | |
| 30 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M0 s 450 | ||
| However, between hygiene areas. | 35 dB | E C+ 70/70 101 M45 s 450 | |
| Space for food preparation and associated work areas. ** | 44 dB | E C+ 70/70 202 M45 s 450alt E CSP+ 95/95 202 M0 s 450 |
* For partition walls with doors leading to other teaching spaces, values that are 5 dB lower are acceptable.
** Does not apply to dining rooms where sound insulation is limited by openings between spaces.
In general, the resulting sound class for walls with doors or other sub-elements is determined by the sound class of the wall and
the sub-element, as well as by the total wall area.
The requirement levels in the table above refer to sound class C and are taken from standard 25268:2007+T1:2017 published on January 15, 2018.