New steel roof solutions improve acoustic comfort and support sustainable construction
Modern buildings need to be comfortable and sustainable. In a new research project, we develop solutions and design rules for innovative steel roof systems that improve indoor sound quality while maintaining the strength needed to safely support buildings.
In recent years, there has been increasing effort to improve comfort and wellbeing in buildings, such as hospitals, schools, sports halls, and shopping centres. One important part of this is acoustic comfort, meaning how sound behaves indoors. Growing concerns about noise and wellbeing have increased demand for acoustic solutions, and in response, steel manufacturers have developed lightweight roof systems that also improve indoor sound quality.
To improve sound absorption, steel roof panels are designed with small holes, known as perforations. Together with insulation materials, these perforations help absorb sound and reduce noise inside buildings. However, they also change how the roof panels behave structurally and can affect their ability to withstand loads such as snow and wind. In addition, research on their behaviour in fire situations is limited.
In the Structural and functional roof decking with PERFORations and Microprofiles (PERFORM) project we are developing design guidelines for innovative roof panel solutions that combine structural strength and acoustic performance in a single product. This can simplify construction, reduce costs, and support the creation of buildings that can be adapted to changing needs over time. By making buildings more durable and resource-efficient, our research also contributes to more sustainable construction and a lower environmental impact.
Structural and functional roof decking with PERFORations and Microprofiles (PERFORM)
Structural and functional roof decking with PERFORations and Microprofiles (PERFORM) project runs from 1.9.2026 – 28.2.2030 and is funded by the European Union Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS).
The research is done with seven partners: Tampere University, Aalto University, University of Coimbra, VUB Brussels University, Ruukki Construction, Joris Ide and TUU Building Design Management.
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