M.A.D 4 Acoustic Membrane in Google Hyderabad Office
Project Overview
✓ Client: Google India
✓ Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
✓ Application: Acoustic enhancement in all partition walls of private cabins and meeting rooms
✓ Product Used: MAD 4 – 4 mm Bitumen-Based Acoustic Membrane by Tikidan Danosa
✓ Scope: Over 3,000 sqm of MAD 4 installed in drywall partitions
The Challenge
Google’s Hyderabad office was being designed with a sharp focus on employee wellbeing, productivity, and acoustic privacy.
One of the primary concerns raised during the design phase was sound leakage between adjacent work cabins due to:
✓ Thin drywall partitions commonly used for speed and modularity
✓ High levels of ambient low-frequency noise from HVAC systems and shared equipment
✓ The need to create zones of acoustic isolation in a dense floorplan layout
Traditional gypsum board partitions alone could not effectively block low-frequency sounds like human speech rumble or equipment noise—posing a challenge for acoustic comfort in a high-performance workplace.
The Solution: MAD 4 Acoustic Membrane
To address these concerns without increasing partition thickness, MAD 4 by Tikidan Danosa was selected for integration within all cabin partition walls.
Why MAD 4?
✓ High mass (~7 kg/m²) in just 4 mm thickness—ideal for slim walls
✓ Targets low-frequency transmission loss, unlike standard boards
✓ Self-adhesive and easy to install, minimizing project delays
✓ Eco-friendly: ~60% recycled content, low VOCs—meets Google’s sustainability ethos
Installation Strategy
1. Lightweight metal stud framing with decouplers
2. One side lined with gypsum board
3. MAD 4 applied directly to the board (adhesive or staples), overlaps sealed
4. Second gypsum board layer added with staggered joints
5. Acoustic sealant applied along perimeters to close flanking paths
Results & Impact
Measured Improvements:
✓ +8 to 9 dB at 125 Hz (low-frequency band)
✓ +4 to 5 dB STC boost for partition systems
✓ Post-installation acoustic tests showed cabin walls reaching Rw 50+
Client Benefits:
✓ Improved speech privacy between all cabins and meeting rooms
✓ Reduced distractions and sound reflections
✓ Space-saving solution—no thick masonry or staggered systems needed
✓ Contributed to WELL and LEED acoustic compliance
Client Feedback
“MAD 4 offered exactly what we needed—an effective low-frequency barrier without the complications of bulky wall assemblies. The team appreciated how seamlessly it integrated with our drywall construction. The difference in room-to-room speech privacy was immediately noticeable.”
— Project Architect, Google India (via contractor feedback)
Key Takeaways
✓ Thickness: 4 mm
✓ Mass per m²: ~7 kg
✓ Low-Frequency Attenuation: +8–9 dB @ 125 Hz
✓ Airborne STC Improvement: +4–5 dB
✓ Environmental Rating: 60% recycled, low VOC
✓ Installation Speed: Fast with adhesive/staples
Conclusion
The use of MAD 4 acoustic membrane in Google’s Hyderabad office demonstrates how a simple, thin, high-mass membrane can deliver professional-grade acoustic isolation in modern workspaces. It enabled Google’s design and contracting teams to build quiet, focused environments without compromising on space, time, or sustainability.
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