Sound Solutions for Loud Workspaces: How KOROK Panels Tame Machinery Noise

When machinery is operating at high intensity, the noise can be just as intense as the output. Whether it’s recycling, manufacturing, or any high-impact industrial process, managing sound is not just a comfort issue – it’s a health, safety, and productivity one.

At KOROK, we understand the challenges that come with acoustic performances. That’s why our fire and acoustic wall systems are engineered to offer more than just compliance – they’re built to perform under pressure, especially when sound control is critical.

Real-World Results in Raglan: Xtreme Zero Waste

A great example of this in action is our recent project at the Xtreme Zero Waste Recycling Center in Raglan.

The challenge? Containing the loud crashes and clinks from their glass recycling facility – an essential part of their operation, but not the easiest on the ears.

Our solution was simple but effective: construct a purpose-built enclosure using KOROK fire and acoustic panels – essentially a “box” that wrapped around the recycling machinery to absorb and block the sound.

The result? Immediate improvement.

“The box looks awesome and works well,” the Xtreme team told us. It’s now a noticeably quieter and more comfortable environment for staff and visitors alike.

Why KOROK Panels Work for Noisy Machinery

KOROK wall systems are purpose-built for industrial environments, offering high acoustic performance to reduce machinery noise, along with fire resistance for added safety. Their durable construction ensures reliable performance under pressure, while the modular design allows for tailored solutions—from full enclosures to partitions. Plus, they deliver a clean, professional look, as demonstrated in real-world applications like Raglan.

For facilities like Xtreme Zero Waste, acoustic control isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential to keep workers safe, comply with council noise regulations, and maintain good relationships with surrounding communities.  So, if you’re facing excessive noise from machinery, get in touch. We’ll help you design a system that keeps the sound where it belongs – inside the box.

Interested in acoustic solutions for your facility?

Smart Wall Solutions for High-Performance Healthcare Environments

KOROK: There’s No Substitute for Tested Performance

Fire & Acoustic Wall Systems Trusted in Healthcare. KOROK® is a proven fire and acoustic wall system that delivers key performance benefits for healthcare construction. Hospitals demand the highest standards in safety, acoustic control, compliance and speed of delivery. KOROK delivers – with BRANZ-appraised, tested systems that are already trusted in hospitals, corridors, IT rooms, service risers, lift shafts, and more

Engineered for IL3/IL4 Resilience: Seismic Performance and Rapid Remediation Design

As the ultimate All-in-One solution for fire & acoustic-rated wall systems, KOROK® panels offer unmatched performance for high-importance structures. With strong seismic performance and the ability to withstand high drift limits, KOROK® panels are ideal for IL3 and IL4 buildings, such as hospitals, emergency response centres, and essential utilities. By undertaking this seismic testing, KOROK® reinforces its commitment to superior building resilience, helping to minimize damage, lower repair costs, and maintain operational continuity after earthquakes.

Core Benefits That Deliver Certainty in Fire, Acoustic, Seismic, and Programme Performance

All-in-one Solution for all Fire and Acoustic Rated Walls, Engineered for Complex Healthcare Builds

One system, multiple applications. From intertenancy walls to lift shafts, risers, ducts and corridors. KOROK panels provide comprehensive protection throughout your entire project.

LIFT SHAFTS

SERVICE RISERS & DUCTS

CORRIDORS & HALLWAYS

INTERTENANCY WALLS

STAIRCASE & ESCAPE PATHS

PLANT ROOMS & IT ROOMS

Save Time. Save Labour. Reduce Risk.

Need more info or want to present this to a client? We can help

At KOROK, we know that healthcare projects are high-stakes environments, with no room for delays, compliance issues, or uncertainty. That’s why we offer KOROK 360, a full-circle support package developed to give you confidence from concept to completion. Whether you’re in early-stage design or managing construction on site, KOROK 360 provides targeted, hands-on support tailored to your needs

Ready to Spec KOROK?

Let’s lock it in, and get your project moving with tested, proven performance. Whether you’re working on early-stage design, refining your specification, or needing trusted fire and acoustic systems that meet healthcare demands – we’re here to help. Get expert guidance, fast documentation, and the confidence that comes from working with systems already trusted in hospitals across New Zealand.

Talk to us today and bring KOROK certainty to your next healthcare build.

Paul Carrigan
Specification Manager
📧 paul@korok.com | 📞 0800 KOROK NZ

Andrew Hawkins
Specification Manager
📧 andrew@korok.com | 📞 0800 KOROK NZ

CASE STUDY

90 Devonport Road

Pushing Boundaries with KOROK

At KOROK, we’re proud to have contributed to 90 Devonport Road—a pioneering project that now holds the title of New Zealand’s largest mass timber office building. Designed by Warren and Mahoney and developed by Willis Bond in partnership with Tauranga City Council, this landmark project redefines what’s possible for sustainable commercial construction in Aotearoa.

As part of the build, 78mm KOROK® fire and acoustic rated panels were specified and installed for external wall applications, contributing to the project’s high-performance envelope while supporting the mass timber structure with lightweight, resilient protection. Installed by Tika Interiors Limited, our panels were chosen for their proven reliability, fast installation time, and ability to support sustainable outcomes without compromising safety or acoustic control.

Sustainability at Scale

The goal was ambitious—a 100% reduction in embodied carbon, with a design targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating (the highest possible), alongside NABERSNZ and WELL Building Standard benchmarks. The result? A building that not only showcases natural beauty through its exposed timber columns and warm finishes, but one that’s genuinely future-ready.

By prioritising timber and selecting high-performance materials like KOROK®, the project team avoided designing in unnecessary complexity or carbon-intensive solutions. This thoughtful approach resulted in a cost-neutral, repeatable commercial model that leads the charge for the next generation of green buildings in New Zealand.

Building for People and Performance

Built by LT McGuinness, this 10,400sqm building now brings together the entire Tauranga City Council administration team under one roof for the first time since 2014. The space fosters collaboration, connection, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.

“We wanted to push the boundaries to design a wholly sustainable, future-focused workplace which maximises the use of natural materials such as the exposed timber columns which celebrate the uniqueness of the building.”
— Anne Tolley, Chair of the Commission

KOROK’s Role

KOROK’s lightweight fire and acoustic rated wall systems have been engineered to complement mass timber construction by reducing structural loads, supporting acoustic separation, and accelerating installation programs. On a project of this size and vision, our 78mm panels provided the performance needed without compromising the environmental goals or design integrity.

As advocates for sustainable innovation in construction, we are proud to see our systems play a role in delivering landmark projects like 90 Devonport Road. It’s another example of how the KOROK system supports smarter, safer, and more sustainable buildings.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

The Glasshouse, Morningside

Glasshouse Morningside is a unique, urban oasis nestled in the heart of Auckland, offering a serene and elegant venue for a variety of events. As part of the evolving Morningside Precinct, Glasshouse contributes to the area’s dynamic and curated character, blending contemporary architecture with a mix of vibrant businesses. Designed to host everything from weddings and private parties to corporate functions and photoshoots, Glasshouse provides an unparalleled event space defined by its striking glass walls and lush greenery.

KOROK’s Role in the Project

To ensure the durability, safety, and acoustic integrity of this unique venue, 78mm KOROK panels were selected as the core external wall system solution. KOROK’s fire-rated and acoustic-rated panels played a crucial role in maintaining the building’s aesthetic while offering high-performance protection against fire, noise, and external weather conditions.

Key Features of KOROK External Wall Systems in Glasshouse Morningside

Fire-Rated & Weatherproof Protection

Glasshouse Morningside required external walls that met stringent fire safety requirements while also standing up to New Zealand’s diverse weather conditions. KOROK External Wall Systems provided a high-performing, fire-resistant solution that ensured both occupant safety and long-term durability.

Lightweight & Cost-Effective Installation

With no need for engineered slabs, KOROK’s lightweight panel system significantly reduced material costs and installation time. This efficiency enabled the construction team to maintain the project timeline without sacrificing quality or structural integrity.

Seamless Acoustic Performance

As a venue designed for events and gatherings, controlling sound was a crucial consideration. KOROK’s acoustic-rated panels ensured effective sound insulation, preventing noise disruptions and enhancing the intimate atmosphere of the space.

Durability Without Additional Cladding

Designed specifically for high-wind zones and exposed external applications, KOROK’s panels eliminated the need for extra cladding, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining a sleek architectural finish that complemented the venue’s glass-wall aesthetic.

Conclusion

The Glasshouse Morningside stands as a testament to the versatility and performance of KOROK External Wall Systems. By providing a lightweight, fire-resistant, and acoustically efficient solution, KOROK played an integral role in shaping this iconic Auckland venue. Our systems continue to set the standard for modern construction, offering architects and builders a practical yet high-performing solution for external wall applications.

For more information about our External Wall Systems and how KOROK can enhance your next project, visit our website or get in touch with our team today.

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Systems

Library

CASE STUDY

Honey NZ: Cost Saving and Lightweight, KOROK External Walls Systems

If you’re passing Hamilton Airport, take a glance across the road, and you’ll spot Honey New Zealand’s stunning new buildings, constructed by Steel Shed Systems. Honey NZ, renowned for producing some of New Zealand’s finest Pure Manuka Honey, has grown into one of the country’s leading independently-owned Manuka honey exporters. With a history dating back to 1909, the company has built a reputation for high-quality products, rigorously tested to ensure authenticity and premium UMF levels. Honey NZ distributes across New Zealand and exports to Australia, the USA, and the UK.

KOROK Systems in Use at Honey NZ
For this project, Honey NZ’s facilities were constructed using the 78mm KOROK external wall panels, which provide excellent fire, acoustic, and weather protection. KOROK panels, known for their lightweight yet durable design, were a perfect fit for Honey NZ’s modern expansion.

Why KOROK Panels?

• Cost-Effective: KOROK systems provide a cost-saving solution due to their fast and efficient installation process, reducing overall build time.
• Lightweight Design: The lightweight construction of the 78mm KOROK panels allowed for easier handling on-site, contributing to faster installation and less labor-intensive work.
• Fire and Acoustic Performance: The KOROK external wall system ensures premium fire resistance and acoustic performance, key features for Honey NZ’s new state-of-the-art facility.
• Weather Protection: Specifically designed for external applications, including boundary walls, KOROK panels provide reliable weather protection, an essential consideration in New Zealand’s varying climate.

By choosing KOROK’s External wall systems, Honey NZ not only achieved high-performance standards but also enhanced the longevity of their building, ensuring protection and functionality for years to come. Whether you’re constructing commercial or industrial buildings, KOROK’s external wall systems are the ideal choice for superior fire, acoustic, and weather protection.

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Cantilevers

Designing cantilevered terraced houses is simplified with KOROK® fire and acoustic wall systems. Whether you need cantilevered eaves or cantilevered walls, KOROK has detailed solutions to suit your needs.

Our systems help you create functional and stylish designs, such as:

• Weather protection with inset front doors for enhanced shelter.
• Maximizing floor space with larger second-story extensions.

KOROK’s innovative cantilevered wall systems are engineered to provide superior performance, offering both structural stability and efficient installation for terraced house construction. Choose KOROK® to streamline your building process and meet the demands of modern architectural design.

For Terraced Housing

Cantilevered terraced house design is easy with KOROK®. We have details for both cantilevered eaves and cantilevered walls. So if you’re wanting your buyers to be sheltered from the weather with an inset front door; or if you’re wanting to maximise your floor space with a larger second storey, we have the product to make that happen.

Cantilevered Eaves

Cantilevered Walls

For External Applications

A Typical Parapet Detail illustrates the structure and support of a parapet wall, commonly cantilevered from the main building structure. This detail focuses on connections that ensure stability and durability, including reinforcement and weatherproofing layers to protect against the elements. Cantilevered parapets require careful attention to load distribution and deflection control, as they extend outward without external bracing, creating a clean, streamlined edge on the building façade.

Typical parapet detail

Typical parapet detail

KOROK® 78mm Galv Panel

High Performing and Lightweight

KOROK® 78mm galv panels are rollformed from zinc coated steel strips. The steel from which the shells are manufactured conforms to AS/NZS1397:2001. Steel shells have a base metal thickness of 0.4mm B.M.T. with a Z275 zinc coating. These panels have an aerated concrete core and weigh nominally 10.2kg per lineal metre.

KOROK® 78mm Colour Panel

High-Performing and Lightweight Panels for Superior Building Solutions