Sound Construction

Acoustical design can be one of the most complex facets of architecture and construction. Depending on the purpose of a building or room, primary acoustical requirements could include sound control between spaces, sound control within a space, or listening efficiency in meeting rooms and auditoriums. Just as technical challenges can vary widely from space to space, so, too, do the choices of materials and design details that can meet them. Thoroughly exploring these options requires time and effort. However, this investment can yield important benefits – happier tenants, higher property values, reduced turnovers and vacancies, and greater productivity – that clients will value just as highly as they do the allure of that design.

Sound control refers to the ability to attenuate or absorb sound passing through a wall, floor or ceiling. Using building materials and detailing designed for sound control can significantly increase occupant comfort, productivity and privacy by reducing the amount of speech, music and mechanical sounds that transmit from one area to another within a building.

The easiest way to remember how to balance the environment is to think of the ABC’s of sound control:

  • Absorb sound and reduce what is reflected back into the space
  • Block sound to reduce transmission to adjacent areas; and,
  • Cover sound that is not absorbed or blocked by introducing uniform, ambient, background sound masking into the space.

Sound tests are conducted under ideal laboratory conditions per ASTM procedures. Sound control test ratings provide a comparison of sound in a space. For example, where speech privacy is an issue, look for partitions with a high STC (Sound Transmission Coefficient) and the utilization of sound masking equipment. Ceiling systems with a high NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) can be used to absorb and minimize undesired sound within a space. To contain sound, for use within closed office applications, use ceiling panels with high CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) ratings.