The five key elements of building acoustic design

Often considered one of the “dark arts” of building design, the physics and mathematics which underpin acoustic and vibration consultancy can be complex. However, it is possible to distil the key areas for consideration into five simple concepts when designing architecture, structure and building services.

One: Noise break-in
Principally affecting the building’s façade design, the need to control the quantum of noise entering the building is a product of the external noise levels (such as from local transportation sources) and the requirements for low noise levels internally (often more onerous in a residential context compared to a retail one).

Alongside the materiality of the windows and façade, the need to control noise break-in has a significant bearing on the appropriate ventilation strategy for the scheme.

Two: Noise break-out
Most often considered in the context of newly installed external services plant, the need to control the noise impact on nearby noise-sensitive neighbours can also be relevant for performance spaces or industrial developments where internal noise levels are raised. Selecting appropriate façade, glazing, or ventilation solutions alongside careful attenuation of services plant is typically a suitable strategy to mitigate any issues.

Noise break-out. Photo credit: Niall Kennedy

Three: Internal sound insulation
The transmission of sound internally within a building is a key consideration. This can relate to horizontal sound transmission through internal walls, doors, internal glazing or other partitions, or vertical transmission through floors.

Typically, more massive constructions and materials (like concrete) are better at reducing sound transmission, although these often come with a significant carbon cost and the Atelier Ten approach is to balance the need for these with the aspiration to use lower carbon (and often cheaper) materiality where possible.

Four: Room acoustics
Often the aspect that most quickly comes to mind when imagining acoustics in buildings is how sound behaves within a room. How the various surfaces within a space reflect or absorb sound impact echo and reverberation. Sometimes a degree of reverberation can be desirable, for example in a musical performance space. Other times, this should be minimised as when designing spaces to promote clearly intelligible speech. This is generally a product of selecting appropriate room finishes.

Room acoustics. Photo credit: Atelier Ten

Five: Internal services noise
Any noise caused by movement of services such as air, water or refrigerants through the building must be controlled. In addition, the pipes and ducts providing these services may allow for an unintended path for the transmission of sound between spaces; attenuating noise from fans and motors is a key consideration.

Good building acoustic design involves considering all of the above in the context of the project and client’s needs – looking to maximise performance, simplicity and sustainable approaches, while minimising material, cost and complexity. When done well, acoustic design can be additive to any space, improving perceived experiences for users and unlocking planet-first engineering strategies.

Internal services noise. Photo credit: Atelier Ten