The Brief

To undertake Reverberation Time (RT) tests in a recently, purpose built, Dining Hall with a view to establishing the cause of noise. This test would enable AAS to advise the client of optimum remedial action and to provide a budget for undertaking the work.

The Challenge

During a typical food service period, up to 400 pupils and staff would converge; as the room was so reverberant the noise level would build to disproportionate levels, where clarity was all but impossible. The resulting problems were:

Kitchen staff were complaining about headaches

Vocal pathology

Teachers could not exert control

Normal interactions were impossible

Area could not even be used for other functions

The possibility of "letting the space" during school holidays was very difficult

Acoustic & aesthetic considerations

Whatever treatment was finally agreed upon it would need to be “in-keeping” with the space and, if possible, complimentary to the volume of this very impressive room.

The tests proved conclusively that the existing RT, was running at over 4 seconds, against a recommended standard of <1.0 seconds – this was significantly higher than building regulations allowed.

By the application of bespoke 3m x 1.2m x 50mm Absorbor panels, suspended in a pre-designed pattern, at varying heights, we were able to calm the whole environment to the extent that pupils, kitchen staff, teachers and visitors were happy.

The cost of this work was a fraction of what the building originally cost and is another example of how the application of relatively simple solution can not only manage sound, it can also provide a more harmonious environment for all those involved.

The Brief

The project had two main criterion to fulfill. The first to create a new series of ten music teaching room in which lessons or music practice could occur, without sound transmission to adjoining rooms or spaces. Two of these rooms need to be robust enough to withstand Percussion and Brass teaching/practice, with both rooms in full use.

Part two of the brief was to create an acoustic, non-parallel wall that would create a new music teaching classroom for up to 25 pupils. We had to ensure that foot-fall and general noise from a high traffic corridor outside, would not intrude on teaching or practice.

Challenges

8 of the classrooms to be located on the first floor of the original Bothy building, did not allow sound to transmit to classrooms below.

• Finding a way to create the required sound separation between rooms in a very limited space.

• Compensating for uneven floors and walls, with the additional task of improving the existing poor air flow.

• Upon completion of the build each room needed to be tuned, through the use of acoustic panels, according to instrument use.

• Ensuring that the whole project wsa BB93 compliant.

• Completion was achieved in the 6 weeks allocated and of course that the whole project came in, on budget.

Testimonial

"It is such a pleasure being able to teach a lesson and only hear the sound within that room. No distractions, good light and ideal acoustics"

Ms J. Rose Director of Music

The Brief

Sheffield Gallleries & Museum Trust required a detailed acoustic design for Weston Park Museum refurbishment programme. The areas of the proposed acoustic specification had to include designs for specific public areas, including exhibition halls and the cafe/restaurant.

Synergy between the acoustic specification and aesthetic requirements was of upmost importance. The varying areas each had distinct acoustic needs in order to attain the optimum sound experience.

The cafe, the museums main meeting and greeting place, was to be given a contemporary look and feel. Utilising the existing and reverberative surfaces we specified "sails", for the ceiling, that would not only manage the floor to ceiling reflections but also allow light through.

Wall to wall reflections were controlled through the use of strategically positioned wall panels that could work with the reflective, hard surfaces to keep the room lively but remove the undesirable mid to high frequencies such an area can generate.

The selected fabric covering provided a stunning and contemporary contrast to the muted colours selected for the wall.

Challenges

Working within an important Grade 2 listed building presents it's own unique set of challenges, not least the differing heights and architectural detail, found within the various areas and that all work had to be in keeping with the buildings form and purpose.

It was anticipated that the largest proportion of visitors would be children in the 7 to 14 age range, therefore careful consideration had to be given to the position and fixing of panels.

Working closely with Redman Associates, whom were charged with designing the individual exhibits and settings, we introduced the required amount of absorption whilst ensuring the various exhibition spaces were not impaired.

Testimonial

"We believe the acoustic consultancy was vital in determining the correct management of sound. Feedback from visitors has been positive, with many describing the experience as calming".

Head of Special Projects Sheffield Gallleries & Museum Trust

The Brief

A comparatively new addition to Framlingham College Prep. Brandeston Hall has multi use purpose. Everything from sports activities to Choral performances.

Constructed to an "A" frame design and made from brick and steel, with a capacity audience space of 250 people, the long reverberation times made the space all but impossible to use for anything other than sport.

The Solution

Having carried out reverberation time testing we were able to conclude a sound decay time of 4.1 seconds. The desirable level for a multi purpose area of this size and capacity is RT 0.8 to 1.0 seconds. Based on the evidence that resulted from carrying out the acoustic survey we were then able to determine the type of treatment required and equally as important, the ares requiring such treatment.

The Outcome

"After ten years of our staff and pupils trying to make each other heard at school assemblies, school productions and during activities in our multi-purpose hall, Amadeus Acoustic Solutions solved the problem with the quick and efficient installation of Absorber acoustic panels on to the walls. The reverberation has all but disappeared and we are delighted with the results.

In a tight timeframe, AAS completed the project on time, within the budget and with no inconvience to the School. It has been a great success in every respect and the transformation has been remarkable. We wish we had done it years ago!"

Andrew Payn Operations Director