Architectural
Acoustics Goes Beyond Performance Spaces
Acoustics is important for many different types of spaces, not only auditoriums. Factors like speech intelligibility, background sound levels and noise intrusion are important for the use and comfort of occupants of a variety of spaces from offices to recreation facilities. PAAE has twenty years of experience in the field of architectural acoustics and design for both noise mitigation and sound enhancement. PAAE can provide you with acoustical advice at any stage of your project: Design, Construction or Commissioning, as well as with Existing Buildings.
Design
Including an acoustical consultant on your design team creates an opportunity for acoustical elements to be better integrated with other aspects of the building’s design. Considering acoustics at the front-end of the design can save your project from expensive remediation or renovations after construction.
PAAE can help you with all your acoustic design concerns:
- Speech Intelligibility & Privacy
- Mechanical System Noise (HVAC)
- Office Acoustics
- Classroom Acoustics
- Sound Transmission through Walls, Floor & Ceiling Assemblies
- Acoustics for Sustainable Building Projects (LEED & Material Use Considerations)
- Noise Intrusion from Transportation Sources (CHMC, AVPA, and FTA Assessments)
We are also experienced in:
- Traffic Noise Impact Assessment
- Heavy & Light Rail Noise and Vibration Assessments
- Environmental Acoustics
- Occupational Health & Safety Surveys
- Vibration Assessments
PAAE is a completely independent consulting firm and has no affiliations with suppliers of acoustic products or materials. This enables PAAE to offer unbiased advice and counsel regarding acoustics, vibration and noise control concerns. PAAE can help you with Document Review and Collecting Bids from Vendors.
Construction
Construction is a difficult and complex process. With the range of companies, workers and trades that collaborate on every building project, specialized specifications or installation instructions can be overlooked or misunderstood.
PAAE can help you protect the value you have invested in acoustical design and/or treatment:
- Site Inspections & Visits
- STC and IIC Testing
- Vibration Prediction (FTA) and Testing
- Product Installation Training & Recommendations
- On-going Consultation
Have you started building already? Overlook an acoustic requirement? Or looking for recommendations on how to meet the building code (e.g. airport vicinity protection area requirements)? We can help. Contact us today.
Commissioning
Commissioning studies are becoming more common with the increasing focus on building performance and ratings systems like LEED. PAAE can help you with your acoustic testing and verification needs.
We have experience with:
- Verification Measurements for LEED for Schools Enhanced Acoustical Performance Credit (EQ 9)
- Commissioning Studies for Audiometric Testing Suites (ANSI S3.1-1999)
- Field STC & IIC Measurements
- ASHRAE Background Sound Level Compliance Verification
- Outdoor Noise Studies
- Mapping Existing Sound Levels (e.g. Occupational Noise Maps)
Existing Buildings
Are your tenants being bothered by noise from another suite? Is your open plan workplace loud and difficult to concentrate in? Are you concerned about speech privacy in your office, meeting room or patient rooms?
PAAE can help you assess the current acoustic situation (theoretically or by measurement), work with you to design noise control recommendations that suit your unique situation best and help you find the right products for your project.
