When architects design a new building there is a lot of thought given to various things such as energy-efficiency, safety, accessibility, and comfortability. But what about the acoustical environment? There are many ways to incorporate acoustical treatments into new construction that can have a great impact on the overall environment of a space. Studies show that a poor acoustical environment has detrimental effects on our mental health and general wellbeing, as well as work productivity and more. When it comes to commercial offices or larger residential buildings, including acoustic treatments from the inception of the building guarantees the building will be enjoyed by employees or residents for many years to come.
Optimizing new construction for soundproofing and good acoustics in Lafayette, LA can save you money and time and many headaches. Everything from floors, windows, where mechanical elements are placed, etc. all have a role to play in the acoustic environment of a building. Placing mechanical elements next to an outdoor hangout for instance is bad design. No one wants to hear the whirs and grunts of the HVAC when trying to enjoy a conversation outdoors with friends or colleagues. For large high-rise buildings, the mechanical elements take up about 10% of the overall space of the structure. That’s a lot. Whole floors are dedicated to the mechanical features of these structures, and the most efficient way to soundproof between floors is decoupling. In simple terms, decoupling is the process of separating two parts of a structure to prevent noises and vibrations traveling across them. This works between floors as well as within walls.
After the initial construction phase, acoustical treatments in Lafayette, LA come in. These include acoustic panels, acoustic drop ceilings or acoustic clouds, as well as commercial flooring. Whatever your acoustical or commercial flooring needs, Architectural Acoustics in Lafayette has your back.