Acoustic Assessment:
Commercial Acoustics reviewed the progress Drawing Set for an upcoming 4-star Hotel in Miami, FL in order to provide acoustic treatment recommendations for the Amenity Lounge. Analysis of the room was performed based on the room geometries and finishes included in the drawing set.
Using the Sabin’s Formula, the A-weighted reverberation time (RT60) in the lounge is expected to be in the range of 1.8 seconds, with reverberation times of 3.6 seconds, 6.3 seconds, and 2.4 seconds at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz, respectively.
The proposed reverberation time at each of these frequencies is 0.8 seconds, per the LEED v4 criteria.
The LEED criteria may be overly strict for this type of space. Therefore, by relaxing the criteria to 1 second, and allowing for A-weighted performance, rather than octave-band, a more cost-effective alternate treatment is also proposed below.
SEE: Acoustic Consulting Types – Sound Testing, Acoustic Analysis, and Noise Modeling
Reverberation Criteria:
It should be noted that the intended acoustic performance of any type of space is dependent on its final use. For instance, restaurant reverberation requirements often range from 0.7 seconds (intimate) – 1.1 seconds (lively), depending on desired intimacy. A sports bar may desire a livelier space, while a romantic, high-end restaurant may desire less reverberation.
Regardless, Speech Intelligibility is generally lost at approximately 1.5 second reverberation, which the Amenity Lounge currently exceeds. This results in lack of comprehension during speaking engagements and excessive noise during regular use, and should be prevented whenever possible.
Acoustic Assessment – Conclusion:
The Amenity Lounge will require significant acoustic treatment in order for it to be acceptable for mixed use. As currently designed, speech intelligibility and comfort will be greatly compromised.
- Ideal acoustic performance may be achieved with 2,400 square feet of treatment with an average NRC of 1.0. This may include full coverage of Acoustic Ceiling Tile and Carpeting, or a combination of treatments.
- Adequate acoustic performance may be achieved with 800 square feet of treatment with an average NRC of 1.0. This may include a combination of Acoustic Absorption Panels and a Fabric Wall System along one wall, or once again, a combination of treatments
See Target Reverberation Chart
Miami Acoustical Consulting
Whether you are in Miami or throughout United States, our team of Acoustic Consultants works with architects, contractors, and developers to determine appropriate reverberation targets, and ensure that you meet or exceed your requirements. By using our library of acoustic coefficients and known tools such as the Sabins or Eyring formula with their corresponding software programs, we are able to determine with a reasonable level of tolerance the required acoustic treatment in a space. Also, if your primary issue is not Absorption (due to reverberation or overall noise level), but instead Sound Transmission, Speech Privacy or Flanking Issues, then our team is able to diagnose the issue and design a cost-effective solution.
By combining the core capabilities of ABC2 – Absorption, Blocking, Cover, and Consulting – Commercial Acoustics integrates varied disciplines that may support each other. Each solution category has its own strengths and weaknesses, and should not be viewed independently, but within the context of an integrated solution.
