The Tampa Yacht and Country Club was struggling with an exterior acoustics issue. While it is a beautiful venue with a history of hosting elegant events, this also led to large wedding parties that sometimes were louder than local neighbors appreciated. And while many clubhouses deal with echo and reverb problems, this was a unique […]
31
Jan
Jan
Sound Issues in the Old Hotel Initially opened in the 1920s, the historic Fenway Hotel is due to be reopened later this year as a boutique hotel. While the transformation included cosmetic and functional upgrades, there was one portion of the hotel renovation that called for soundproofing expertise – the noise transfer between rooms. Construction […]
17
Jan
Jan
Why STC Rating Matters in Movie Theater Soundproofing Soundproofing a movie theater isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preserving the full cinematic experience. Viewers should feel the impact of a film’s soundtrack without hearing the next theater over. Achieving that starts with understanding the STC rating for movie theaters and how wall design affects real-world soundproofing […]
11
Jan
Jan
Why Outdoor Noise Control Matters While interior acoustics get the most attention, outdoor soundproofing plays an equally critical role. Continuous traffic, HVAC units, and nearby construction all contribute to elevated background noise levels that affect both comfort and productivity. In the U.S., acoustic planning is often reactive—addressed only after noise complaints—unlike Europe, where pre-development sound […]
05
Jan
Jan
The Challenge of Mechanical Noise Control Mechanical noise shows up in every type of building — hospitals, manufacturing plants, offices, schools, and mixed-use developments. The challenge is that this noise typically comes from vibration, airflow turbulence, or panel resonance, and those problems travel easily through slabs, ductwork, and steel structures. The solution is almost always […]
Commercial Acoustics was contracted to perform acoustic consulting services for a multi-family property in upstate New York where residents were complaining of excessive noise, particularly from adjacent stairways and from footfall above. After initial review and discussion with the client, Commercial Acoustics traveled to the site and performed a number of acoustical tests for structure-borne (AIIC) […]
03
Jan
Jan
One of the most common complaints we see in office and educational settings is flanking noise through open plenums between adjacent spaces. This is often problematic when walls between offices don’t go to deck allowing sound to pass directly through the Acoustic Ceiling Tile and allowing clearly audible conversations between neighbors. (Note: ACT are not […]
03
Jan
Jan
While many restaurateurs struggle with acoustic issues, some are more critical than others. Take for instance, Tampa’s downtown Channelside restaurant Cena. A high-end Italian Cafe focused on upscale Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant was a perfect storm of underlying acoustical concerns. The walls were painted gypsum with a significant square footage of windows. Meanwhile the tall […]
19
Dec
Dec
In open layouts – whether it’s offices, libraries, or museums – noise often becomes a major concern. Without a proper background noise, loud noises are particularly distracting, due to the Dynamic Range that occurs (difference between quietest and loudest moments). Large dynamic ranges make it difficult for employees to concentrate or visitors to enjoy the space. […]
19
Dec
Dec
Commercial Office Noise Issues KForce’s international headquarters are located in Ybor City, near downtown Tampa. However, they have field offices throughout the country, including in St. Louis, Missouri, where dozens of employees work in an open office setting, creating a noisy environment. Nearby are conference rooms that require some noise reduction, and just beyond that […]