Category Archives: Case Study

Soundproofing a Smart Home

Wall Blokker Mass Loaded Vinyl soundproofing wall

A new-construction custom home was being completed in Tampa, FL in February 2017. Outfitted with some of the most recent technology, the owner was concerned about excessive noise from the playroom and entertainment room upstairs, as well as insulating the Master Bedroom downstairs. The framing was made of 6” wood studs, with ceilings at 12’ […]

Luxury Theater Soundproofing

theater soundproofing

One of the most ideal uses for soundproofing membranes is when low-frequency reduction is critical to the performance of a system. This is especially true with entertainment and industrial venues, where low-frequency noise is generated from equipment and amplified speakers. A recent case study with a luxury cinema in Dallas, Texas serves as a prime […]

Exterior Noise Control for Tampa Yacht Club

exterior noise modeling

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 […]

Historic Fenway Hotel Soundproofing

soundproofing for hotel

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 […]

Acoustical Consultation and Testing

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) […]

Noise Issues with Drop Ceiling

soundproofing ceiling flanking

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 […]

Restaurant Acoustical Sound Absorption

acoustics in restaurants

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 […]

Sound Masking for Open Offices

sound masking components

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. […]

Commercial Office Sound Treatment

soundproofing kForce

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 […]

Multi-Family Soundproofing in Austin, TX

soundproofing for luxury multifamily

In many parts of the country where acoustic tests are not mandated prior to completion, there has been a growing number of class-action suits and corresponding renovations to multi-family developments. Often, one of the most straight-forward mitigations developers and architects can make is adding a flooring underlayment to reduce structure-borne noise in units above; mainly, […]