When developing luxury hotel and condo units, sound transmission and privacy are a top concern. Condo owners have a reasonable expectation of privacy and near-silence, and this expectation increases as the cost of the unit does as well. Soundproofing the condo ceilings, walls, and floors contribute to an acceptable acoustic environment to the end owner.
Soundproof Design for Condos
During the design of luxury spaces the target STC for demising walls are typically above the STC 50 minimum, and are closer to 53-58 depending on location and luxury standards. Target STC, or Sound Transmission Classification, is the rating the design should meet or exceed on the wall schedule.
Instead of adding multiple layers of drywall to the assembly or using double studs to improve sound transmission, The Salvador in St. Petersburg chose to use Commercial Acoustics Wall Blokker sound membrane. This cost-effective approach allowed them to save significant cost, while also shortening the construction schedule. Since the Wall Blokker is usually installed at $1/sf, it may greatly reduce the project cost of drywall when multiple layers are removed.
The Salvador is a 13-story green certified building which houses 74 luxury condo units and is located in the heart of downtown St. Pete. By considering the STC of the units during design, the architects provided cost savings to their client and ensured that they met and exceeded the STC Building Code.
