APPENDEX
General Design Resources
Acoustics
8min
The management of sound, inside and outside of the Discovery Well Being is essential to the success of the space.
- When selecting a site for the space, avoid close proximity to roadways, hotel pools, mechanical equipment, loading docks and other distracting elements. Provide screening if any of these situations are unavoidable.
- The treatment rooms and relaxation areas should be acoustically isolated from other spa areas to create a quiet zone. Noise is disruptive during a treatment and negatively affects the guest’s experience.
- Reduce sound in active areas by incorporating materials that will absorb sound and reduce reverberation within the space.
- Consider the strategic use of soft materials such as rugs, draperies and wall panels to diffuse sound transmission.
- Provide sound boots and other devices at ductwork to eliminate sound transfer between rooms.
- Reduce sound transmitted between spaces and through the plenum by providing wall partitions with a minimum STC (sound transmission coefficient) rating of 54 and ceilings with a CAC (ceiling attenuation class) of 54.
- Incorporate partitions framed to the structure.
- Provide double ceilings at spa spaces below active areas.
- Provide solid core doors. Provide door and frame assembly to meet a minimum STC rating of 54. Provide acoustical sound seals and sweeps at the door.
- Acoustically treat troublesome architectural and mechanical elements such as windows, window mullions, perimeter baseboard heaters, perimeter return air slots, etc that might transmit sound.
- Provide rolling Teflon latch systems to mitigate latch sounds.
- Provide acoustical dampening devices at HVAC equipment to minimize transmission of sound and vibrations.
- Ensure all light fixtures and other devices penetrating the walls and ceilings are acoustically dampened.
- Acoustically insulate plumbing.
- Cabinetry should have hinges and latches and rubber silencers for quiet operation.
- Consider sound masking to manage sound generated within the facility.
- The use of water features throughout the Discovery Well Being is an acceptable way to mask unwanted noise and create a tranquil environment. The water features must be subtle enough not that the noise is not distracting.
- Music systems may mitigate some noise.
We add a fourth element, "D" for Design.
- Locate noisy areas such as fitness rooms, mechanical rooms and roof top units away from quiet zones when possible.