Acoustics

objective the management of sound, inside and outside of the discovery well being is essential to the success of the space planning site planning 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 space plan 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 abc’s of sound control absorb 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 block 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 cover 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 design locate noisy areas such as fitness rooms, mechanical rooms and roof top units away from quiet zones when possible