ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS SERVICES

Room Acoustics Design – Interior finish materials and placement significantly affect hearing conditions in rooms. For example, acoustical goals for an auditorium or conference room include natural voice reinforcement and an appropriate degree of reverberation, while quiet and privacy are the primary goals for offices. Ostergaard Acoustical Associates assists with criteria, analyses of critical spaces using state-of-the-art computer modeling techniques, and recommended solutions. We prepare specification text and conceptual details to describe recommendations. Testing is also available to evaluate built environments.

Sound Isolating Construction – Controlling the degree of sound transmitting between two spaces, or transmitting from exterior to interior, is necessary for privacy, good hearing, and acoustical comfort. We provide analyses to determine the necessary acoustical performance of wall, window, door, roof, ceiling, and floor constructions. We provide construction descriptions, relevant specification text, conceptual details, and inspections to assure effective sound isolation.

Mechanical System Noise and Vibration Control – Noise from mechanical systems travels through ductwork as well as through walls and floors. At the onset of a project, we establish noise criteria for each space and prepare noise control guidelines to assist the mechanical engineers with their designs. When mechanical designs and equipment selections are available, we analyze this information using state-of-the-art software developed by Ostergaard Acoustical Associates. We then identify mechanical design revisions necessary to ensure that noise criteria are met. Recommendations and suggested specification text are provided for incorporation into project documents.

Sound System Design – We provide sound system designs compatible with overall acoustical design, including specifications, contract drawings, checkout, and adjustments to assure effective results. Designs include ADA-compliant sound reinforcement and playback systems for places of public assembly (e.g. auditoriums, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, and high school sports fields), communication systems to assist technical productions, and masking sound systems to improve privacy in office areas.

Site Noise Analysis – Control of site noise is critical for planning board approvals, compliance with noise codes, and user comfort. We provide on-site acoustical measurements, documentation, expert testimony, and findings regarding building layout and construction.