5 Acoustic Design Aspects To Help You on Your Next Project

From Delhom Acoustics' Founder & CEO, Jean-Philippe DELHOM

Working in the #design and #construction industry, I’ve noticed that throughout a project’s lifecycle, our clients’ questions tend to be very similar – regardless of where the project is happening around the world.

Architects also often become responsible for managing a project, which sometimes means they have to coordinate with 3, 5, 10 or even 20 different consultants.

So, I’ve written down 5 tips that summarize some of the most common #acoustic related challenges encountered during a project, for you to get the most out of working with an acoustic consultant, the next time you have the opportunity to work with one.

Tip #1: Early Consideration and Collaboration

Acoustic consultants are often called at the end of the design phase, tender, or worse, during the construction. This is a common situation in projects where acoustic consultants come in as firefighters once noise related issues start popping up.

By involving acoustic consultants during early design phases, you will be able to plan your acoustics better, resulting in lower construction costs, and a better visual integration of acoustic solutions in the interior design. Try it, it won't cost you more!

Tip #2: Understand the Purpose of the Space

Just like #architects and interior designers, it is important for acoustic consultants to understand the project vision, and the atmosphere you are trying to create in each space. Rushing in with solutions before even knowing what you are trying to accomplish acoustically wise, may result in over-design (leading to extra costs), or worse, create a very uncomfortable space for the users.

When you communicate with an acoustic consultant, he will translate your vision and needs into acoustic targets. Some examples of targets can mention ambient noise levels, that is, how loud background noise in your room is, or how much sound should your room prevent from leaking, commonly known as sound insulation.

Tip #3: Closer involvement with the project team

Since acoustic consultants often seem to speak another language, we always recommend a stronger involvement between the project team and the acoustic consultant. This can be an early project workshop where the consultant explains their scope, their interactions with each discipline, and introduce the potential acoustic challenges of the projet or weekly design meetings where they coordinate with the rest of the team. If you’re in doubt, feel free to have a quick call with your consultant, they will be able to support you and make things much clearer. And by keeping your acoustic consultant in the loop, they will feel more part of the project team!

Tip #4: Acoustic solutions adapt to your design

One of the roles of an acoustic consultant is to keep updated on the latest market trends, such as products, materials, design techniques etc. If you’ve got a crazy idea, share it with your consultant! He should have a big library of acoustic systems to help make your vision happen.

And sometimes, the solution isn’t always a ready-made acoustic product, simple choices such as furniture and decoration can have a big impact on your room acoustics, and it can be quantified!

So, remember, when the acoustic consultant of your project thinks outside the box, the acoustic solutions proposed can be just as bold as your design.

Tip #5: Sustainable Acoustics

Many green-building labels such as LEED, WELL, BREEAM, HQE, etc. mention acoustics in the comfort category. That’s great as many studies show the benefits of living in acoustically treated environments.

We also see a shift in focus in the acoustic community worldwide, with a stronger will to develop more and more eco-friendly alternatives. From bio-sourced solutions (i.e. coconut or sheep wool, hemp-based products, etc.) to recycled materials (PET, textiles, etc.) or even traditional construction methods where acoustic performances had not been measured before (i.e. mud & straw walls, clay walls, timber, etc.), there are many possible alternatives that match your project’s targets.

Nonetheless, one of the best things an acoustic consultant can do to support a greener initiative on a project, is to research what is locally produced and available each time he is working on a project, as to avoid importing goods that can otherwise be found nearer to the project site. By prioritizing locally available products, not only does it reduce the carbon footprint of the project, but it also reduces lead time for delivery!

Wrapping up on those 5 tips, I hope these "Frequently Asked Questions" answers have given you some ideas on how to better your cooperation with an acoustic consultant during your next project, as well as some other practical advice that you can already start playing around with.

Do you have any other questions or advice to share? Drop a comment below! Also you can directly send me a private message on my LinkedIn Page: Jean-Philippe DELHOM . I'll be happy to share my insights!