This project involved the renovation of a shop classroom into a state-of-the-art music recording studio. The studio includes group recording and vocal booth spaces, a control room, an audio engineering room, and two practice rooms — all of which are connected to a music instruction space. Acoustical challenges included the proximity of the proposed space to an adjacent electrical shop classroom (with adjoining door), outdoor courtyard (including exterior windows), and corridors. In addition to sound isolation from these adjacent spaces, we provided acoustical design services for internal sound isolation, HVAC noise and vibration control, and room acoustics. During the construction phase, we reviewed submittals and visited the site to review the installation of the acoustical components of the design, and post-installation testing was provided to verify acoustical performance.
In May 2019, baseline measurements were performed to quantify the existing sound isolation provided by the perimeter walls and roof/ceiling, and the results were used to develop recommendations for improved sound isolation from adjacent spaces. This included independent steel studs with multiple layers of acoustically-enhanced drywall, stud isolation pads, and resilient sway braces. The entire Studio was constructed on an isolated floating floor system, and spring isolators were used to support the ceilings. Post-installation testing in June 2020 indicated a result of NIC 75 between the adjacent Electrical Shop and Studio, and NIC 69 from the corridor to the Studio. Double stud walls, along with acoustical doors and windows, were utilized for interior sound isolation. NIC 71 was achieved between the Group Recording and Vocal Booth.
HVAC noise and vibration control included silencers and duct lining, as well as vibration isolation devices for the air handling equipment. After system balancing, post-installation background sound levels resulted in NC 17-19 in the Group Recording, Vocal Booth, Control Room, and Audio Engineering Room, and NC 25-28 in the Practice Rooms and Music Instruction space. The room acoustics recommendations included a combination of angled walls and ceilings, diffuser panels, and absorption panels. The measured reverberation time results indicated 0.5 seconds or less at 500 Hz and above in the recording, control, and practice spaces, with a gentle rise in the lower frequencies.
PRIMARY CANDIDATE NAME: Jack Zybura, P.E., INCE Bd. Cert.
ORGANIZATION: Lewis S. Goodfriend & Associates
PROJECT ROLE: Project Manager (Acoustical)
SECOND CANDIDATE NAME: Michael Dick
ORGANIZATION: Lewis S. Goodfriend & Associates
PROJECT ROLE: Engineer (Acoustical)
