Acoustic design services and consulting - Buro Happold

Experience acoustic design that transcends code compliance, focusing on user-centric outcomes with engineered acoustic designs and solutions.

We understand how to communicate the complexities of an acoustic design to our clients, whilst engaging with our design team peers, to deliver a collaborative and holistic solution. We’re motivated in proving the importance of good acoustic design for both people and the environment.

With a broad project history, our teams’ knowledge is extensive, from the ultra high-tech, across macro and micro scales to the curiously unusual. The challenging and complex excites us, be it internal, external or the transition between.

Deco Sound supply professional and honest service.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

We evaluate the potential effects of noise and vibration from development projects on the environment and human health. These assessments help identify sources of noise and vibration, predict their impacts and propose mitigation measures to minimise adverse effects on ecosystems, wildlife and communities.

Acoustics in building refurbishment

Existing buildings present unique challenges, requiring quick thinking and creative acoustic solutions that fit within their constraints. Often working as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver a complete service, our method involves thorough acoustic assessments to understand any limitations, informing stakeholders and the design team early in the development process.

This approach has been successfully applied to multiple projects, saving time, reducing cost uncertainty and maximising the building’s acoustic potential.

Neuro-inclusive environments

Each person’s brain functions uniquely, yet this diversity is often neglected in our built environments, resulting in exclusion and decreased productivity for many individuals. Approximately 15-20% of the population has sensory processing differences, which adversely affects their daily interactions with buildings and urban spaces.

By embedding science-led design principles, we work alongside our inclusive environments and lighting teams to support clients in applying evidence-based neurodiversity design principals to create spaces that enhance mental health, wellbeing and overall experience for all.

Office fit out design

Modern office spaces differ greatly from the repetitive, cellular workplaces of the past. With increasing pressure on space and rising costs per square meter of commercial premises, our expertise lies in creating acoustic designs that adapt to evolving work patterns and behaviors, especially those introduced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

We ensure our designs foster natural cross-team innovation and idea- sharing – creating a ‘buzzing’ acoustic atmosphere that balances both privacy and collaboration.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Acoustic Design Services(fr,fi,nl). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Sports and entertainment venue design

Our venue designs put people at the heart of the project. Engineering stadiums to inspire teams and elevate performances – while creating unforgettable experiences for every fan.

We have been involved in some of the most iconic and successful stadia and venues globally. Working closely with architects and clients alike, our expertise guides and influences material design to ensure an exceptional experience is enjoyed both within and around the venue.

Our services include concept and detailed design package procurement and practical completion of the works – with specialisms in audio systems (PAVA), architectural and environmental acoustics.

When it comes to acoustic design, it can be difficult to comprehend. For starters acoustics are a challenge for both architects and designers. Acoustics involves all aspects of design and many factors need to be taken into account to avoid a multitude of issues. Architects must take into consideration factors such as room size, room finishes, wall and floor construction and mechanical/electrical services to name just a few. These can all affect the acoustics within a room. To avoid acoustics from becoming an issue, acoustical design services can assist and are best engaged early in the design process.

Breaking it Down

No space is the same and architects strive to design buildings which are unique, attractive and functional. With that said, acoustical solutions within a building are not the same as the next. Many different things can go wrong when it comes to acoustics. For example, if HVAC noise is not addressed during design, a newly constructed building could have excessive sound levels that do not allow for the space to be used for its intended purpose. Often, attempting to resolve these issues after a building has been constructed is disruptive, difficult and cost prohibitive.

In a restaurant, sound absorption can be beneficial to create a more intimate setting as noise is reduced. In highly reflective spaces without sound absorption, people have great difficulty hearing and understanding conversation with others at their table. Gymnasiums are another example of a space where sound absorption is often ignored. In a school setting, reverberant spaces and poor speech intelligibility can be fatiguing to the occupants and pose a safety issue if students do not clearly understand instructions from their teacher.. These are just a few examples of how acoustic engineering services can provide efficient solutions to common sound issues.

Location

Programming of spaces within a building must be strategic, keeping acoustics in mind. It is important to consider adjacencies that can minimize acoustic issues. For example, a recording studio overlooking a busy train track or sharing a common wall with a washroom would impose design constraints and result in added construction costs. Consideration of location, which is done early in the design process,is vital to good, cost effective acoustic design..

Shape Your Spaces

Think strategically about acoustic design at the beginning stages of a project. Consider the size, shape and adjacencies of rooms within the building. These factors determine acoustics services. Curved wall surfaces or open floor plans can create acoustical challenges that are hard to address. Judicious use of these features can simplify the process. Also, consider the acoustical properties of the equipment and furnishings in your space. Are they sound absorbing or do they produce noise?

For more information, please visit Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels.

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