Mixed-use buildings are becoming common these days. Along with this is the demand for Sound Barriers. These are properties that are constructed to accommodate both residential and commercial spaces. A common feature of these properties are tall buildings wherein residential units occupy the upper floors, offices on the middle and lower floors, and malls and department stores on the ground floor. While they offer convenience in terms of running errands and keeping business activities within the same premises, mixed-use spaces also generate a lot of annoying and distracting noise throughout the day. Their tenants are not the only culprits of the offensive sounds; the surrounding traffic likewise contribute to the unwanted noise in these properties. Sound barriers therefore come handy in these properties as they mitigate the penetration of unwanted acoustics into the different parts of the mixed-use space.
This is a sample of Hebei Jinbiao sound barrier:
Understanding the structure of mixed-use spaces
Mixed-use spaces are like industrial buildings. They don’t have the best acoustic controls. They have hallways that are situated right next to department stores, restaurants, offices, and these are often used for public functions. Noise coming from these sources are often heard in each other’s premises too.
Sound barriers are now seen as a necessity, and various establishments are now looking at their options as to how they can mitigate the noise entering their premises; others meanwhile look for ways in which the sounds they produce are kept within their perimeter.
Why should you invest in a sound barrier, anyway? Here are a few good reasons to consider:
Noise control
Reverberation and sound pressure are the most annoying issues in mixed-space buildings. Since these places do not have good acoustics, they are at high risk of reverberation as the sounds bounce off on the hard wall surfaces. Sound waves likewise overlap in the same space, so they create a consistent noise level. They likewise linger in the area, and only reduce their strength when the listener goes farther away from it. When the noise cannot be controlled, it spreads throughout the building and becomes a distraction factor that can affect employee productivity. Much more serious, in the long run, can cause a number of health problems.
Sound penetrates through physical boundaries
Physically, spaces are divided by walls and other barriers, delineating which area is which. However, sound doesn’t recognise these divisions and can go beyond the walls when they are loud and strong enough.
This can be an issue especially when noise reaches the office and residential parts of the mixed-space property. Residents would complain of the noise that they may hear continuously (even if it’s no longer that loud) because it affects their quality of living in the unit.
Installing Sound barriers in the form of acoustic walls and absorber pads can significantly reduce the spread of noise and reach these parts of the mixed-space property. The same can be said on hanging acoustic controls or those installed in high ceilings as these prevent sound waves from climbing up.
Noise control allows for more space utilisation within the building
As mentioned earlier, noise mitigation helps create a conducive environment for various activities within a mixed-use area. When the noise is controlled, common areas within the property can be used for different functions without being affected by other acoustic sources and vice versa.
With proper noise controls in places, mixed-space areas can also be venues for concerts, open-ground activities, and other types of gatherings without being perturbed by sounds coming from its environs.
Architect with the passion for building homes and commercial spaces where people can enjoy life to the fullest.