Noise Control Solutions Enhance the Learning Environment of a Local High School

Overview:

Ketchum & Walton provided a range of noise control solutions for a local high school renovation, including absorption panels, ceiling reflectors, and diffusers to create  an optimal learning environment free from noise disruptions.

Challenge:

Before construction begins on any school, one thing must always be considered: noise.  A school in particular presents many noise challenges—basketball gyms, cafeterias, hallways, music rooms, and performing arts venues—all of which need a tailor-made solution. For example, a cafeteria is an open space with high ceilings, reflective floors, and equally reflective walls, essentially creating an unbearable echo chamber of noise. Rooms like these require absorption to reduce the excess reverberation. On the other hand, in spaces like performing arts centers and auditoriums, the goal isn’t to reduce noise; it’s to enhance the sound coming from the stage with ceiling reflectors, wall diffusers, and absorption panels toward the back of the space. This solution allows sound to disperse evenly throughout the venue. With these considerations in mind, our team assessed each area of this local high school to provide acoustical treatment tailored to the unique purpose of each space

Solution:

One of the most concerning areas for noise was the lobby atrium area. With high ceilings and a glass skylight, there were infinite ways for noise to echo and reverberate off the reflective building material. We were able to maintain the architect’s vision by supplying our contractors with absorption panels along the walls.

A similar challenge existed in the school’s basketball gym, only this time it was a space that would soon be filled with screaming fans. To control this inevitably loud space, we outfitted the gym with more absorption panels to reduce the reverberation noise.

While the previous two spaces required absorption solutions, our team faced a different problem in the performing arts venue and music rooms. These rooms were to be treated in a way that dispersed noise and prevented it from invading adjacent areas. For the performing arts venue, we supplied wood ceiling reflectors that allowed sound to carry from the stage to the furthest seats. We also provided a combination of diffusers and absorption panels in the auditorium and the music rooms to balance sound within the space.

Results

Altogether, with the last panel installed, our team and the contractors at Valley Interiors were able to create a space that not only looked great, but one that sounded great too. In total, we were able to utilize three separate vendors to provide everything the contractor needed to complete this project, making us a one-stop shop noise control supplier. Further, all of our acoustic solutions were custom-made to meet the exact design needs specified by the architect’s vision, displaying various slogans and colors that show the school’s spirit. With everything installed and ready for occupancy, the students will benefit from a learning environment they deserve.