World is getting noisier day by day and as cities swell there are signs that coping with the noise will be harder. Therefore countries have made many legislation and guidance in terms of controlling noise intrusion to suitable levels so that it do not affect our health.
In a building façade shapes and responds to external noise environment and control the intrusion of environment noise ( noise pollution ) into spaces within.
Let’s discuss some factors to consider in façade design to control environmental noise intrusion into building.
The most effective way is appoint acoustic consultant who will undertake an assessment of the proposed building location and massing by either measuring or predicting noise levels at the start of a project. The results of this assessment can then be used to inform the architect’s early design.
Another thing is that, the part of a façade system offering the least noise reduction is the glazing. Considerations include the glass configuration; acoustic losses from framing details, mullions and transoms; ventilation openings and other acoustically weak façade constructions such as certain types of cladding systems.
There are several other factors to consider which are often overlooked, such as:
• Glazing performance is not just STC or Rw
• Double glazing is not always better at reducing noise than single glazing
Various studies have also been undertaken on the shape of façades and façade elements on noise pollution, both inside the buildings and on the street. Different building shapes can lead to variations of up to 9 dBA as for road traffic sound pressure levels for pedestrians. Building-façade design can reduce the average value along a window with 8.5 dBA. Geometric configuration of the street can increase the positive effect of low barriers and reduce 11 dBA in pedestrian exposure.
So, façade design is not simple. Every design decision has an impact on multiple factors that need careful consideration by relevant experts.
Read article to know considerations in detail. click here to read.