ACOUSTIC STRATEGY
Acous�c Design Intent
The acous�c strategy for the architecture school addresses sound comfort across different
program types including studios, lecture spaces, admin zones, and informal learning areas.
The design focuses on controlling reverbera�on, limi�ng noise transfer between zones,
and ensuring speech clarity. These objec�ves are achieved through a combina�on of mass
separa�on, absorp�on materials, and zoning of services.
Diagrams/Images to Include:
Zoning and Program Placement
Plan with acous�c zoning (quiet vs
Noisy Zones: Stairwells, plant rooms, toilets, loading bay — placed on building perimeter
or between floor levels noisy)
Quiet Zones: Studios, lecture areas, admin pods — placed away from high traffic and buff- Sec�on with material build-ups be-
ered by acous�c par��ons
tween floors
Mixed Zones: Corridors and breakout areas have absorbent finishes to dampen general
building noise Reverbera�on control diagram (ceil-
ing, wall, floor treatments)
Acous�c Design Goals
Reverbera�on Time (RT60) in studios: < 0.6 sec
Background Noise Level (LAeq) in lecture rooms: 35–40 dB(A)
Sound Transmission Class (STC) between studios and circula�on: STC 45–50
NCC Acous�c Compliance Reference
NCC Volume 1 – F5.4: Walls separa�ng sanitary compartments must have RW ≥ 50
NCC Volume 1 – F5.6: Floor/ceiling assemblies between sole-occupancy units must achieve
RW + Ctr ≥ 50
NOISE CONTROL + MECHANICAL ISOLATION
Mechanical System Noise Control
HVAC Isola�on: VRF units mounted on an�-vibra�on pads; ducts lined with acous�c insula�on
Plant Room Separa�on: Located away from learning spaces with RW 55+ par��ons
Li� Cores and Fire Stairs: Concrete wall separa�on and gasketed door frames reduce struc-
ture-borne noise
Services Penetra�on Treatments
All duct and pipe penetra�ons include acous�c pu�y and resilient sealant to maintain wall RW
values
Flanking paths avoided with discon�nuous stud construc�on
Internal Acous�c Enhancements
Lecture Rooms/ Auditorium: Acous�c ceiling �les + wall panels reduce echo and improve speech Diagrams/Images to Include:
clarity
Mechanical room separa�on plan
Studios: Wall-mounted slat panels + carpet or �mber flooring moderate foo�all noise
Admin/Pods: Fabric-covered acous�c panels and downlight absorp�on zones An�-vibra�on mount detail
Penetra�on sealing sketch
WALL AND FLOOR ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS
Diagrams/Images to Include:
Wall sec�on diagrams with material
layers labeled
Ceiling treatment axo or cutaway
Product cut sheet reference (slat wall
+ PPA �les)
Floor and Ceiling Assemblies
Floor Slab: 200mm in-situ reinforced concrete (natural acous�c mass)
Ceiling Tiles: PPA Acous�c Grid Tiles, NRC 0.75, absorbs mid-frequency noise in studios
Floa�ng Floors (op�onal): Acous�c underlay in lecture spaces for foo�all isola�on
Wall Surface Finishes
Natural Oak Acous�c Slat Panels (Grey Felt)
Size: 2700mm × 520mm × 21.4mm
Supplier: FlooringWorks Australia
Func�on: Mid-frequency absorp�on and visual warmth
ACOUSTIC STRATEGY SUMMARY + MATERIALS
Summary
This acous�c strategy ensures each space performs acous�cally for its purpose, whether
for focused work, quiet conversa�on, or dynamic presenta�on. A mix of heavy mass
materials, so� absorp�on panels, and intelligent service placement supports the
design’s goal for clarity, comfort, and code compliance. The proposal exceeds NCC F5
and J5 acous�c expecta�ons and supports a learning environment a�uned to both
func�on and well-being.
Visuals to Include:
Annotated acous�c plan (zoning)
Wall and ceiling material sec�on
Product reference montage (�les,
ba�s, oak panels)
