HIGH CLASS HOTELS

A high-class setting requires acoustic comfort and quality parameters on a par with the setting itself. It is therefore not advisable to limit oneself to the requirements set out in statutes, regultations, codes and by-laws, concerning acoustics, given that this only covers the basic requirements in regard to limiting irritating noises, and therefore does not provide the guarantee for comfort demanded by guests during their luxury stay. 

Parameters that should be controlled are the transmission of airborne noises, impact noises and vibrations within the building itself, as well as the reduction of noise reverberating from the ground. Therefore, in projects which deal with the hotel industry, acoustically designed and calculated elements are incorporated for each particular unit.  As such, not only the common areas of the building or the grounds of the facilities are considered, but also each bedroom, and even the rooms enclosed within them.

It is fundamental that the acoustic consultant is present in the four main phases:

 ·                       CONCEPTUAL DESIGN: Preliminary study of options with:

• an initial survey of any noise effects from the installations on the surroundings and of the surroundings on the building
• design draft of the façades
• review of applicable statutes, regulations, codes and by-laws
• acoustic interior design brief
• placement of mechanical systems in building brief

·                       SCHEMATIC DESIGN: Study of selected option approved by the Client, taking into account any modifications, comments or additions recommended by all stakeholders (Hotel Operator, Client Representative, Authority, etc):

• a complete survey of any noise effects from the installations on the surroundings and of the surroundings on the building
• design of façades
• windows design
• critical dimensions and wall configurations
• floor design
• acoustic interior design of wide rooms
• effects on placement of mechanical systems in building
• advanced report on acoustic aspects and materials selection as well as project criteria

·                       BUILDING PERMIT: Provides all information or documents which may be requested by the Public Authorities.

·                       DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: Acoustic study of the development of the design as approved by the Client:

• calculations, plans and acoustic specifications for façades
• calculations, plans and acoustic specifications for windows
• calculations, plans and acoustic specifications  for walls
• plans for critical dimensions and wall configurations
• calculations, plans and acoustic specifications for floors
• calculations, plans and acoustic specifications for interior materials
• calculations, plans and enclosure specs for mechanical systems
• report of acoustic aspects and materials selection as well as project criteria

·                       CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: These construction documents on acoustics aim to allow for the installation of specific solutions.

• plans and acoustic specifications for façades
• plans and acoustic specifications for windows
• plans and acoustic specifications for walls
• plans for critical dimensions and wall configurations
• plans and acoustic specifications for floors
• plans and acoustic specifications for interior materials
• plans and enclosure specs for mechanical systems
• report on acoustic aspects and materials selection as well as project criteria

·                       BIDDING AND AWARDS: Assist the Client with pre-agreement negotiations

·                       SITE SUPERVISION: Monitoring and supervision of site progress and performance of quality checks:

• on-site visit with accompanying progress report
• quality control test to check on building quality and specifications by means of insulation and noise measurements
• acoustic certification