{"id":1351,"date":"2014-03-03T09:35:10","date_gmt":"2014-03-03T14:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=1351"},"modified":"2017-01-17T15:01:42","modified_gmt":"2017-01-17T20:01:42","slug":"a-sound-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/a-sound-decision\/","title":{"rendered":"A Sound Decision: Wood brings acoustic value to structures"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a>
In the sea of concrete and granite that people have come to expect from buildings in Washington, D.C., one structure showcasing wood stands out from the crowd. When Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater reopened in 2010, it was the capital\u2019s first modern structure of its size to use heavy timber components. It was also the country\u2019s first project to use a hybrid wood and glass enclosure to envelop two existing structures. Designed by Bing Thom Architects (with Fast+Epp Structural Engineers, Clark Construction, and StructureCraft Builders Inc.), the structure has a lobby large enough to hold up to 1400 patrons from all three theaters out at the same time. To warm that huge space and absorb sound, the design team again used stained poplar for the wood soffit on the lobby ceiling.<\/span>
Photos \u00a9 Nic Lehoux. Photos courtesy Bing Thom Architects<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

by Michael Heeney
\n<\/strong>When designing a commercial structure, it is important to consider the situational aspects and parameters before selecting the most appropriate building products. While limitations such as budget and availability often sit at the forefront of these decisions, factors like aesthetic details and desired outcomes must be taken into account. One of the chief considerations for many projects should be the acoustics, encompassing everything from sound transmission to absorption and reverberation.<\/p>\n

Acoustics plays a major role in the comfort level of patrons and other visitors, making it an important factor in the design process. Both offices and healthcare buildings may want to deaden noise to create a comforting and healing atmosphere, while athletic facilities may strive to maximize sound to promote enthusiasm and encourage crowd engagement.<\/p>\n

When considering acoustics, one of the most commonly employed materials of choice has been wood. As a building product with many benefits\u2014from flexibility and aesthetic value to cost efficiency\u2014wood can be a good solution for building designers that want to save costs and achieve multiple goals with limited materials.<\/p>\n

For centuries, architects and designers intent on delivering both the highest aesthetic quality and acoustic performance have specified wood to achieve their desired effect. Wood-frame construction has shown to be efficient in buildings where sound insulation is required, and does not present the impact noise transmission issues commonly associated with concrete. In this author\u2019s experience working with fellow architects and engineers, the product has been great for not only arenas and theaters, but also any commercial structures in which the occupant experience must be anticipated.<\/p>\n

\"02<\/a>Considerations
\n<\/b>Designing a building that is both structurally sound and functional can be challenging, if not impossible, without considering acoustics. Optimal acoustics for a building must account for wide-ranging factors, including:<\/p>\n