The South Metro Public Safety Training Facility in Minnesota is a joint project of the cities of Edina, Bloomington and Eden Prairie, as well as the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and is used to train local law enforcement and firefighters. The 28,000 square foot building is completely modern, with a number of well-equipped classrooms and two state-of-the-art shooting ranges for scenario-based training used by today's law enforcement professionals.

The South Metro Training Facility used SONEXone panels - which were black Hypalon coated - for the walls, ceilings, vestibules, and control room.
The larger of the two ranges is equipped with high-tech sound equipment that can simulate a variety of situations, including the sounds of planes taking off and landing. With so much gunfire and other sounds happening at once, architects were keenly aware of the need to would likely be excessive. Not only were architects concerned with protecting the hearing of the officers while they were training in the gun ranges, they also wanted to make sure the surrounding classrooms and offices in the building were not disturbed by on-going gunfire.

After considering several options, architects opted for SONEXone Panels, which were Hypalon® coated in black, for the project. Installed on the walls and ceilings of the vestibules, or "sound locks," leading into each shooting range, as well as the area where the officers stand to fire their weapons, the panels dramatically reduce airborne sound energy. The Hypalon coating is not only an excellent cosmetic option for the panels, it is also functional, as it protects them from dust and dirt and allows them to be easily wiped clean.

South Metro staff are very pleased with the acoustics in the new range. "We run a public-safety training campus that includes two ranges, two classrooms and defensive tactics gym, all under the same roof," says South Metro coordinator Kevin Kelleher. SONEX keeps range noise from being heard in neighboring classrooms. We actually have to go into the range area to see if anyone is shooting."

The easily installed panels are made with willtec® foam, which is class 1 fire-rated for flame spread and smoke density. The best fire rating possible, Class 1 materials will char but not burn when they come in contact with flame. Flammability of acoustical products is always a concern, particularly in shooting ranges where unburned gunpowder can sometimes present a fire hazard.

SONEXone Panels, a quality, cost-effective solution to our customers' noise control needs, are available in natural, painted or Hypalon coated. Their textured surface gives them a soft, geometric look that is appropriate for any environment.