Less Noise, More Learning: Absorptive Sound Walls
The three large chillers at Meadowbrook High School were causing serious sound problems. The units weren't exactly in the best places, which were the school's courtyards.
Acoustical Solutions, Inc. was called in and chose to use an absorptive sound wall around each chiller to combat the noise.
Today, the school's courtyard is both quieter and prettier.
Application Introduction
Meadowbrook High School is a beautiful place to learn. It sits just south of Richmond, Va. in Chesterfield County and has recently completed a $35 million renovation.
The school is home to a successful International Baccalaureate Program and has been designated by the Board of Supervisors as an "International School" with more than 50 countries and 35 languages represented.
Just like all of Acoustical Solutions' customers, however, the school had one problem it just couldn't take care of ... noise.
In 2008, Acoustical Solutions was asked to help solve Meadowbrook High's big noise problem, which was caused by three massive chiller units. Not only were these units enormous, all three were completely surrounded by two stories of classrooms.
Not quite a comfortable learning environment.
Treatment Provided
Three absorptive sound walls were erected, each one measuring 10 feet high.
Acoustical Solutions offers four wall systems to combat outdoor noise. The first is the AcoustiCrete™ Fence System, which is a lightweight, pre-engineered wall system that uses interlocking panels and posts made of high-performance fiber and steel reinforced pre-colored concrete.
The second is the AcoustiCrete™ Wall System, which is a heavy duty, customized modular wall system that is well suited for "Design-build" projects.
The third is the AcoustiFiber™ Wall System. It s a fiberglass reinforced plastic barrier manufactured through a high-quality pultrusion process.
Finally, Acoustical Solutions offers AcoustiWood™ Fence System is an economical lightweight wooden post-and-panel system developed specifically to reduce noise levels, including highway and industrial noise, for residential and commercial areas seeking relief from constant noise intrusion.
Project Results
The sound walls at Meadowbrook have worked wonderfully for teachers and students alike. The noise has almost been completely eliminated, plus the walls are far more aesthetically pleasing than the air conditioning units.
"Since the walls were installed we haven't had any problems with the sound," said Sonia Smith, an English teacher at Meadowbrook. "We hardly notice it now."
Erica Bennett, also an English teacher at Meadowbrook, said, "My class looks right out over the courtyard and we can't hear the units at all. We even open the window sometimes and can't hear it."
For more information on this application, contact our sales department.
