Preventing Acoustical Issues in Mass Timber Buildings
When wood is used as a structural element and there is a desire for increased amounts of exposed wood, it introduces significant acoustical challenges, particularly for secondary or indirect paths of noise transfer. Achieving acoustic comfort and meeting building code requirements when working with an exposed mass timber wall or ceiling is more challenging and can be costly but not impossible to solve. If acoustical planning is part of the early design process with consideration of flanking paths and sound isolation, it is possible to minimize costs and enjoy the benefits of a mass timber building without compromising acoustic performance.
Read more from Aercoustics Associate, Sarah Mackel, in Wood Building & Design magazine.