HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrical distribution systems, and lift or conveyance systems can often produce major noise and vibration problems within the built environment. Mechanical noise can create a poor acoustical environment within manybuilding types including, but not limited to, industrial buildings, hospitality and convention facilities, worship centers, large and small residential complexes, cinemas, live theater spaces, and studios. Building mechanical systems can produce a wide range hiss, rumble, buzz, clicks, thumps and shaking and can be mildly irritating to completely distracting. At Illingworth & Rodkin we consider the control of airborne and structure born noise and vibration to be a critical component of successful building design.

We prefer to provide input during the design stage of a project to ensure that the noise and vibration control measures are in place before the intended users occupy the space. Our early involvement in a project often avoids costly changes and retro-fit solutions. Corrective noise control measures to needed to eliminate noise problems that are discovered once the building is in operation often require a greater degree of noise control due to occupant noise sensitization and are almost always done at significantly higher cost than if the same measures had been provided for in the projects design.