Car Wash Noise Study

A car wash owner contacted AVANT ACOUSTICS for this project. They wanted to expand their car wash business and open a new location. However, the local government was concerned that the potential noise disturbance would violate municipal code requirements at adjacent residential property lines.

AVANT ACOUSTICS provided the following services:

• Noise survey

Project Highlights:

AVANT ACOUSTICS took measurements of various noise sources at an existing car wash site shown in the accompanying pictures. In addition, AVANT took ambient noise measurements at the proposed site for reference. After evaluating this data, AVANT recommended modifications to the barrier wall planned as part of the new car wash.  AVANT found that, with the recommended modifications, the barrier would provide sufficient noise attenuation to satisfy the city ordinance at the residential property lines.

AVANT then attended a city council meeting to present its findings and field questions.

Location: Lawrence, KS; Lenexa, KS
Facilities: Car Wash
Client: Peak, Inc.
Designer: Andrew J. VonFeldt

Diwan Amiri Quarter

The Diwan Amiri Quarter is the focus of Phase 1A of the Msheireb Downtown Doha Masterplan to restore and revitalize the historic core of Doha, Qatar. It includes construction of the Qatar National Archive, Amiri Guard Residence, and the Diwan Annex office complex. Designed as a cluster of urban blocks, the buildings all include modern interpretations of historic design elements.

AVANT ACOUSTICS provided the following services:

• Acoustics and noise control consultation
• Audio visual systems consultation

Project Highlights:

AVANT ACOUSTICS created an overall AV system philosophy for this project to ensure consistent design, as well as supervision via a facility network for “help desk” and additional functionalities. For the National Archives auditorium, training rooms, and conference rooms; the Guard Residence auditorium; and the Annex meeting rooms and Conference Center, AVANT recommended appropriate presentation systems. Because the Conference Center includes operable partitions, AVANT’s AV system suggestions were compatible with multiple room configurations. All three buildings include many public spaces for which AVANT recommended digital signage in addition to facility-wide paging systems.

In addition to AV design, AVANT ACOUSTICS provided acoustical and noise control consulting on spaces throughout all three buildings. The open-air architecture of the buildings presented unique acoustical challenges. For instance, AVANT provided specific acoustical design and product recommendations to control reverberation in the Annex’s covered street. For the Conference Center, with its double-height ceiling and operable partitions, AVANT suggested finishes that would coordinate with the architecture, while also improving speech intelligibility. Finally, AVANT recommended treatments to control the reverberation in the 15-story atrium of the National Archives.

Location: Doha, Qatar
Facilities: Qatar National Archive, Amiri Guard Residence, Diwan Annex Office Complex
Client: Burns & McDonnell
Designer: Jill C. Elmers, Robert G. Ledo, Emily G. Jaumard

Golf Course Fan Noise

The Kansas City Country Club recently began using large fans to cool their golf course greens. Nearby residents hired an acoustical consultant and an attorney to attempt to block the effort.  The City engaged the services of AVANT ACOUSTICS for independent analysis of the noise generated.

AVANT ACOUSTICS provided the following services:

• Noise study

Project Highlights:

AVANT ACOUSTICS visited the site and took thirty-eight 30-second Leq Class I measurements at various locations. AVANT first measured the ambient noise at the site. Then, they measured the noise generated by fans at the property lines and nearest outdoor living spaces along the course. Measurements were taken with a dabbled microphone on a stand at ear level with a remote-operated XL2. 

AVANT then provided the City and affiliates with written documentation of the measurement values.

Location: Mission Hills, KS
Facilities: Golf Course
Client: City of Mission Hills
Designer: Andrew D. Siebert

Port Fonda Restaurant

After moving from an Airstream trailer to a brick-and-mortar location in Kansas City’s Westport district, the owner of Port Fonda opened his newest outpost for Mexican cuisine in Lawrence, Kansas, at the end of 2015.

AVANT ACOUSTICS provided the following services:

• Room acoustics consultation

Project Highlights:

The modern, industrial feel of the restaurant was created with sealed concrete floors and a glazed tile and stainless steel bar. Storefront windows open up the restaurant to passersby.

Early in the design phase, AVANT ACOUSTICS began working with the architectural team to ensure a pleasant ambiance for the restaurant and bar, where conversation is enhanced by controlled noise levels. Many products and acoustical solutions were presented and evaluated by the team. In the end, a spray-on sound-absorbing material was integrated above the “ceiling,” a visual barrier made of rope that lets all of the excess noise fade away above it.

The average customer will probably not even notice AVANT’s contribution to the project, since it is hidden from view. However, that is as it should be. The customer should simply remember a great dining experience with good food, good drinks, and good company.

Location: Lawrence, KS
Facilities: Restaurant & Bar
Client: Hufft Projects
Designer: Emily G. Jaumard

Detention Center Noise Control

After receiving complaints about loud, echoing noise in the dayrooms and interview rooms at this detention center, Johnson County contacted AVANT ACOUSTICS for help.

AVANT ACOUSTICS provided the following services:

• Acoustical consulting and noise control
• Comparative acoustical study

Project Highlights:

AVANT ACOUSTICS performed a site visit to measure reverberation times and examine the acoustical characteristics of the spaces. After analyzing the results, AVANT recommended low-cost absorption products for installation on various surfaces in the Dayrooms. These changes were calculated to decrease the reverberation time in the rooms from 6.8 seconds to 1.1 second.

For the Interview Rooms, AVANT determined that the acoustical issues could be solved with an inexpensive off-the-shelf kit that the County could install without the aid of a contractor. The kit included door seals and acoustical wall panels.

Location: New Century, KS
Facilities: Dayrooms, Interview Rooms
Client: Johnson County Facilities Management
Designer: John M. Hodgson

Cedar Falls Aquatic Center

This modern municipal aquatic facility is more than just a pool.  Featuring three unique areas: a children’s pool with slide fountains and interactive play structures; a tube slide and lazy river; and a 25-meter pool with lanes, a diving board, a diving platform, and a drop slide.

AVANT ACOUSTICS provided the following services:

• Sound reinforcement system design
• On-site system commissioning including operator training and assistance during the first use

Project Highlights:

AVANT ACOUSTICS designed and commissioned the sound reinforcement system to include routine paging communications to patrons, as well as sports announcing for competitive swimming events. 

Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Facilities: Water Park
Client: Water's Edge Aquatic Design
Designer: Previous Employee