Reuse and Renovation: Successful Mill Renovation Goes Beyond Aesthetics

For best acoustic remediation practices, Devin suggests REGUPOL sonus curve 25mm., a dimpled product that is installed dimple side down with polyethylene sheeting. “It acts like a rubber gasket with isolating rubber strips around the perimeter.” After it is in place, contractors pour three or more inches of concrete. This acts as a new subfloor resting on rubber bearings which serve as a rubber sound isolator.

“The dimple structure leaves air pockets which reduce the amount of contact with the surface area of the timber subfloor,” explains Devin. This allows the concrete to have more deflection and increased acoustical performance. “The floor is basically sitting in a pool of acoustic isolating rubber. Because it’s not rigidly connected, this floating floor helps guarantee the peace and quiet expected of high-end residential real estate. It also allows for amenities such as fitness centers, and office and retail as mixed-use development, without disturbing tenants.”

This system adds 3” in height and added weight of almost 45 lbs. per sq ft. Fortunately, these sturdy structures were engineered to hold heavy machinery and goods so typically do not require structural reinforcements. After floors are rehabbed in this way, residents may choose a hard surface like hardwood or tile flooring, without disturbing neighbors with their footfall.

Oversized windows and openings coupled with exposed brick construction are iconic, but not acoustically desirable. One way to address airborne sounds coming from outside disturbances and prevent noise pollution is double-pane windows. They provide added energy efficiency while sealing units off to outdoor airborne noise.

Finally, developers often leave exposed ceilings and bricks inside, and build dividing walls in the interior spaces to house mechanical, electrical and plumbing components. Architects can further address acoustic strategy and reduce mechanical noise by using larger ducts, suggests Sayali Wazalwar, acoustics researcher for GBBN Architects. “That decreases the air velocity in ducts going through the diffuser, and that makes less noise.”

Technical equipment in buildings is essential for providing air, water, heat, and electricity and is usually housed in dedicated mechanical rooms in basements, roofs or other floors. However, sound and vibration nuisance must be considered when planning for building services. Airborne and structure-borne sound isolation can be accomplished using elastomers installed under machine foundations, equipment frames, or floating floor constructions. REGUPOL vibration and REGUFOAM vibration isolation materials help mitigate machine vibration. They provide damping, decoupling, mass, and absorption plus offer the necessary properties to create precisely customized solutions for sensitive applications.