1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture
Building Science 2 (ARC 3413 / BLD61303)
Project 1b: Acoustic Performance Evaluation and Design
Tutor:Sivaraman Kuppusamy
Prepared by:
Chen EeDong0321181
EuniceChan Yu Ming0315729
FooWei Min 0321577
Koh Kar Yi 0320567
Saravanan Vytelingum 0320564
Teo Chen Yi 0320618
2. CONTENTPAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aim and Objective
1.2 Site Information
1.2.1 Site Introduction
1.2.2 Site Selection
1.2.3 Technical Drawings
2.0 PRECEDENT STUDIES
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Acoustic Properties
2.3 Existing Design
2.4 New Design
2.5 Conclusion
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Acoustic Measuring Equipment
3.2 Methodology
3.3 Data Collection Method
3.4 Limitation
3.5 Zoning
4.0 ANALYSIS
4.1 Zone A (Bar Area)
4.1.1 Locations of Noise Sources
4.1.2 Material and Properties
4.1.3 Sound Meter Reading
4.1.4 Sound Intensity Level (SIL)
4.1.4.1 Peak Period
4.1.4.2 Non-Peak Period
4.1.5 Reverberation Time (RT)
4.1.6 Sound Reduction Index (SRI)
4.1.7 Photographic observation
3. 4.2 Zone B (Dining Area)
4.2.1 Locations of Noise Sources
4.2.2 Material and Properties
4.2.3 Sound Meter Reading
4.2.4 Sound Intensity Level (SIL)
4.1.4.1 Peak Period
4.1.4.2 Non-Peak Period
4.2.5 Reverberation Time (RT)
4.2.6 Sound Reduction Index (SRI)
4.2.7 Photographic observation
5.0 CONCLUSION
6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
4. 1.0INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aim and Objective
This project is mainly aimed to help students understand the acoustic characteristics
and the requirement in a suggested space. A few calculations will be done to assist the
analysis. They are sound intensity level (SIL) which determines sound power per unit area,
reverberation time (RT) which is the prolongation of sound as a result of successive
reflections and sound reduction index (SRI) which measures the number of decibels lost
when transmitted through a partition wall.
1.2 Site Information
1.2.1 Site Introduction
Building proposed is a 8000-square-feet Korean – operated headquarters factory café
established byKeith, located in the industrial areaat Sunway Damansara.It is a two – storeys
building with orange fencing connected with Mayekawa MyCom, renovated from industrial-
like warehouse space, hiding from the busy shopping malls in Petaling Jaya. With its modern
and contemporary interior hailed from Korea juxtaposing with its factory raw exterior look,
Bean Brothers Coffee Malaysia scores significant points and this makes them a hit for all
social influencers. In the ground floor are old bricks wall in white that stacks up to towards
the high ceiling and numbers of slender dark steel pillars, giving a raw and rustic feel to the
environment. Bar counter in the center of the café below the void allow costumer at 1st floor
to overlook barista at work whereas the wooden as well as barrel ‘table’ go around the 360
degree area to cater crowds during peak hour.
Building Identification: Cuisine Café
Location: Jalan PJU 3/50, Sunway Damansara Petaling Jaya Selangor
Opening Hours: 9AM – 8PM
Figure 1.1: Photograph showing exterior view of the
site. (Source: Malaysian Flavor, 2015)
Figure 1.2: Photograph showing interior view of
the site. (Source: Malaysian Flavor, 2015)
5. 1.2.2 Site Selection
One of the reason why this place is chosen is that it is an extremely spacious coffee
barthat scoressignificant points with variousphotogeniccorners,mainly contributed bythe
lighting design, the primary element in Architecture Design. In addition, it stands out from
the other coffee bar due to its location and context at industrial area. With this given
opportunity, we would like to evaluate this social-media-famous café and understand the
impact of building design and material on acoustic qualities. Evaluation will be carried out
to understand how the acoustic quality can be achieved in its open interior finished by
variousbuilding materials such asconcreteand steel frameandhow it is affectedbythe open
kitchen and bar area.
1.2.3 Technical Drawings
Figure 1.3: Ground Floor Plan. (Source:
Keith. 2016)
Figure 1.4: First Floor Plan.
(Source: Keith. 2016)
6. 2.0PRECEDENT STUDIES
Case study: The Music Café, August Wilson Center
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Acoustic: ArupAcoustic
2.1 Introduction
The music café can be accessible directly from the street, it is located at the sidewalk
level from within the center. The area serves as a traditional museum café originally and a
sidewalk caféduringthe day. Thereis aseating terraceadjacent to the café, designedto lodge
a varied range of emerging technologies with wired internet access, electronic link are
provided to all international visitors.
Furthermore, the café is also designed to lodge a series of programs and to perform
as an unconventional performance space for intimate performances with limited seating
during the night. A portable stage and theatrical lighting will be imported to support such
performances as required.
Figure 2.1: Photograph showing exterior of Music Café.
(Source: Culture District, n.d.)
Figure 2.2: Photograph showing
interior of Music Café. (Source:
Culture District, n.d.)
7. 2.2 Acoustic Properties
A building designwith acoustical design elements is essential. The building hasa large
rectangular massing with three glass sides, however, it provides sufficient acoustic
properties such as a hard floor, a sound absorbing treatment on the ceiling, hanging metal
baffles and acoustical blanket over 80% of the underside of the floor structure above.
According to the architect, a reverberation time of approximately 1.0 second is ideal
as this would place the space somewhere between speech and music use. Architectural
Acoustics: Principles and Design stated: a very high STC value around 60+ would be
desirable. This is important to both spaces, as a spoken word performance in the café could
sufferif ahugecrowd wasgathering in the lobbyforaperformancein the main theater, while
the lobbymust remain quiet duringa performanceinthe main theater if patronsareentering
or exiting the auditorium since a main set of doors is directly across from the café.
Figure 2.3: Hard Floor.
(Source: Pullen, n.d.)
Figure 2.4: Sound Absorbing Treatment.
(Source: AliExpress, n.d.)
Figure 2.5: Hanging Metal Baffles.
(Source: Acoustical Surfaces, n.d.)
Figure 2.6: Acoustic Blanket.
(Source: All Noise Control, n.d.)
8. 2.3 Existing Design
Figure 2.7: Music café reflected ceiling plan – Existing Design.
(Source: AE Senior Thesis, n.d.)
REVERBERATION TIME SUMMARY: MUSIC CAFÉ (EXISTING)
Freq (Hz.) 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
T60 = 1.677 2.596 0.801 0.798 0.807 0.752
Figure 2.8: Music café reverberation time – Existing Design.
(Source: AE Senior Thesis, n.d.)
Figures above prove that the existing reverberation times are far-off from the ideal.
However, the manufacturer of the metal baffle ceiling system has been omitted from the
calculation because it does not have acoustical data for the product. Additional of baffles in
the calculation would likely to reduce high reverberation times at lower frequencies and
higher frequencies which are already lower than ideal.
9. 2.4 New Design
Figure 2.9: Music café reflected ceiling plan – New Design.
(Source: AE Senior Thesis, n.d.)
REVERBERATION TIME SUMMARY: MUSIC CAFÉ (NEW)
Freq (Hz.) 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
T60 = 1.620 1.243 0.984 1.054 1.077 1.065
Figure 2.10: Music café reverberation time – Existing Design.
(Source: AE Senior Thesis, n.d.)
BAFFLES – MUSIC CAFE
TAG QUANTITY LENGTH
(FT)
WIDTH
(FT)
PANEL
TYPE A
28 8’-0’’ 2’-6’’
PANEL
TYPE B
28 3’-6’’ 2’-6’’
Figure 2.11: Music Café New Baffle Schedule of Materials.
(Source: AE Senior Thesis, n.d.)
2.5 Conclusion
The new reverberation times are very close to the desired values. According to
Architectural Acoustics: Principles and Design finest reverberation times at 125 have to be
1.3 times the ideal reverberation time at 500 hertz and a multiplier of 1.15 should be used at
250 hertz. These multipliers are used to correct for the fact that the human ear is less
sensitive at lower frequencies. With these factors included, the new design is very near the
target. The new ceiling system will provide superior acoustical performance at a reduced
cost.
10. 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Acoustic Measuring Equipment
Figure 3.3: Camera
meter. (Source: REED,
n.d.)
It is used to measure the
sound levels at each
intersection of gridlines
at the site. The readings
displayed are in decibel
(dB).
Figure 3.2: Measuring tape.
(Source: REED, n.d.)
It is used to find the
intersections of grid line
on site for data
recording.
Figure 3.1: Sound level meter.
(Source: REED, n.d.)
It is used to
record materials
of furniture and
building
components
used.
3.2 Methodology
a) Research on different types of spaces and choose a suitable enclosed space for
acoustic study.
b) Obtain approval from the owner and conduct visitation to the chosen site.
c) Measure and sketch the rough building layout before getting the proper plans from
the owner.
d) Set gridline at 3m x 3m.
e) Distribute tasks among group members.
f) Collect data based of proper procedure.
g) Observe and record noise sources.
h) Tabulate data.
i) Carry out calculation and analysis.
11. 3.3 Data Collection Procedure
a) Prepare gridlines of 3m x 3m on the floor plan.
b) Stand at every intersection of gridlines and hold the device at 1m from the ground.
c) Remain silent and record after the reading becomes stable.
d) Record the possible sound source at each intersection point.
e) Repeat step a to d for another period of time (peak/non-peak).
3.4 Limitation
Environmental factor
Due to high sensitivity of sound meter, the reading is very susceptible to
surrounding sound, eg: wind and vehicle.
Human error
Differences in height levels can affect the reading of sound meter. Also, different
manipulators have different height, leading to inaccuracy of result.
3.5 Zonings
Zone A is a bar area. It is near the bar
counter where the baristas brew coffee
and where foods are ordered and paid.
It has a total area of 138.39m2 and a total
of 20 intersections of gridlines.
Zone B is a spacious area used for dining.
There are different types and
arrangements of furniture.
It has a total area of 91.11m2 and a total of
12 intersections of gridlines.
Figure 3.4: Plan with zonings.
12. 4.0 ANALYSIS
4.1 Zone A (Bar Area)
4.1.1 Location of Noise Sources
Figure 4.1: Identification of noise sources found in the building.
13. Indication Noise Source Specification Units
Speaker Product Name Bosch LC2-PC30G6-4 4
Power Handling 50W
Frequencies
Response
65Hz-20kHz
Input
Configuration
70V/100V
Sound Pressure
Level
35-45dB
Placement Wall
Air-conditioning Product Name Daikin FFR15CV1 4
Total Power 940W
Cooling Operation 12500 Btu/hr
Sound Pressure
Level
38-45 db
Placement Ceiling
Fan Product Name Panasonic Ceiling Fan PSN-
FM15E2
2
Total Power 30W
Sound Pressure
Level
35-45dB
Placement Ceiling
Electric Appliances Product Name Mastrena Starbucks
Espresso Machine CTS2
801
3
Total Power 800W
Sound Pressure
Level
82-87
Placement Bar
22. 4.1.6 Sound Reduction Index (SRI)
There is no separation of quiet zone from the open bar, dining and even kitchen area
hence no partition wall can be found in the chosen study area. Therefore, a wall that
separates the open area and store room will be taken as an example to show the calculation
for sound reduction index.
Figure 4.6: Elevation of interior wall.
Component Surface Area (m2), S
Sound Reduction
Index, T
Transmission
Coefficient,
T= 1/log-1 (T/10)
Concrete Block
Wall
25 42 6.310 x 10-5
Wooden Door 2 28 1.585 x 10-3
Tav = (S1T1 + S2T2)/(S1+S2)
= [25(6.310 x 10-5) + 2(1.585 x 10-3)]/(25+2)
= 1.758 x 10-4
Overall SRI = 10 log (1/ 1.758 x 10-4)
= 37.55dB
23. 4.1.7 Photographic observation
The café is located in Jalan PJU, the cornerslotnext to the industrial areaandadjacent
to residential area, Sunway Rymba Hill, therefore vehicle circulation in front of the site is
quite low as the end of the road only consist of high end residence.
Human noises are high in the café especially in zone B due to the fact that it is mostly
tables filled with customers doing activities such as chit-chatting, laughing and etc. Other
than that, there are also noises coming from zone B, the baristas’ area, human noise level is
solely based on reception activities and customer from café lounge.
Figure 4.7: Mayekawa (M) Sdn Bhd, factory next to
Bean Brother.
Figure 4.8: Rymba Hill, adjacent to the Bean
Brother.
Figure: Zone C, social activities happen
during peak hour (Source)
Figure 4.9: Zone B, social activities happen during
peak hour.
Figure 4.10: Café lounge in front of the barista area.
24. Speakers are distributed throughout the building for the purpose of playing soft
music during opening hour.
Figure 4.11: Speakers located at the every possible wall throughout the building.
Appliances at the barista such as coffee maker and cooler which generate cool air
to keep cakes and dessert fresh produce noise on its own. Furthermore, noises from the
open kitchen which produce by the fiction of appliances also contribute certain amount
of turbulence and clearly hearable.
Ceiling Cassette Unit are found
distributed evenly to cover most of
the area. They are high in power and
produce relatively low noise.
Figure 4.12: Café lounge in front of the barista area.
Figure 4.13: Barista in the middle of the
building.
Figure 4.14: Open kitchen.
25. 4.2 Zone B (Dining Area)
4.2.1 Locations of Noise Sources
Figure 4.15: Identification of noise sources found in the building.
Indication Noise Source Specification Units
Speaker Product Name Bosch LC2-PC30G6-4 3
Power Handling 50W
Frequencies
Response
65Hz-20kHz
Input
Configuration
70V/100V
Sound Pressure
Level
35-45dB
Placement Wall
Air-conditioning Product Name Daikin FFR15CV1 2
Total Power 940W
Cooling Operation 12500 Btu/hr
Sound Pressure
Level
38-45 db
Placement Ceiling
26. Fan Product Name Panasonic Ceiling Fan
PSN-FM15E2
2
Total Power 155W
Sound Pressure
Level
35-45dB
Placement Ceiling
4.2.2 Material and Properties
No. Materials Colour Absorption (Hz) Surface
500 2000 4000
1. Clear epoxy floor finishing Grey 0.01 0.01 0.01 Smooth
2. Concrete wall Grey 0.01 0.02 0.05 Semi-
Smooth
3. Concrete Ceiling Grey 0.01 0.02 0.05 Semi-
Smooth
28. 8. Steel stool Black 0.40 0.43 0.40 Smooth
9. Laminated wood tables and
chairs
Light Brown 0.15 0.18 0.20 Semi-
Smooth
10. Leather cushion Black 0.58 0.58 0.50 Smooth
29. 4.2.2 Sound Meter Reading
Figure 4.16: Plan showing sound meter readings during peak period.
Figure 4.17: Plan showing sound meter readings during non-peak period.
30. 4.2.3 Sound Intensity Level (SIL)
4.1.3.1 Peak Period
Highest readings: 77.2, 76.0, 76.2
𝐼𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = (5.248 x 10−5
) + (3.981 x 10−5
) + (4.169 x 10−5
)
= 1.340 x 10−4
Hence, SIL = 10log (
𝐼
𝐼𝑜
)
= 10log (
1.340 𝑥 10−4
𝐼 𝑥 10−12 )
= 81.27 dB
The sound intensity level at Zone B during peak hour is 81.27dB.
SIL = 10log (
𝐼 𝐴
1𝑜
)
77.2 = 10log (
𝐼 𝐴
1 𝑥 10−12 )
7.72 = log (
𝐼𝐴
1 𝑥 10−12 )
107.72
= (
𝐼𝐴
1 𝑥 10−12 )
IA = (1x10−12
) x (107.72
)
= 5.248 x 10−5
SIL = 10log (
𝐼 𝐵
1𝑜
)
76.0 = 10log (
𝐼 𝐵
1 𝑥 10−12 )
7.60 = log (
𝐼 𝐵
1 𝑥 10−12 )
107.60
= (
𝐼 𝐵
1 𝑥 10−12 )
IB = (1x10−12
) x (107.60
)
= 3.981 x 10−5
SIL = 10log (
𝐼 𝐶
1𝑜
)
76.2 = 10log (
𝐼 𝐶
1 𝑥 10−12 )
7.62 = log (
𝐼 𝐶
1 𝑥 10−12 )
107.62
= (
𝐼 𝐶
1 𝑥 10−12 )
IC = (1x10−12
) x (107.62
)
= 4.169 x 10−5
31. 4.1.3.2 Non-Peak Period
Highest readings: 65.3, 66.3, 66.3
𝐼𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = (3.388 x 10−6
) + (4.266 x 10−6
) + (4.266 x 10−6
)
= 1.192 x 10−5
Hence, SIL = 10log (
𝐼
𝐼𝑜
)
= 10log (
1.192 𝑥 10 −5
𝐼 𝑥 10−12 )
= 70.76 dB
The sound intensity level at Zone B during non-peak hour is 70.76dB.
SIL = 10log (
𝐼 𝐴
1𝑜
)
65.3 = 10log (
𝐼𝐴
1 𝑥 10−12 )
6.53 = log (
𝐼𝐴
1 𝑥 10−12 )
106.53
= (
𝐼𝐴
1 𝑥 10−12 )
IA = (1x10−12
) x (106.53
)
= 3.388 x 10−6
SIL = 10log (
𝐼 𝐵
1𝑜
)
77.2 = 10log (
𝐼 𝐵
1 𝑥 10−12 )
7.72 = log (
𝐼 𝐵
1 𝑥 10−12 )
107.72
= (
𝐼 𝐵
1 𝑥 10−12 )
IB = (1x10−12
) x (107.72
)
= 4.266 x 10−6
SIL = 10log (
𝐼 𝐶
1𝑜
)
77.2 = 10log (
𝐼 𝐶
1 𝑥 10−12 )
7.72 = log (
𝐼 𝐶
1 𝑥 10−12 )
107.72
= (
𝐼 𝐶
1 𝑥 10−12 )
IC = (1x10−12
) x (107.72
)
= 4.266 x 10−6
33. 4.2.6 Photographic observation
Speakers are distributed throughout the building for the purpose of playing soft music
during opening hour.
Figure 4.18: Speakers located throughout the building.
Figure 4.19: Café lounge in front of the barista area.
Fans are found on the area that
are not covered by the air
conditioner. Produce certain
amount of noises but noises
often covered by the noises of
human activities and not till
extend which will distract and
affect the customers nearby.
34. 5.0 CONCLUSION
Type of occupancy
& activities
Recommended
reverberation time
Coffee bars 45 50 <1.0
Restaurant 45 50 <1.0
Recommended design sound level of a coffee bars and restaurants should be in the
average of 45db to 50dB with the recommended time of less than 1.00s by according to
AS/ZS 2107:2000 standard for reverberation time and sound levels.
Zones Sound Pressure Level
(dB)
Reverberation Time (s)
500Hz
Reverberation Time (s)
2000Hz
A 79.70 dB , 71.39dB 1.36s 1.16s
B 81.27 dB, 70.76dB 1.08s 0.89s
It can be concluded that both two zones did not meet the minimum requirement of
the acoustic standard for 500Hz except for zone B which has less than 1.00s reverberation
time for 2000Hz. This is due to the selections of material, material that has been used cannot
absorb sounds efficiently.
From the table above, it is clear that zone B has the highest sound pressure level
during peak hours due to the amount of human activities and noise sources of the
surrounding. Furthermore, open space concept of the café has also led to the high sound
pressure level, for instance, due the open ceiling of the ground floor, noises from the first
floor can be transmitted to the ground floor.
Satisfactory
ySatisfactory
Maximum
y
Satisfactory
35. 6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Malaysian Flavor. (2015). Bean Brothers Malaysia @ Sunway Damansara. Retrieved from
http://www.malaysianflavours.com/2015/09/bean-brothers-malaysia-sunway-
damansara-pj.html
2. Culture District. (N.d). August Wilson Center. Retrieved from
https://culturaldistrict.org/pages/awc
3. Pullen. (N.d). Eco Friendly Wood Floor. Retrieved from
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Eco_Friendly_Wood_Floor
4. Reed. (N.d). REED C-322 Sound Level Meter/Data Logger, 32 to 130dB. Retrieved from
http://www.reedinstruments.com/product/reed-instruments-c-322-sound-level-meter-
data-logger
5. AliExpress. (N.d). Acoustic Foam. Retrieved from
https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-acoustic-foam.html
6. Acoustical Surfaces (N.d). Echo Eliminator. Retrieved from
http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/echo_eliminator/ee_hangbaf.htm
7. All Sound Control. (N.d). Outdoor Noise Control Blankets. Retrieved from
http://www.allnoisecontrol.com/outdoor-noise-control-blankets.cfm
8. AE Senior Thesis. (N.d). – August Wilson Center. Retrieved from
https://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/thesis/portfolios/2008/mpr184/files/final_report/Section
5_Acoustics.pdf
