{"id":18384,"feature_order":3,"feature_code":null,"name":"Sound Barriers","type":"O","intent":"

Increase the level of sound isolation and speech privacy between\r\nenclosed spaces.<\/o:p><\/p>","intervention":"

This WELL feature requires that walls and doors meet a minimum\r\ndegree of acoustical separation to provide adequate sound isolation and improve\r\nspeech privacy.<\/o:p><\/p>","issue":"

Sound that transmits from one room to another through walls or\r\ndoors can be distracting or annoying and also disturb sleep.1\u20135<\/sup> There is evidence that links noise annoyance in multi-story\r\nhousing to poor mental health and perceived stress in residents.6,7<\/sup> Speech privacy is also reduced when background sound in receiving\r\nrooms is lower as part of the room\u2019s intent (e.g., bedroom, restorative space,\r\nclassroom).1,8<\/sup> For walls, lightweight construction, glass and demountable\r\npartitions are typical in modern design and offer minimum acoustic separation\r\nand speech privacy, especially when wall construction is not uniform.9\u201311<\/sup><\/o:p><\/p>","evidence":"Sound transmits through\r\nwalls directly and around the construction by what is known as flanking. Walls\r\nwith high sound transmission class ratings (STC) will provide sound isolation,\r\nonly when the wall is constructed to reduce flanking at points where the wall\r\nconnects to other building elements. Windows, glass fins or other penetrations\r\ndiminish performance and should be used sparingly. Doors also reduce\r\nperformance of walls but can be fitted with gaskets and seals to reduce sound\r\ntransmission, when the door is closed. Rooms that require high speech privacy\r\ncan use sound masking systems, in addition to high-performing walls to increase\r\nprivacy.8<\/sup>
","implementation":"","impact":"","max_points":3,"concept_id":1739,"slug":"sound-barriers","gbd_exists":null,"review_summary":null,"citations":"

  1. Hongisto V, Oliva D, Ker\u00e4nen J. Subjective and objective rating of airborne sound insulation - living sounds. Acta Acust united with Acust. 2014;100(5):848-863. doi:10.3813\/AAA.918765<\/li>
  2. Park HK, Bradley JS, Grover BN. Rating Airborne Sound Insulation in Terms of the Annoyance and Loudness of Transmitted Speech and Music Sounds.; 2008.<\/li>
  3. 3Xie H, Kang J, Mills GH. Clinical review: The impact of noise on patients\u2019 sleep and the effectiveness of noise reduction strategies in intensive care units. Crit Care. 2009;13(2):208. doi:10.1186\/cc7154<\/li>
  4. Strauch C, Brandt S, Edwards-Beckett J. Implementation of a quiet hour: effect on noise levels and infant sleep states. Neonatal Netw. 1993;12(2):31-35.<\/li>
  5. Parthasarathy S, Tobin MJ. Sleep in the intensive care unit. Instensive Care Med. 2004;30:197-206.<\/li>
  6. Jensen HAR, Rasmussen B, Ekholm O. Neighbour noise annoyance is associated with various mental and physical health symptoms: results from a nationwide study among individuals living in multi-storey housing. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):1508. doi:10.1186\/s12889-019-7893-8<\/li>
  7. Jeon JY, Ryu JK, Lee PJ. A quantification model of overall dissatisfaction with indoor noise environment in residential buildings. Appl Acoust. 2010;71(10):914-921. doi:10.1016\/j.apacoust.2010.06.001<\/li>
  8. Hongisto V, Varjo J, Lepp\u00e4m\u00e4ki H, Oliva D, Hy\u00f6n\u00e4 J. Work performance in private office rooms: The effects of sound insulation and sound masking. Build Environ. 2016;104(1):263-274. doi:10.1016\/j.buildenv.2016.04.022<\/li>
  9. Trevathan JW, Pearse JR. The effect of workmanship on the transmission of airborne sound through light framed walls. Appl Acoust. 2008;69(2):127-131.<\/li>
  10. Craik RJM, Steel JA. The effect of workmanship on sound transmission through buildings: Part 1 - Airborne sound. Appl Acoust. 1989;27(1):57-63.<\/li>
  11. Craik RJM. The consequences of lightweight buildings on sound transmission. Build Serv Eng Res Technol. 1998;19(1):B1-B4.<\/li><\/ol>","deleted_at":null,"equivalency_count":19,"faq_count":0,"resource_count":0,"feature_full_name":"S03 Sound Barriers","feature_faq_name":"S03 Sound Barriers-v2","max_core_points":3,"parts":[{"id":30750,"name":"Design for Sound Isolation at Walls and Doors","part_number":1,"points":1,"possible_points":null,"core_points":1,"possible_core_points":null,"min_points":0,"rer_points":1,"wor_points":0,"parent_part_id":null,"feature_id":18384,"note":"","slug":"1-design-for-sound-isolation-at-walls-and-doors-15","note_position_override":"top","new_core_shell":null,"existing_core_shell":null,"new_occupied":null,"existing_occupied":null,"education":null,"retail":null,"mfr":null,"others":null,"photographic_verification":null,"gbd_exists":null,"hospitality":null,"assisted_living":null,"cultural_institutions":null,"public_assembly":null,"deleted_at":null,"na_alternative":0,"na_alternative_text":null,"leed_well":0,"part_prefix":"S03.1","feature_name":"Sound Barriers","parent":null,"sub_parts":[{"id":33058,"condition":"AND","part_id":30750,"deleted_at":null,"space_types_included":[{"id":1,"name":"All Spaces","name_plural":"all"}],"space_types_excluded":[],"options":[{"id":41986,"option_order":1,"name":null,"description":"

    The following requirements are met:<\/p>","description_alt":null,"space_property":null,"certification":null,"note":null,"sub_part_id":33058,"deleted_at":null,"note_position_override":"top","verification_note":"

    Architectural drawings<\/p>","verification_condition":"AND","requirements":[{"id":120632,"option_id":41986,"requirement_order":1,"description":"

    Interior walls meet the following sound transmission class (STC) or weighted sound reduction (Rw) values. If an interior wall meets multiple categories listed, use the highest (i.e., more stringent) STC\/Rw value listed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
    Interior Wall Type <\/strong><\/td>\r\n\t\t\tMinimum STC or Rw <\/strong><\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t

    Minimum STC or Rw for
    \r\n\t\t\tProjects That Achieve Feature S06.1<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

    Between loud zones and regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t60<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t60<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between areas for conferencing, learning or sleeping and other regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t55<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t50<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between adjacent quiet zones.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t50<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t45<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between rooms for concentration and other regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t45<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t40<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between circulation zones and regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t40<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t35<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","description_alt":null,"deleted_at":null,"photographic_verification":0},{"id":120633,"option_id":41986,"requirement_order":2,"description":"

    Doors that connect two occupiable rooms and doors to mechanical equipment rooms have a non-hollow core, minimum STC\/Rw of 30 and seals at the head, jamb and base.<\/p>","description_alt":null,"deleted_at":null,"photographic_verification":0}],"verifications":[{"id":3,"name":"Technical Document (Audited)","chinese_name":"\u6280\u672f\u6587\u6863\uff08\u5ba1\u8ba1\uff09","is_auditable":1,"scale_type":"Audited","note":null}],"pvgbs":[]}]}],"on_sites":[],"annotated_documents":[],"letter_of_assurances":[],"part_guidances":[{"id":33164,"part_id":30750,"category":"WELL Core","sub_category":null,"rating_note":null,"alignment_note":null,"doc_guidance":"

    Meet these requirements for the extent of developer buildout. Demising walls that separate tenant spaces from common spaces or other tenant spaces should use the \"Loud zones and other occupiable spaces\" category.<\/p>","points":null}],"methods":[]},{"id":30757,"name":"Achieve Sound Isolation at Walls","part_number":2,"points":2,"possible_points":null,"core_points":2,"possible_core_points":null,"min_points":0,"rer_points":2,"wor_points":0,"parent_part_id":null,"feature_id":18384,"note":"

    Refer to the Performance Verification Guidebook for information on sensor\/testing requirements, required testing duration and compliance calculations.<\/p>","slug":"2-achieve-sound-isolation-at-walls-15","note_position_override":"bottom","new_core_shell":null,"existing_core_shell":null,"new_occupied":null,"existing_occupied":null,"education":null,"retail":null,"mfr":null,"others":null,"photographic_verification":0,"gbd_exists":0,"hospitality":null,"assisted_living":null,"cultural_institutions":null,"public_assembly":null,"deleted_at":null,"na_alternative":0,"na_alternative_text":null,"leed_well":0,"part_prefix":"S03.2","feature_name":"Sound Barriers","parent":null,"sub_parts":[{"id":33066,"condition":"OR","part_id":30757,"deleted_at":null,"space_types_included":[{"id":1,"name":"All Spaces","name_plural":"all"}],"space_types_excluded":[],"options":[{"id":41995,"option_order":1,"name":"Noise isolation class","description":"

    For walls that separate regularly occupied spaces the following requirements are met:<\/p>","description_alt":null,"space_property":null,"certification":null,"note":null,"sub_part_id":33066,"deleted_at":null,"note_position_override":"bottom","verification_note":null,"verification_condition":"AND","requirements":[{"id":120644,"option_id":41995,"requirement_order":1,"description":"

    The project meets the following minimum Noise Isolation Class (NIC) or Weighted Difference Level (Dw) for each wall type, as applicable. If an interior wall meets multiple categories listed, use the highest NIC\/Dw value listed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
    Interior Wall Type<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\t\t\t  Minimum NIC or Dw  <\/strong><\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\t\t\tMinimum NIC or Dw for Projects That Achieve Feature S06.1<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between loud zones and regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t55<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tN\/A<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between areas for conferencing, learning or sleep and other regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t50<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t45<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between adjacent quiet zones.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t45<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t40<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between rooms for concentration and other regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t40<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t35<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t
    Between circulation zones and regularly occupied spaces.<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t35<\/td>\r\n\t\t\tOR<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t30<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","description_alt":null,"deleted_at":null,"photographic_verification":0}],"verifications":[{"id":15,"name":"Performance Test","chinese_name":"\u6027\u80fd\u6d4b\u8bd5","is_auditable":0,"scale_type":"Individual","note":null}],"pvgbs":[{"id":949,"option_id":41995,"name":"Sound Insulation","reporting_compliance":"
      \r\n\t
    • Sound isolation and speech privacy metrics must be reported by following one of the following methods, as applicable:\r\n\t
        \r\n\t\t
      • Noise Isolation Class (NIC) is calculated from L10<\/sub> of the source measurement, L90<\/sub> of the receiving location with source on, and L90<\/sub> of the ambient background level (source off) of the receiving room (see below). L10<\/sub> and L90<\/sub> measurements for NIC calculations are evaluated across 125 Hz and 4 kHz.<\/li>\r\n\t\t
      • Sound Insulation (Dw) is calculated from Leq of the source measurement and receiving room with source on and off, assuming a room reverberation time of 0.5 seconds (unless known through evaluation of S04.2, as applicable). Both Dw and dBA L90 measurements are evaluated across 100 Hz and 3150 Hz.<\/li>\r\n\t\t
      • Speech Privacy Potential (SPP) is the sum of either Noise Criteria (NC) + Noise Isolation Class (NIC) OR background noise (dBA L90) + sound insulation (Dw).<\/li>\r\n\t\t
      • Noise Criteria (NC) is the single number criteria based on L90<\/sub> background noise measurement from 63 Hz to 8 kHz taken in the receiving room space (see Reporting & Compliance for Internally Generated Noise for additional guidance).<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","device_requirements":"

        Loudspeaker:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

          \r\n\t
        • Minimum 0.25 m [10 in] diameter<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Minimum frequency response of at least 100 Hz – 4 kHz<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Maximum output of at least 100 dB<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Noise generator capable of producing white\/pink noise of equal sound energy across all frequencies of interest<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","alternative_requirements":null,"alternative_quantity":null,"quantity_override":null,"quantity_core_override":null,"recertification_override":null,"locations_override":null,"quantity_note":"\r\n
            \r\n\t
          • At least 10% of each regularly occupied space type listed, one measurement per measurement location. <\/li>\r\n\t
          • Preference should be given to rooms that separate two acoustically sensitive spaces such as conference rooms, wellness rooms or where the requirement is SPP-80 or greater.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • Preference should be given to walls with any element of glazing and\/or doors.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n

            <\/p>\r\n","location_note":"

              \r\n\t
            • The HVAC system must be on during the measurement periods.<\/li>\r\n\t
            • Sound masking systems (if present) must be on during the measurement period.<\/li>\r\n\t
            • The measurements must be located where an occupant would typically be situated within the space.<\/li>\r\n\t
            • As much as possible, measurements should be located away from walls containing windows.<\/li>\r\n\t
            • The distance between any two points of measurement must be at least 3 m [10 ft].<\/li>\r\n\t
            • Windows and doors in the measurement location must be closed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","test_method_note":"
                \r\n\t
              • Loudspeaker should be placed near the wall at the opposite side of the room from the wall that is being tested. If a non-omnidirectional speaker is used, to the extent possible, it should be aimed into a trihedral corner along this wall (i.e., where two walls join at right angles).<\/li>\r\n\t
              • The minimum level of the operating loudspeaker should be at least 90 dBA.<\/li>\r\n\t
              • Each measurement should last at minimum 30 seconds in each receiving room measurement location. If the receiving room has already been assessed for compliance with Feature S02 Part 1, data from the measurement (L90<\/sub>) may be used for Reporting & Compliance in lieu of taking an additional NIC\/Dw measurement in that receiving room.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","laboratory_requirement":null}]},{"id":41996,"option_order":2,"name":"Speech privacy","description":"

                For walls that separate regularly occupied spaces the following requirements are met:<\/p>","description_alt":null,"space_property":null,"certification":null,"note":null,"sub_part_id":33066,"deleted_at":null,"note_position_override":"top","verification_note":null,"verification_condition":"AND","requirements":[{"id":120645,"option_id":41996,"requirement_order":1,"description":"

                The sum of the measured Noise Isolation Class (NIC) or Weighted Difference Level (Dw) combined with the Noise Criteria Rating (NC) or A-weighted Sound Pressure Level (LAeq) within a room achieves the following minimum values, as applicable. If an interior wall meets multiple categories listed, use the highest value listed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
                \r\n\t\t\t

                Source Room<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                Receiver Room<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                Minimum NIC + NC or Dw + LAeq<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed loud zones<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                Open areas for concentration<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Circulation zones<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                80<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                All other occupiable areas<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                85<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for conferencing<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for learning<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for sleeping<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                Open areas for concentration<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Circulation zones<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                75<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed quiet zones<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                80<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for conferencing<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for learning<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for sleeping<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                85<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed quiet zones<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                Open areas for concentration<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Circulation zones<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                70<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed quiet zones<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                75<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t

                \r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for conferencing<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for learning<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t

                Enclosed areas for sleeping <\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t

                		\r\n\t\t\t

                80<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<\/td>\r\n\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","description_alt":null,"deleted_at":null,"photographic_verification":0}],"verifications":[{"id":15,"name":"Performance Test","chinese_name":"\u6027\u80fd\u6d4b\u8bd5","is_auditable":0,"scale_type":"Individual","note":null}],"pvgbs":[]}]}],"on_sites":[],"annotated_documents":[],"letter_of_assurances":[],"part_guidances":[{"id":33171,"part_id":30757,"category":"WELL Core","sub_category":null,"rating_note":null,"alignment_note":null,"doc_guidance":"

                Meet these requirements for the extent of developer buildout. Demising walls that separate tenant spaces from common spaces or other tenant spaces should use the "Enclosed Loud zones" and "All other occupiable spaces" threshold.  <\/p>","points":null}],"methods":[]}],"ihmes":[],"sdgs":[]}