How do I build my hospital so animal noise won't disturb my neighbors?
Q. In a residential neighborhood or commercial leasehold, how can I design my facility so barking dogs don't disturb neighbors?
By Sarah Nichols, contributing writer, and Angela Hodison, editorial intern
Q. In a residential neighborhood or commercial leasehold, how can I design my facility so barking dogs don't disturb neighbors?
A. A well-insulated building should shield neighbors from excess noise, says Dan Chapel, AIA, NCARB, owner of Chapel Associates Architects Inc. in Little Rock, Ark., and a Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board member. "Planting shrubbery will help buffer sound between the building and surrounding properties," Chapel advises. However, leasing a commercial space requires a more complex solution.
Chapel suggests researching wall-construction manuals, which include guidelines and sound-transmission ratings. Walls designed for sound control consist of multiple layers of wall materials combined with sound-absorbing fiberglass batts. "Ducts, wiring, and piping shouldn't penetrate these walls," says Chapel. "Sound barriers should always extend from floor to roof deck, preventing sound waves from traveling over walls or through attics or ceiling spaces."
September 1999 Veterinary Economics
