Carseldine Auditorium

A+UD is currently undertaking the refurbishment of an auditorium in a 30 year old concrete and glass building forming part of an old university campus that has been converted into a government office precinct. Given the importance of acoustics in any performance space the architect encouraged the clients to engage an acoustic engineer for specialist advice.

The problem- making new openings that could compromise an acoustically sealed building envelope.

To bring the building up to code compliance the building surveyors required a fire engineered solution which included a requirement for a new smoke exhaust system. This involved making new openings to admit outside air into the auditorium  to offset the air being sucked out by the exhaust fans.

The challenges were to make penetrations in the existing building’s slab and concrete walls without admitting traffic noise from adjacent main roads and patron chatter from a noisy foyer area.

Early involvement of an acoustic engineer is essential

Spending a relatively small amount of project funds on an acoustic engineer for acoustic design advice at early stages of building design helps deliver optimal design solutions that ensure buildings perform for their intended purpose. In this case this involved getting advice on wall materials, finishes and acoustic baffles that effectively exclude external unwanted noise sources like traffic and patron chatter. Acoustic advice can help insure that internal noise sources are compatible and dampened to reduce excessive reverberation and distortion.