A case for modular partitions in healthcare facilities

Abstract

In healthcare, good acoustic separation between rooms is critical for speech privacy and user comfort. While there are multiple factors that contribute to acoustic separation, this is usually achieved by increasing the acoustical performance of the separating architecture between rooms. This is done by running a wall of a specific Sound Transmission Class (STC) to structure to minimize flanking paths. However, running a modular wall up to or slightly above the ceiling tile can reduce the cost of construction and improve programmatic flexibility. In situations where the wall runs only to the ceiling, the acoustic ceiling tile (ACT) and plenum condition begins to play a large role in the acoustic performance of the separating architecture. Given a high-performing ACT, a high-STC modular wall, and partially open plenum, is there a condition where good speech privacy can be achieved between rooms without running walls to structure? This was examined with a mock-up for EvergreenHealth in Kirkland, WA. The resu...