Noise control for curtain wall construction in residential buildings - a retrofit solution

Abstract

In modern high-rise residential buildings, designers and architects utilize curtain wall construction either for the entire building or a portion of the building to achieve the desired visual impact in an urban setting. This poses significant challenges to satisfy the building code acoustical requirement (e,g., sound transmission class) between residential suites on adjacent floors. Apparent sound transmission class tests were completed after the curtain wall system was installed and concluded non-compliance with the Ontario Building Code acoustical requirement. A retrofit noise mitigation option was proposed and implemented. The ASTC field test was repeated and concluded compliance with the building code acoustical requirement.