If you are considering buying or renting space in a multi-use building (or if you already have one), you’ll likely want to consider the common noise concerns that come with these properties and the possible acoustical solutions before you move in.

Why is this important? Since multi-use buildings can blend residential, commercial, retail, entertainment, and even industrial uses closely together, the noise from one business can often become an issue for a neighboring business or residence.   

Noise transmission in multi-use buildings does not have to remain a problem, however, or make a space unfit for your intended use. There’s a lot of scientific study behind noise transmission and noise control and understanding the types of noise in your space is the first step in solving the problem.   

1. Airborne Noise Transmission

Airborne noise is one of the most prevalent issues in multi-use buildings. This type of noise travels through the air and can penetrate walls, floors, and ceilings.

Between Residential Units

Neighbors’ conversations, TV sounds, or music can easily become a nuisance if proper soundproofing isn’t in place. These noises can disrupt sleep, work, and overall quality of life for residents.

From Commercial to Residential Spaces

In buildings where commercial spaces are located below or adjacent to residential units, noise from business activities can be particularly problematic. This might include music from restaurants, the hum of equipment, loud exercise equipment dropping, or customer conversations.

From External Sources

Often multi-use properties, condos, and multi-family housing are in urban areas. That means traffic noise, construction work, or even aircraft flyovers can penetrate buildings can be a factor to consider. These external noises can be particularly challenging to control and often require specialized soundproofing solutions.  

2. Impact Noise

Impact noise, also known as structure-borne noise, is created when an object collides with or moves across a surface, sending vibrations through the building structure.

Footsteps from Upper Floors

The sound of people walking, running, or even just moving around in upper-floor units can be clearly audible in the spaces below. This is often one of the most complained-about noises in multi-story buildings.

Dropped Objects and Furniture Movement

The occasional dropped item or the scraping of furniture across the floor can create sudden, jarring noises for occupants in adjacent units.

Gym Equipment in Fitness Centers

Multi-use buildings often include fitness facilities, where the dropping of weights or the use of treadmills can create significant impact noise issues for nearby occupants.

3. Mechanical System Noise

Building systems necessary for comfort and functionality can also be sources of unwanted noise.

HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can produce a constant background noise. While some level of “white noise” can be beneficial, excessive HVAC noise can be disruptive.

Elevators and Escalators

The operation of elevators, including the motor noise and the sound of cars moving through shafts, can be noticeable in adjacent spaces. Escalators can also produce consistent mechanical noise.

Plumbing and Water Systems

Water moving through pipes, especially in older buildings, can create noticeable noise. Additionally, the operation of toilets, showers, and sinks in neighboring units can be audible without proper isolation.

4. Commercial Activity Noise

The diverse nature of multi-use buildings means that noise from various commercial activities can impact residential spaces and other businesses.

Restaurant and Bar Noise

Restaurants and bars can generate significant noise from music, conversations, and kitchen activities. This can be particularly problematic during evening hours when residents are trying to relax or sleep.

Retail Space Noise

Retail areas might have background music, customer conversations, or noise from point-of-sale systems that can transmit to adjacent spaces.

Office Equipment and Conversations

In mixed-use buildings with office spaces, the sound of office equipment like printers and copiers, as well as meetings and phone conversations, can potentially disturb neighboring units.

Addressing these varied noise concerns in multi-use buildings requires a comprehensive approach to acoustic design and acoustical solutions. Solutions may include improving the STC and IIC ratings of building elements, strategic space planning, and the use of sound-absorbing materials and techniques. 

What are STC and IIC, and Why Do They Matter for Mixed-Use Buildings?

The next important component of understanding common noise concerns is knowing how sound is rated. Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) are crucial ratings in acoustics, especially for mixed-use buildings where a wide range of activities occur in close proximity. These ratings help quantify how well building elements, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, prevent sound transmission between spaces.

STC measures how well a building partition attenuates airborne sound, like voices, music, or TV noise. The higher the STC rating, the better the sound insulation. For instance, a wall with an STC of 50 will block most speech sounds, while one with an STC of 60 can make loud speech inaudible.

IIC, on the other hand, measures a floor-ceiling assembly’s ability to reduce impact noise transmission, such as footsteps, dropped objects, or furniture movement. Like STC, a higher IIC rating indicates better performance in reducing impact noise.

In mixed-use buildings, where residential units might be situated above commercial spaces or next to busy common areas, achieving appropriate STC and IIC ratings is critical for occupant comfort and satisfaction. Imagine living above a bustling restaurant or next to a fitness center – without proper sound insulation, the noise could be unbearable.

Building codes often specify minimum STC and IIC ratings, typically around 50 for both. However, for high-end or luxury mixed-use developments, you may want to consider achieving higher ratings, sometimes in the 60-65 range, to ensure a truly peaceful living environment.

Achieving these ratings involves careful selection of building materials and construction techniques. In mixed-use buildings, extra attention might be given to isolating noisy commercial areas from residential spaces, perhaps by incorporating buffer zones or using specialized acoustical solutions.

It’s important to remember that while these ratings are useful, they don’t tell the whole story. Low-frequency sounds, like bass from music or the rumble of heavy equipment, aren’t well accounted for in these ratings. That’s why it’s beneficial to consult with acoustic experts who can provide a comprehensive analysis of your building’s sound insulation needs. 

Professional Acoustical Solutions in San Diego

Soundproof San Diego is a specialized acoustics and soundproofing company serving Southern California. With over a decade of experience, we provide expert solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial noise control challenges.  if you moved into a multi-use building and are having noise control problems – give us a call.  We can perform a sound test and help you determine where the sounds are coming from, the noise levels, and we will provide several solutions for you to consider.   (858)876-4874