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Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in

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Paper’s No. BUE-FISC

Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT

Mostafa Refat Ismail

British University in Egypt
Mostafa.refat@bue.edu.eg
mrefat@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT:
The acoustical design of hotels encompasses a wide variety of issues
including control of exterior noise, control of noise from plumbing, HVAC
and elevators, sound isolation between guestrooms, isolation of music from
entertainment areas, room acoustics of ballrooms and meeting rooms and
effective design of movable walls. Many of these issues are equally
important.
The design of a Five Star hotel facility encompasses a variety of technical
design Problems. On the same hand, the design of a lower standard hotel two
Star or Three Star hotels has many dilemmas of its own. The ability of an
acoustical consultant, as an integral part of the design team, to allocate
differences between these types of projects can be the difference between a
successful hotel project and a failure, according to subjective measures and
operator’s standards. Different quality hotels require different levels of
design criteria, proper coordination and timing between trades and
installations, such as loudspeakers, ceiling coffers, chandeliers, sprinkler
heads, and ductwork, is also very important for the success of the overall
project. This paper is discussing techniques and methods to produce
successful acoustic environment in Hotel spaces, related to the harsh
constrains of the EGYPTIAN environment, in comparison with quieter sound
environments found everywhere else. And how to achieve standards issued by
operators within a feasible framework.

Conference Topic: Integration Issues (economy, society and environment)

Keywords:
ACOUSTICS, MEASUREMENTS, HOTELS

1. INTRODUCTION:

So far the acoustics design criteria has not been deeply considered in the design of Hotel
environments in EGYPT. The lack of awareness of the key role that acoustics plays in the
quality of hosting and recreational spaces results in poor standards delivered and on long runs
annoying environments. Both high background noise levels and high reverberance of the
rooms create problems with concentration, speech intelligibility and communication. As well
as problems associated with sound transfer through internal building skins. Acoustical
discomfort also makes it impossible to relax adequately which is the main concept in Hotel
and recreational design. The acoustical design must combat the level of noise emitted by busy
road in the centre of the city especially in an overcrowded city like Cairo. In addition to

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Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT
 

mechanical noise emitted from mechanical systems installed in the vicinity of quiet residential
zones.
Research has proved that good room acoustics reduces stress level [1–3]. The problem of poor
acoustics increases in spaces where speech intelligibility is such as meeting rooms, conference
spaces and facilities, spaces for disabled people. A large number of people have undiagnosed
hearing problems which make listening and concentrating more difficult in spaces with poor
acoustics. Thus good acoustics in hotels should be achieved by the complex approach
referring to building, environmental and room acoustics. It should ensure the reduction of:

 Exterior noise generated and caused mostly by traffic,

 Noise transfer by air or building internal or external skins from adjacent spaces
 Background noise produced by mechanical installations and equipment of the building
(mainly heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems).

The definition of the acoustical parameters as well as their required values is presented in
either regulation in a form of Laws, or hotel operator standards. In case acoustics standards of
spaces are not regulated by the technical standards, the inspiration may be taken from foreign
guidelines and regulations presented below.

2. SOUND ENVIRONMENT IN HOTELS

Hotels are places for resting, sleeping, meeting and working. The requirement of these
applications and activities provides the basis for architectural acoustic standards and isolation
design in hotels. Liu [4] conducted a survey of nearly 20 hotels of different classes in several
cities in China. The survey included acoustical measurements and interviews of more than
100 users. Liu chose the average (or equivalent) sound level Leq and articulation index AI as
ratings. The advantage of rating implementing the equivalent sound level is that it accounts
for various noise sources for different segments of time.
Liu found that a person assessment of the annoyance appears to be closely related to the
ratio of the intrusive noise level to the ambient noise level, and does not depend only on
the absolute level of the intrusive noise itself. The approximate relationship between Leq for
the daytime and resting or working is found as shown in figure1.

a) Nature of sleep

b) Rest or work
Figure1. Approximate relationship between Leq and a) Nature of sleep, b) Rest or work

Charles P. Lebo et al [5] obtained noise data in 27 restaurants and hotels in San Francisco,
the data included minimum, peak, and average sound pressure levels, as well as tape
recordings. The study concluded that the critical background noise level for speech
discrimination occurs between 65 and 79 dBA and corresponds with a signal-to-noise ratio of
0 dB [6, 7]. When background noise levels exceed this level, it becomes increasingly difficult

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for normal and hearing impaired people to communicate. This again raises the fact that the
annoyance caused and speech interference depends on the ratio of the intrusive noise to the
background noise level.
Looking at new equipments and its impact on acoustic design of hotels was the interest of
Stan Roller et al [8]. Televisions with full range stereo sound, compact disc players and
powerful, full−frequency−range stereos have become common in nowadays life.
And the quality of today’s TV sound is quickly becoming comparable to that of the
compact disc (low background noise, reproduction of total audible frequency range, etc.).
These improved systems are also finding their way into hotel rooms. As TV sound becomes
more sophisticated, it puts greater demands on the sound isolation partitions between hotel
guest rooms.
The console TV and full range sound system (bass controls set on flat) are 4 or 5 dB louder
in this frequency range. A full range system with controls set to boost bass will be at least 10
dB louder than the portable mono set. Whenever activity is taking place in a hotel room,
background noise can be rather high. Sound isolation usually is not a problem during these
times. The need for high isolation occurs when activities in adjacent rooms are radically
different. For example, sleeping in one room; loud TV or talking in the adjacent room. In this
situation, the inactive room must rely on some constant background noise source to mask
intrusive noise.
Stan concluded that stereo TV's will require partition systems with STC ratings of 4 to 5
points higher than the partition systems used with the older mono systems to achieve about
the same degree of acoustical privacy.  Reasonable results can be achieved with STC−50
isolation with the portable mono TV. An STC−54is required for similar privacy from a stereo
TV. Special, high−performance designs are needed when full−frequency−range systems are
installed in luxury hotels.

3. ACOUSTIC DESIGN INTEGRATION WITH DEVELOPEMNT STAGES:

It is obvious that design strategies and standards are easier to be approached during the
conceptual design stage. It is better for the architect, builder and ultimately the end user, if the
layout and construction details are optimized with respect to acoustics considerations at an
early stage. It is always easier get it right the first time as opposite of fixing a problem later
on, not to mention much more cost efficient.
The first step would be to analysis the proposed layout and the construction of the
development with regard to acoustic considerations, and to identify potential noise areas. The
next step would be to set noise level criteria for areas where a low level noise environment is
a critical requirement. Spaces to be considered would include:
Hotel rooms or apartments, Lobby and lounge areas, Restaurant and cafes, Spa or Leisure
facilities, Retail areas, and Conference and function rooms.
As well as taking the noise levels generated within the hotel into consideration, a detailed
analysis would be conducted to assess the existing background noise level in the vicinity of
the development, i.e. traffic noise, near industry development, car parks, plant rooms, as well
as considering sound transmission between guest rooms.
Having established the noise sources and noise sensitive areas within the development, an
analysis of the proposed construction elements is then conducted. Building elements to be
considered would include floors, ceiling, window elements, enclosures for soil stacks,
plumping and mechanical services, and door seals.
The Royal Institute of British Architects RIBA outlined a development plan of work [9]
organizing the process of managing, and designing building projects and administering
building contracts into a number of key work stages as outlined in Table1.

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Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT
 
Table1. RIBA outline plan of work

Preparation Design Pre-Construction Construction Use

A B C D E F G H J K L

Tender Action

Post Practical
Construction
Development

Mobilization
Design Brief

Information

Completion

Completion
to Practical
Production

Documents
Appraisal

Technical
Concept

Tender
Design

Design
It is important as stated previously to integrate various professions at the correct timing to
ensure getting various aspects and dimensions in the development established correctly from
the first time. Table 2 summarizes various actions to be taken in the acoustic analysis for
projects related to the typology of hotel projects. Table 2 shows as well different stages
according to RIBA classification, at which various aspects of acoustical analysis to be
integrated with other professions.

Table2. Acoustic Analysis integration with RIBA’s outline plan of work

RIBA
Environmental Acoustics Description
stages

Internal noise criteria Internal noise level design criteria would be agreed and specified for A, B
all areas of the development

Environmental Noise Quantify the noise level that will impact the various residential A, B
Survey facades and noise sensitive spaces. 24 hours Noise Measurements
should be performed in terms of percentile levels. The data will then
be integrated with machinery operator’s data sheets, to predict levels
around the development in terms of level contour data.

Aircraft Noise survey If expected future Noise levels from Aircraft volume data will be A, B
predicted

 Assessment of current noise levels due to Aircraft Noise

 Future study of Aircraft Noise Levels
 Determination of STC requirements for external building
fabric
Site vibration survey  24 hour site measurements using high sensitivity A, B
accelerometer, in conjunction with Airborne noise
measurements.
Traffic Noise assessment  Generated Traffic noise map, using the CRTN calculation A, B
method
 Future Traffic Noise predictions according to future traffic
volumes the following data is assumed to be provided by
city stars.
o Predicted flow rates and percentage ‘HGVs’ prior
to and after completion of the development;
o Road speed limits / predicted average speeds;
o Site level data (OS landform grid preferable)
including proposed road and building heights;
o Proposed road surfaces within the development
(including texture depth if porous).

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Construction Noise
Vibration
External Plant Noise impact
assessment
Architectural Acoustics
External building Fabrics
Auralisation Demonstration
Internal Building Fabric
Room Acoustics
Building Services Acoustics
Commissioning
Measurements
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An outline of the construction program along with details of the main A, B
site operations could be provided to the acoustic consultant
 The data will be used to assess the likelihood of nearby
Bresident complaints.
 In case vibration limits need to be set or construction method
of statement to be changed a reassessment to the proposed
will be performed.
Proposed plants noise emissions, an analysis should be prepared to B
demonstrate the compliance with local regulations. Sensitive
receivers should be allocated and Noise mitigation strategies should
be outlined.
RIBA
Description
stages
Based upon noise surveys data and the agreed internal noise criteria, C-H
sound reduction performance specifications would be produced for
each of the external building fabric elements, each building skin will
be modelled to predict its Rw, and STC values.
A realistic Audio Mock-up will be produced based upon digital C-H
recordings taken on site. The data will be then post processed to
analyse and auralise the effect of different building skins and to be
able to objectively judge for the sound reduction performance of each
design.
The internal building fabrics separating various spaces in the C-H
development [walls, and floors] should be modelled, to predict the
sound insulation values in terms of Rw, and STC parameters, for each
frequency.
Analysis would be undertaken to verify that room proportions and C-H
surface treatments will provide an acoustic environment in the
various occupied areas compatible with the area functions.
Plant room Structures E
a) Determination of noise levels in plant rooms based on
manufacturers certified data or derived from empirical
calculations;
b) Advice on the required thickness and construction of plant
room walls, slabs, doors and builders work shafts, to control
airborne sound transmission to adjacent areas
Fan Noise , Vibration isolation, System generated noise, Duct borne
cross talk, Entry of aircraft noise.
RIBA
Description
stages
Measurement and recommendations in terms snagging list where
J-L
appropriate I case of non acceptable deviation occurs.
Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT
 

4. ACOUSTIC DESIGN CRITERIA AND STANDARDS FOR HOTELS

The overall objective of acoustic hotel design standards is to provide acoustic conditions
across hotel spaces, and to ensure:
 The highest quality of rest and recuperation for visiting guests
 Provide a feeling of world class accommodation
All standards designed for hotel noise reduction and limits are to step down the following
targets:
 Internal ambient Noise Level
 Airborne sound insulation between spaces (walls, and floors)
 Impact sound insulation of floors
 Reverberation times in various and important spaces

4.1 Ambient Noise Levels

It is important to set up the noise levels design criteria in terms of maximum allowable noise
levels for both external noise sources and building services noise, some of hotel operators [10]
provide these standards to be met. Table 3 represents the maximum internal noise levels
allowed in a hotel development.

Table3. Maximum internal Noise Levels.

Location External noise Services noise

Public spaces 40 dB LAeq NR 35
Guestrooms – nighttime 27 dB LAeq, 45 dB LAmax NR 22
Guestrooms– daytime 32 dB LAeq NR 25
Meeting facility – daytime 35 dB LAeq, 50 dB LAmax NR 30
Leisure and fitness – daytime 40 dB LAeq NR 40

4.2 Sound Insulation

Sound insulation between spaces is given in terms of a weighted standardized level

difference, a single figure generated by comparing the DnT with a reference curve. The
reference curve is shifted in 1dB steps until the sum of adverse deviation of the test curve,
compared to the reference curve, is as large as possible, but no more than 32.0 dB. The value
of the shifted reference curve at 500Hz is taken as the DnT,w. The DnT,w is a figure related to
site performance as it takes into account other factors such as flanking transmission, and
should not be confused with the STC, or Rw figures which are sound insulation figures
normally obtained in a laboratory environment, and represent only the sound insulation for the
tested sample. The procedure for measuring airborne sound insulation in the field is given is
ISO 140-4:1998 [11]. The procedure for calculating the overall value is given in ISO 717-1:
1997 [12]. The DnT is calculated using the following equation, where T0 is the reference
reverberation time.

T
DnT  L1  L2  10 log
T0

Table 4 demonstrates a relationship matrix for sound insulation standards between various
spaces in a hotel development. DnT,w+Ctr is the same level difference but including an

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additional correction for the assessment of low frequency noise, this figure presence in the
table below is an indicator for a probability of low frequency noise content to be transferred
from one space to another according to activity performed.

Table4. Airborne sound insulation Matrix

Guestroom Corridor Corridor Public Meetings/ Bar/ Back of

(+door) areas Conference Restaurant/ house
Banquet/
Leisure
facility
Guestroom 50 dB DnT,w 50 dB DnT,w 60 dB DnT,w 55
50 dB DnT,w 40 dB DnT,w 50 dB DnT,w
+Ctr + Ctr + Ctr dB DnT,w
Corridor 60 dB DnT,w 50
50 dB DnT,w N/a N/a 50 dB DnT,w 50 dB DnT,w
+ Ctr dB DnT,w
Corridor 40
40 dB DnT,w N/a N/a 50 dB Rw 50 dB Rw 40 dB DnT,w
(+door) dB DnT,w
50
50 dB DnT,w 50 dB DnT,w 50 dB Rw N/a 50 dB DnT,w N/a
Public areas dB DnT,w
Meetings/ 50 dB DnT,w 50 dB DnT,w 60 dB DnT,w 55
50 dB DnT,w 50 dB Rw 50 dB DnT,w
Conference + Ctr + Ctr + Ctr dB DnT,w
Bar/
Restaurant/ 60 dB DnT,w 60 dB DnT,w 60 dB DnT,w 60 dB DnT,w 55
Banquet/ 40 dB DnT,w N/a
+ Ctr + Ctr +Ctr + Ctr dB DnT,w
Leisure
facility
Back 55 dB DnT,w 50 dB DnT,w 40 dB DnT,w 50 dB DnT,w 55 dB DnT,w 55 dB DnT,w N/a
of house

4.3 Reverberation time

RT reverberation time value is a key descriptor for a feeling of ambience. The RT quantifies
how sound decays in a space, high values affect the speech intelligibility, thus it is a key
characteristic descriptor for the impact of the surrounding materials in a specified space,
specially where speech and communication is the activity. Operators tend to strict the RT
values for Conference rooms and leisure facilities to be less than 1second in any single
frequency octave band in the frequency range 500 to 4,000 Hz. In corridors the RT should not
exceed 0.7 seconds, and 1.7 seconds in atria and reception areas.
 

5. Acoustic problems in hotels associated with coordination issues

Acoustic problems in hotels associated with bad coordination [i.e. not integrating the
acoustical assessment for spaces in correct project development stage], is in most cases
difficult to resolve. The actions to be taken at this time dimension are always unavoidable and
costly, especially when hotels in most cases are integrated in dense urban textures, or a part of
a business or commercial complex. At this stage some problems will be outlines, assessment
parameters and measures will be analyzed and mitigation strategies will be discusses.

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Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT
 

5.1   External Noise problems

In most cases in greater Cairo, hotels are chosen to be placed in the dense urban texture. The
traffic flow rates and percentage of heavy vehicles exceed level allowance for hotel
development listed in the local legislations (Environmental law No4-1994 [13]). Assessing
the suitability of a site for a noise sensitive development should be performed, the prevailing
free-field noise levels are either measured or calculated, and the site is rated with reference to
four Noise Exposure Categories [NECs], as follows [14]:-
 

 A -Noise need not be considered a determining factor

 B-Planning Authorities should increasingly take noise into account and
require noise control measures,
 C–Planning permission should not be given, unless there are other important
factors, such as a lack of better alternative sites.
 D-Planning permission should normally be refused.

In most case this procedure is not considered, in this example high intrusive external noise
levels were monitored in a hotel in greater Cairo. The number of complaints from external
noise was increasing on an annual basis. Internal noise measurements were performed to
assess the likelihood of complaints.
A site visit was arranged to assess acoustical sound insulation associated with residential
towers. It was decided to measure internal noise inside Guest rooms at the 10th floor, and at
the 15th floor, this will indicate if levels are around the same. Measurements were conducted
at seven positions as indicated in figure 1. The measurements were conducted according to BS
4142 [15], to assess the LAeq Values of the Internal Noise inside guest rooms.
According to the NC standards Noise Criteria values should perform under category
[Bedrooms, sleeping quarters, hospitals, Apartments, hotels and motels]. In theses spaces NC
should be within a range of NC-25 to NC-35.

Figure1. Sound level measurement positions

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Table5. LAeq results inside guestrooms.

Location 15th Floor

Position 1 39.7 dBA
Position 2 48.4 dBA
Position 3 43.1 dBA
Position 4 43.4 dBA
Position 5 44.3 dBA
Position 6 45.4 dBA
Position 7 39.9 dBA

According to Hotel Operator Requirement the noise levels inside Guest rooms must not
exceed 32 dBA-daytime. Levels recorded at 7 out of 7 internal points exceed the acceptable
limits, however external noise is within ranges of 60 dBA and more, the double glazing
installed is not providing adequate sound insulation.

5.1.1   External Mechanical Noise

A mitigation strategy is to allocate and assess external noise sources that might cause high
noise levels. Looking at the site around the residential tower, mechanical noise from a boiler
located at the roof of a commercial complex is causing high steady noise levels. A site visit
was organized same equipments were used to study the characteristics of the noise emitted
from the boiler unit. Once arrived on site objectively it was obvious that the noise emitted was
from the extract fan shown in picture adjacent to the boiler, the boiler itself did not emit
sufficient sound energy. Measurements using the Sound Level Meter recorded the following
Sound characteristics as shown in Table6, and figure2.
Table6. Mechanical Noise measurement .

Sound Indices Measurements

LAeq 81.5 dB(A)
Lmax 85.7 dB(A)
Lmin 80.1 dB(A)

Figure2. Extract fan radiating most of sound energy

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Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT
 

Absorptive noise control Enclosure as shown in figure3 will provide maximum noise
reduction with an aperture to allow ventilation. The noise enclosure system should be large to
house the exhaust fan and the ductwork and twin motors, as well as the rotator belts. The
enclosure is proposed to be constructed of galvanized steel painted in a weather resistant
polyester powder coating. It is recommended that the enclosure to circumference totally the
noise source. The Noise enclosure must be lined from the inside with 12cm thick rock wool
cladding with 72Kg/m3 minimum density, lined with permissible textile, and spacers for
fixation.

Figure3. Sound enclosure recommended with exhaust opening

The motion of the air in the ducts will generate noise at any branch, bend, or obstruction in
the air path. If the air velocities are adequately low, the amount of noise generated will also be
low. Air velocities in the ductwork therefore, must not exceed 1000 fpm. The transition
length will have a direct impact on the turbulence generated within the duct work; the more
gradual the transition, the less aerodynamic turbulence will be generated. Duct transitions
should have a maximum slope of 1:6. Resilient mounts or pads should be installed for the
duct supporting structure.

Figure4. Resilient mounts for the fan, as well as correct duct aspect ratios

5.1.2   Traffic Noise

Another set of measurements was performed, from the street side on the 10th floor.
Measurements were conducted for two periods, namely at 9.30 and at 19.45 as external noise
levels are assumed subjectively to be higher at evening periods, due to high traffic volumes

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Title of the paper                                                                                                                             

generated around the hotel district. Sound levels were measured with an A-weighted filter
sampling at 5sec logging. Results were then analyzed in terms of counts and cumulative
curves to predict percentile levels, for Background Noise and Traffic Noise levels prediction.
The result analysis for the two set of measurements are shown in the figure5.
Histogram Histogram
40 20

18
35
16
30
14
25
12
st

Number of Counts
n 20 10
u
o
C
 f 8
o
r e 15
b 6
m
u 10
N 4
5
2

0 0
47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Level dB(A) Level dB(A)
   

   
Parameter Results Parameter Results
L10 54.8 dB(A) L10 38.8 dB(A)
L50-Leq 50.8 dB(A) L50-Leq 35.2 dB(A)
L90 49.0 dB(A) L90 32.2 dB(A)

19:45 9:30
Figure5. Percentile levels analysis from noise sample measured at the 10th floor

The analysis reveals that background noise levels L90 at both measurement sets are higher
than allowed in hotel operators’ standards. On the other hand traffic noise represented in L10
percentile descriptor are within a 10dB difference range, this indicates that issuing speed
limits or traffic changes to decrease traffic noise levels will not be much effective. And the
background levels are a composition of other remotely located sources that contribute to the
background level built up. Thus a change of the external building skin is proposed. As
expenses should be kept to the minimum, solutions of changing or altering different window
elements was discussed as indicated in table7, trying to overcome high costs. The option of
changing the whole window profile to house other double glazing sections was totally
negligible. This lead to the decision to eliminate higher double glazed spacing width more that
24mm, which could still be installed in the same widow profiles. This means not to use higher
widths of triple glazing, and keep options limited to the 24mm thickness.

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Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT
 

The following table summarizes actions and mitigation strategies that could be applied along
with its limitations; it was found that changing the double glazing is most effective practical
option.
Table7. Strategic Noise mitigation

Noise mitigation objective Interactions-Limitations Expected Noise Reduction

additional [STC]
Filling gaps with Acoustic seals around Might affect existing profile frames, and up to 13dB
existing double glazing might not find effective gaps [0.5 cm]
Injecting Argon gas Not practical, spacers installed without From 2-3 dB
filling taps.
Increase the separation between the glass Needs to change windows profile 3 dB per doubling of spacing
sheets
Increasing the thickness of the glass sheets. Needs to change windows profile 6dB per doubling of thickness
Mixing thickness of Glass sheets. 30% difference in thickness is desirable. 3-4 dB reduction
Needs to change windows profile
Change double glazing High cost compared to other but not Expected external noise reduction not less
practical solutions. than 16dB for traffic noise
Decision
Change double glazing High cost compared to other but not Expected external noise reduction of 16dB
practical solutions. for traffic noise
Filling gaps with Acoustic seals around Might affect existing profile frames, and up to 13dB
existing double glazing might not find effective gaps [0.5 cm]

The previous analysis reveals that although other mitigations were proposed the most
expensive option of changing the double glazing was the most effective, and considering high
background noise levels present at the site location at earlier stages of the development, might
have saved effort and money.

5.1.3   Internal Building Fabrics

As an example for changing and altering internal building fabrics, a lounge in a 5 star hotel
was selected. The acoustic analysis was again performed at late stages after the internal
decoration was finished, and a number of complaints were reported. Complaints in a form of
bad atmosphere for conversation, high background noise levels due to the intrusion of
external noise.
An acoustic computer simulation model for the space was built using computer modeling
software to predict the reverberation time and check for any discrete reflections. Based on
calculations and analysis performed using materials recommended by internal decorator, as
shown in figure6. We have specified the sound absorption for Room walls and ceilings
according to the available data about materials data sheets. The use of absorptive materials at
effective locations has the following advantage:
• Reduction of slap echo
• Lowering of noise levels
• Suppression of room flexure
• Elimination of standing waves
• Reduction of near-field reflections
• Smoothing of frequency response

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Title of the paper                                                                                                                             

ESTIMATED DECAY Points: 629 (66 Reflections)

dB

-6

-12

-18

-24

-30
0ms 150ms 300ms 450ms 600ms 750ms 900ms 1050ms 1200ms 1350ms 1500m
63Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1000Hz 2000Hz 4000Hz 8000Hz 16000Hz

EXISTING SOUND RAYS - Relative Levels Rays: 997 (16 Reflections) STATISTICAL REVERBERATION TIME Zone 2
dB ms

-20 1800

1600
-40
1400
-60 Music
1200
-80
1000
-100
800 Speech
-120
600
-140
400

-160 200

-180
0ms 50ms 100ms 150ms 200ms 250ms 300ms 350ms 400ms 450ms 500ms 100Hz 1kHz 10kHz
Early Decay Time (10dB)Reverberation Time (60dB) Sabine Norris-Eyring Millington-Sette

Figure6. Computer model and ray-tracing analysis

Some change of internal finishes for the interior boundaries of the Room was recommended.
These changes are applied to the ceiling, the material properties as shown in Figure7.
Materials changed from the recommended list provided by the interior designer are changing
the ceiling tiles, and using appropriate absorptive panels.
S o u n d A b so rp tio n A c o u stic T ile S u sp e n d e d
a

0 .9
0 .8
0 .7

0 .6
0 .5
0 .4

0 .3
0 .2
0 .1

100H z 1k H z 10k H z

Figure7. Absorption coefficient for ceiling tiles

In case the managerial coordination integrated the acoustical consultant at early stages, other
mitigation measures might have been considered. The lounge consists of a variety of
installations that could have been subject of modification without affecting visual aspects and
conceptual measures the interior decorator might have considered; changing the ceiling
element affected the internal visual parameters drastically. Other mitigations might have been

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 Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT
 

changing furniture textiles or using different draperies, and many other easier and more
flexible mitigation strategies

6. Conclusion

Hotels should be spaces with a high quality feel environment, it is essential that the
surrounding acoustic feeling lives up to the expectations of the many visitors it would
welcome. Part of this meant ensuring that the acoustic consultant is adequately integrated at
critical development stages, to ensure no complaints and that guests were not disturbed. The
role of acoustic consultancy in such a critical development where noise is an effective
parameter is discussed. The correct stages where the acoustic consultant must integrate and
take part in critical decisions are determined in terms of the RIBA outline plan.
Bad coordination always results in problems; these problems are outlined and analyzed in
terms of hotel projects concerning acoustics. Analyzing the different mitigation strategies of
examples concerning unwanted noise sources such as traffic noise, internal mechanical noise,
etc, as well as bad selection of materials that might affect the acoustical impact of the space.
Concluding is that integrating the acoustical dimension at correct stages, results in adequate
acoustic design without affecting either internal or external aspects of other professional
specialists, and missing to integrate the acoustical analysis at correct stages results in
mitigations that are high in cost and might have either influence of the visual aspects of the
internal space.

References

1. B.M. Shield, J.E. Dockrel, J. Acoust. Soc. Amer. 123/1, (2008).

2. M. Oberdörster, G. Tiesler, Modern school acoustics. A complement to the book Don’t limit your senses,
Sound and the Learning Environment, Saint-Gobain Ecophon, (2002).
3. J.E. Dockrell, B.M. Shield, British Educational Research Journal 32, 509 (2006).
4. Liu Xiaotu, Acoustic Standards and guest room Isolation in Hotels.Applied Acoustics 25, 95-102 (1998)
5. Charles P. Lebo et al. restaurant Noise, Hearing Loss, and Hearing Aids. WJM, July 1994-vol 161, No1
6. Kochin S: why 20 million in US don’t use hearing aids for their hearing losses. Hearing J 1993:46:26-31.
7. Kochin S: One more time…What did the 1984 HIA survey say? Hear instruments 1990: 41:10-20.
8. Sten Roller et al. Stereo TV, a new challenge in hotel sound insulation. Form Function.1988, Issue 4.
9. Royal Institute of British Architects. Outline Plan of Work. 2007.
10. Intercontinental Hotel & Resorts Brand Standard. 2007
11. ISO 140-4:1998. Acoustics -- Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements -- Part
4: Field measurements of airborne sound insulation between rooms
12. ISO 717-1: 1997. Acoustics. Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Airborne
sound insulation
13. Egyptian Environmental Law Number 4 of 1994
14. Ppg24. Planning Policy Guidance 24: Planning and Noise. ISBN 9780117529243
15. BS 4142. Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas. 1997.

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