SSA Acoustics

Seattle, WA

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Darren Toshi, Facilities Manager

Sound Progress for Ongoing Upgrades

On an ongoing basis, our team measures, designs, and provides acoustic solutions to spaces within the building needing acoustical treatment and sound isolation solutions.  Our recommendations are designed to achieve the optimal acoustic environment in the main conference area, private offices, and open offices.

Challenges:

We seek to aid the success of the spaces within the headquarters of our client by creating an ideal acoustic environment with modest changes to the existing spaces and treatments.

Solutions:

Our involvement began with an initial site visit to determine the main acoustic issues.  Sound transmission from the main conference room to the adjacent conference room and corridor was evaluated, and recommendations to reduce noise levels heard between spaces were provided.  Because of the current wall window combination and the impact recommendations could have on the quality of these spaces, testing to determine the performance of the current assembly was completed before we made our recommendations.  We conducted Field Sound Transmission Class (FSTC) testing in accordance with ASTM standards.  Based on this testing, we made recommendations to achieve an appropriate STC between these spaces.

Client History:

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the world's largest private giver.  It seeks to expand global access to technology and improve global health.  The foundation's Seattle headquarters houses a diverse mix of functions and people, from scientists to business people and veterans of Microsoft.  From this building, the Foundation funds public health programs in more than 100 countries.