Wanaque Reserve Condominiums
Wanaque, NJ
High-End Senior Condominiums on a Large Scale
Our team provided the full scope of acoustical design services for the Wanaque Reserve Condominiums including architectural, mechanical and environmental acoustics. This 436 acre gated development consists of 10 separate secured buildings, furnishing approximately 900 condominiums. Each building is five floors, with the first floor providing secured parking and elevator access. Wanaque Reserve also offers approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of recreation space, two swimming pools (indoor & outdoor), a computer center, and a state-of-the-art theater.
Scope:
SSA Acoustics was involved in all acoustical aspects of the Wanaque Reserve Condominium project, including the design development, architectural, mechanical, environmental, and construction. SSA also conducted several onsite evaluations in order to determine the acoustic performance of the building.
Challenges:
As a high-end senior living community, acoustic performance is essential. This multi-family project presented many issues for acoustic design. The elevator shaft was built adjacent to the residential units, so to control low-frequency mechanical noise and vibration it was necessary to provide a sufficient wall system. Also, the sound isolation of the floor and ceiling assembly was below the minimum building code and fell short of the HUD Grade II Standard. This project employed the Hambro concrete floor system with 3 inch concrete topping. A floor/ceiling system such as this has the potential for intrusive impact noise on hard surface floor finishes. Adding to this, the stair cases passed between residential bedrooms and this had the potential to allow intrusive noise into the bedrooms. The washer/dryer hook-ups were a source of noise as well. Left untreated these elements will potentially have excessive airborne noise if not isolated from the structure.
Solutions:
SSA Acoustics provided acoustical input in relation to building layout, wall types, and equipment locations. From party walls and plumbing noise to impact isolation of floor/ceiling assemblies, we have provided detailed recommendations to achieve acceptable NC levels. We conducted site visits and inspections to witness the inclusion of recommendations during construction. Field tests were also conducted to better determine and select the impact insulation material most suited for the construction type. We included an environmental noise study with design recommendations for control of noise generated by traffic in the immediate vicinity of the site.