Acoustic+ | Rooftop Noise & Aesthetics
Project Challenge
The university's central mechanical plant served multiple campus buildings with varying HVAC systems operating at different noise levels and frequencies throughout the day and night. Traditional acoustic solutions would have provided uniform noise reduction across the entire installation, leaving some areas over-engineered while others remained inadequately protected from noise disturbance to adjacent lecture halls, student accommodation, and study areas.
The project required a sophisticated approach to noise management that could address the complex acoustic environment created by chillers, air handling units, cooling towers, and exhaust systems all operating within the same rooftop space. The proximity to sensitive academic environments meant that even minor noise breakthrough could disrupt lectures, examinations, and student concentration. Additionally, the solution needed to integrate seamlessly with the campus architectural standards while providing long-term durability in the demanding educational environment.
Key Challenges:
- Address multiple noise sources with varying frequencies and volumes across single rooftop
- Prevent noise disturbance to adjacent lecture halls, student accommodation, and study areas
- Integrate with established campus architectural standards and aesthetic requirements
- Provide long-term durability suitable for demanding 24/7 educational facility operations
- Optimise acoustic performance for different equipment types within unified screening system
Solution
Con-form Group's Acoustic+ Wall© system provided the ideal solution through its exclusive Tunable Technology©, enabling individual cassette optimisation to match specific noise characteristics from different equipment zones. The three-stage absorb-reflect-absorb process delivered superior noise attenuation with an NRC of 0.75, while the tunable surface density options (21-40dB reduction range) allowed precise acoustic engineering for each section of the installation.
The modular interlocking cassette design enabled seamless integration across varying equipment layouts while maintaining consistent architectural appearance. The selected Shale Grey finish complemented the campus building palette, creating visual harmony between the acoustic screening and existing structures. The lightweight steel construction minimised structural impact while the weather-resistant polyester core made from recycled drink bottles provided sustainable performance suitable for the university's environmental commitments.
Solution Benefits:
- Tunable Technology© optimised individual cassettes for specific noise frequencies and volumes
- NRC 0.75 performance with 21-40dB reduction range addressed diverse equipment noise levels
- Modular design seamlessly integrated across complex rooftop equipment arrangements
- Shale Grey finish maintained consistency with campus architectural standards
- Sustainable materials supported university environmental and recycling initiatives
Services Rendered
Con-form Group provided comprehensive acoustic engineering services tailored specifically for the complex educational environment, with detailed noise assessment and cassette optimisation across multiple equipment zones. Our design team developed custom shop drawings that mapped acoustic performance requirements to specific rooftop areas, ensuring optimal noise control for adjacent academic spaces. The project included specialised coordination with university facilities management to minimise disruption during academic terms while maintaining critical HVAC operations throughout the installation process.
Services Included:
- Acoustic engineering and noise mapping for complex multi-equipment rooftop environment
- Custom cassette tuning design optimising surface density for specific noise sources
- Detailed shop drawings coordinating modular installation across varying equipment layouts
- University facilities coordination minimising disruption to academic operations
- Manufacturing of tunable Acoustic+ cassettes with varying surface density specifications
- Professional installation with academic calendar scheduling and noise management protocols
- Post-installation acoustic testing and performance verification
- Comprehensive 25-year warranty coverage on steel components and 10-year warranty on replaceable acoustic elements
Building
The project was completed at a major university campus in Adelaide, South Australia.
November 3, 2025
https://con-form-group.webflow.io/products/acoustics/acoustic-plus