Acentech Inc. provided architectural acoustics and noise control services for the new Marian G. and Stephen P. Mugar Building at Cape Cod Hospital, a not-for-profit regional acute-care medical facility located on 38 acres of waterfront.
Working with architect TRO Jung|Brannen of Boston, Acentech consulted on architectural acoustics, mechanical system noise and vibration control, and exterior noise control services for the new 112,000 s/f medical/surgical inpatient facility. TRO Jung|Brannen's five level design solution adds four upper floors of new single room inpatient beds, as well as a new visitor's entrance, lobby, conference and educational center, and dining area off a newly landscaped courtyard at grade.
A common complaint from hospital patients is the amount of noise within a facility. To create a more tranquil environment and improve the patient experience, a "frontstage/backstage" planning philosophy was employed, limiting the distractions experienced by the patient while at the same time providing appropriate space for essential clinical functions. By locating the "backstage" elements away from patient areas, the atmosphere on the patient floor is quiet and peaceful - an important feature for the well-being of both patients and their families.
Acentech provided recommendations on sound isolation between patient rooms and other spaces in the addition, and suggested finishes in public and private areas to achieve appropriate acoustical conditions. The firm measured existing ambient sound levels in neighboring areas to the hospital and recommended mitigation measures to control noise emission from the new mechanical equipment to the neighbors.
Acentech consultants also reviewed the mechanical system design and provided recommendations to reduce noise transmission to interior spaces.
"Privacy, discretion and a peaceful setting are highly valued features of a medical environment," said Benjamin Davenny, senior consultant at Acentech Inc. "Cape Cod Hospital wanted to create a soothing patient experience in an efficient and functional space. Acentech is proud to be part of the team that delivered optimal acoustics and reduced noise levels in the new addition of this respected community hospital."
Cape Cod Hospital is a partner within Cape Cod Healthcare, a comprehensive, regional healthcare system and leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs.
In 2008, the Cape Cod Hospital's Mugar Building won a Boston Society of Architects New England Healthcare Award for Design Excellence.
Acentech Inc. is a multi-disciplinary acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting firm providing a wide range of services to a diverse group of clients. With offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Trevose, Pennsylvania; and Westlake Village, California, the company's professional staff of more than 50 consultants has broad and deep expertise in all areas of acous tics and audiovisual systems design consulting. Having celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2008, Acentech is the oldest and largest organization of its type: an unequaled resource to engineers, architects, and designers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.acentech.com .
Photo credit: Richard Mandelkorn