Interior Acoustic Comfort

Implementing acoustic control measures to minimize the impacts of interior-sourced noises, such as neighbors and common hallways, can improve sleep quality and decrease stress, contributing to enhanced physical and mental health.

Key Terms 

• Interior Noise Prevention utilizes design, construction, and operations strategies to shield the building or development from interior sounds.

Strategy Insights

• This strategy outlines four qualifying interior noise prevention measures. At least one approach from at least two categories must be implemented in order to achieve credit for this strategy:
  • • • Using sound- and vibration-absorption materials. Fitwel does not specify whether these materials must be in both walls and floors within dwelling units; it may be both or just one.
      • Sealing interior-facing doors. The intent of this approach is to mitigate noise from interior hallways and common areas.
      • Adding acoustic panels to floors and ceilings within dwelling units. 
      • Installing silencers in HVAC duct lines.

• Within Senior Housing properties, there are two additional qualifying approaches to achieve credit for this strategy:

  • • • Dedicating quiet hours for indoor common areas and residential areas.

      • Replacing overhead paging with cell phones or wireless communication devices carried by staff.

• In general, Fitwel does not specify the types of sealers, devices, and/or architectural measures, nor does it require the volume or magnitude of soundproofing deemed acceptable with the intent to provide the real estate industry with flexibility and acknowledge the multiple pathways possible to achieve this strategy. 
• Fitwel does not currently mandate an STC (sound transmission class) rating.

Documentation Guidance

• Include the locations of the materials installed and practices implemented in the annotated photographs and/or design drawings submitted. Remember that the intent is to provide acoustic comfort within dwelling units, not in common areas. 
• Utilize annotations and narrative to detail what is shown in photographs and/or design drawings, such as the specific type of sound and vibration-absorption materials, that HVAC silencers or seals are being shown, etc.