Description
IAC Acoustics’ NoiseLock Doors
The Bakery Recording Studio
Location: Richmond, VA
The Problem
The Bakery, a local music publishing and recording company, started operations in Scotts Addition inside of a historical warehouse early 2022. All their studios were outfitted with acoustic kit doors claiming to achieve STC56 ratings during the initial buildout. After the Bakery started mixing in-house they quickly realized high and low frequency noise traveled between spaces, and the doors were providing far less attenuation than expected despite their advertised rating.
Preliminary field testing was conducted on the doors to see what the real-world performance of the assemblies was. The kit doors ended up performing within the STC30-35 range, severely lower than the space required. As a result, The Bakery enlisted the help of Cullum-USA, an IAC Acoustics (IAC) Exclusive Representative, to consult, deliver, and guarantee custom fabricated doors to ensure both an aesthetic and functional space.
Through multiple onsite meetings to understand the existing assemblies and requirements of the project, Cullum-USA Territory Manager Jeg Byrd, worked with an acoustician to devise the proper STC ratings needed for space. Adding to the complexities, the existing doors were grouted in place and the initial rough opening plans were lost, requiring precise field measurements before wall demolition could begin. Compounding the need for effective isolation, a therapist office was moving into the adjacent space, making sound containment critical.
The Solution
IAC NoiseLock doors were chosen for their proven performance, customization options, and installation flexibility. Specced out at a STC rating of STC51, STC55, and STC61 assemblies. Cullum-USA utilized the STC51 assemblies for their studio entrance doors, STC55 assemblies for control rooms, and STC61 assemblies separating their premium studio spaces from standard. Space ensures that the artists do not disturb workers in the office space and vice versa.
In addition to being clear on their acoustic needs, the end-user had strong opinions on aesthetic finishes. Cullum-USA delivered custom finishes throughout the project, including Weinrot red powder-coated doors for Studio A and Saphirblau blue powder-coated doors for Studio B, to ensure that the space is as visually appealing as it is acoustically effective.
To ensure success for the customer, Cullum-USA Territory Manager Jeg Byrd was onsite throughout the entire installation process to ensure smooth installation and guarantee each assembly met IAC’s acoustic performance standards.
The Results
Following installation, Cullum-USA returned to site to conduct post-installation noise data. Replacing the existing kit doors with IAC NoiseLock assemblies significantly improved isolation throughout the facility, allowing The Bakery to operate multiple studios simultaneously without interference.
