Our Services

Reef Acoustics specialises in noise and vibration, focusing their skillset and thus delivering precise results. We have industry experts in Building and Architectural Acoustics, Environmental Acoustics, Construction Monitoring and Underwater Acoustics. Reef Acoustics provides professional and technical consulting services Australia-wide. We have ongoing early stage research and development projects relating to sustainable acoustic material development, underwater sound conditioning around natural and artificial reefs, acoustic enrichment of built spaces and bio-acoustic enrichment principles.

Building Acoustics

Perception of sound as either calming or stress-inducing is a critical element of building design. The right type of sound characteristics can really benefit an internal space. Conversely, the wrong characteristics of noise can hinder the experience of a space and really limit all the other positive elements of a design.

At Reef Acoustics, we typically work with project planners, architects, designers, engineers and stakeholders involved in both small and large-scale developments to ensure the desired acoustic outcomes are achieved. We specialise in altering, controlling, optimising or attenuating noise and vibration. Our specialised skills include:

  • Room acoustics (design and testing)

  • 3D computer modelling of internal spaces

  • Noise modelling of external spaces

  • Acoustic testing

  • Construction noise modelling and mitigation

  • Sound masking design and testing

  • Reverberation assessment and finishes design

  • Mechanical system acoustic design

  • Testing as required by Strata or Building Managers

  • Certificates and Reports as requested by Council


Acoustics is vital to structures relating to multiple industries, and we have experts with extensive experience in the following areas:

Residential Buildings

Acoustics in a residential building is important to reduce noise disturbance from elements like neighbouring buildings, adjacent apartments, street traffic, appliances in the house such as air conditioners, pool pumps etc.

Reef Acoustics has expertise in the full construction including design, advice, construction certificate, construction monitoring and inspections, and occupation certificate stages of a project.

 

Commercial Buildings

Acoustics is an important consideration in office building construction, to create an environment that feels both energised and peaceful to work in. If you can hear a meeting happening in the next room or you can’t think clearly as the typing noises in the room are too loud, your office’s acoustics may need to be reviewed and adjusted. During construction we can provide a consultation on acoustics for the building depending on the desired outcome. Post construction, we are able to conduct a review of the building and offer advice on methods to balance out the noise levels using specialised yet subtle acoustics equipment. 

 



Strata by-laws

When By-Laws are written for apartment buildings to determine the necessary construction materials and the acoustic rating, figures are often taken from an unqualified source. This can lead to By-Laws being outdated and unrealistic for residents to achieve. Sound between apartments or neighbours can lead to issues and complaints. We can review the building’s By-Laws and carry out a building assessment to determine whether the By-Laws are appropriate and achievable. We can also offer advice on how to alter the structure to achieve desired results.

Reef Acoustics also conducts all necessary testing for home owners to meet requirements of any Strata/Building Management By-Laws.

 
 

Occupational & Industrial Noise Assessment

Working in an environment with loud machinery can cause permanent hearing damage to workers if acoustics are not properly considered and resulting systems put in place for protection. The most common industries that experience hearing-loss issues are the construction and manufacturing industries. We can conduct a thorough workplace noise report and recommend ways to minimise or eliminate a source of noise using both installed acoustics equipment and worker protection equipment such as earmuffs. 

 

Hospitality & Entertainment Venues

In spaces such as pubs, clubs, hotels, restaurants, function centres and cafés, acoustics needs to be assessed on a case by case basis. From ensuring the sound of a band playing carries to the end of the hall to reducing reverberation in a restaurant, patron and equipment noise levels need to be managed to ensure guests and workers feel comfortable. We can conduct an assessment of the space relevant to its intended purpose and provide advice on which materials and acoustic equipment to use to achieve the desired noise outcomes.

 

Educational & Childcare Facilities

In a school or university, the noise between classrooms and rooms of various use such as gymnasiums or music halls can be quite disruptive if not properly managed. Similarly, in childcare facilities it is integral to ensure that the right mechanisms are in place to counter noise pollution. There’s an abindance of research to suggest that excessive noise (which is also harmful to adults) may effect children more due to the vulnerability of their hearing. There’s a fine sound balance necessary to ensure the children are able to make noise but so that the noise levels are not harmful to them or their caretakers. Reef Acoustics can assist in balancing out the noise levels to ensure the safety of staff, children and students.

We also work with an array of other industries, including:

  • Hospitals

  • Medical Centres

  • Aged Care

  • Places of Worship

  • Car Washes

  • Service Stations

  • Industrial Buildings

  • Sporting Facilities

  • Gymnasiums

If you want to find out more about our services or whether they are suitable to your project, don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Environmental Acoustics

The State and Federal Governments have various acts and legislation relating to the environment specific to effects of noise and vibration. These must be strictly adhered to during both the planning and compliance stages of a project.

Development can potentially have significant impacts on the general public, adjacent receivers and other stakeholders of a project. It is imperative that the environmental impacts are managed from the outset, including effective planning, active monitoring and implementation of mitigation or management recommendations. The environmental impacts addressed by Reef Acoustics lead to ongoing amenity of receivers or any stakeholders affected by a development.

At Reef Acoustics, we work with the government, the community, contractors, developers and project teams to provide monitoring and consulting services in relation to construction site noise, vibration, air quality and dust emissions. Our specialised skills include:

  • Noise Compliance Testing

  • Licensed Venues

  • Infrastructure Planning

  • Vibration monitoring

  • Industrial Noise Assessments

  • Environmental Management Plans

  • Measurements of noise and vibration impacts on adjacent receivers

  • Noise Impact modelling in 2D and 3D formats

  • SoundPlan/iNoise noise propagation modelling

Both the planning and compliance elements of Environmental Acoustics are important for any project. Reef Acoustics provides expertise in the planning stages of various projects from Licensed/Music venue design, to highway upgrades and infrastructure projects.

With a large fleet of equipment with remote access and real-time alerts, the impact and realisation of risks is minimised effectively. We can work effectively in a range of site settings including remote areas with no power, or limited communication availabilities.

Construction Monitoring

Construction sites can potentially have significant impacts on site workers, the general public, adjacent receivers and other stakeholders of a project. It is imperative that the environmental impacts are managed from the outset, including effective planning, active monitoring and implementation of mitigation or management practices. The environmental impacts addressed by Reef Acoustics lead to safety of workers, public and surrounding assets.

At Reef Acoustics, we work with contractors and developers to provide monitoring and consulting services in relation to construction site noise, vibration, air quality and dust emissions. Our specialised skills include:

  • Noise monitoring

  • Dust monitoring

  • Air Quality monitoring

  • Vibration monitoring

  • Construction noise and vibration management plans

  • Environmental Management Plans

  • Measurements of construction impacts on adjacent receivers

  • Construction impact modelling and mitigation

With a large fleet of equipment with remote access and real-time alerts, the impact and realisation of risks is minimised effectively. We cover a range of construction scenarios including areas with no power, or limited communication availabilities.

Underwater Acoustics

 
 

The problems with underwater noise emissions are becoming very clear. The impact of noise on marine flora and fauna is becoming increasingly evident, and a present issue for environmental regulators and relevant stakeholders.

Reef Acoustics combines consulting and modelling work with their own research, with the aim of furthering industry knowledge, providing technical expertise and effective solutions.

Our main research project is into the effects of conditioning sound around artificial reef structures to assist recruitment of fish larvae and increase settlement rates. This research is used side-by-side with natural reefs to explore the opportunity of restoring degraded reef environments through sound conditioning. The research is in its early stages, with hopes of partnering with larger research bodies.

Our specialised capabilities in underwater acoustics include:

  • Underwater noise measurement

  • Underwater noise modelling

  • Noise Impact Assessments

  • Underwater construction noise monitoring and mitigation advice

  • 3D noise modelling of underwater sound

  • Environmental Management design and reporting

If you want to learn more about this area of research, projects we’re currently working on or would like to get involved, feel free to reach out.