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
Building Acoustics
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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
Environmental Acoustics
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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 Monitoring
![Noise Monitoring](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61df75c2fd934833b5636c81/cfd98d51-852a-46f8-b963-11a64123f61a/Noise+good.jpg)
Noise Monitoring
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Vibration Monitoring
![Air Quality Monitoring](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61df75c2fd934833b5636c81/4729ec1e-328e-44cf-bd32-429007864cc4/AQ+good.jpg)
Air Quality Monitoring
![Dust Monitoring](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61df75c2fd934833b5636c81/b4059456-478d-496e-9e26-1a7e931fcafb/DustTrak+good.jpg)
Dust Monitoring
![Wireless Monitoring](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61df75c2fd934833b5636c81/63fe82cf-5c07-4d9e-a32d-479809f753ea/AQ+gateway+good.jpg)
Wireless 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
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.