Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures and building enclosures with clients in the academic, scientific, municipal, utility, and corporate environments. In 2005 and again in 2007, SGH installed Qt® sound masking solutions developed by Biamp to increase privacy and worker performance in their converted manufacturing warehouse.
In 2011, the engineering firm needed to expand its headquarters a third time. As with previously inhabited sections, the new addition features 17’ to 24’ open ceilings with exposed steel beams and duct work. Harkening back to its original function, the repurposed manufacturing warehouse features exposed structural supports, concrete floors, and large windows. While noise in the space is slightly dampened by the large 10’ by 12’ cubicles and the tall (80”) partitions, the facility managers needed to include sound masking due to the building’s hard, reflective surfaces. Additionally, the firm needed to ensure a collaborative environment for their design teams, while preserving privacy and keeping acoustic distractions to a minimum.
“We can’t work without (the Qt® Sound Masking System).”
MICHAEL ROCHE
Facilities Manager
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger
SOLUTION
For the latest expansion, Biamp recommended a Qt® 600 for the space. To match the interior of the space and to blend in with the exposed beams, the emitters and mounts were custom painted. Nearly 150 emitters were installed to cover the expansion. The space was separated into four zones due to varying ceiling heights. Additionally, the Qt 600 was connected to the firm’s pre-existing paging system using the contact closure. In the event of an emergency page, the Qt 600 will mute the sound masking in the space.
Conclusion
The sound masking between the original office and the two expansion areas works seamlessly. SGH employees cannot detect a difference between the sound masking expansions throughout the office, but have reported when the system is switched off, the noise level is jarring. Michael Roche, Facilities Manager, describes the system as invaluable for their office, stating, “we can’t work without it.”