Case Study
Acoustic Performance in Complex and Occupied Environments
Acoustic design plays a critical role in how spaces and environments function, particularly where sound quality, occupant comfort, operational performance, learning outcomes, and community impact are closely linked.
Successful acoustic outcomes are rarely achieved through late-stage fixes. Instead, they rely on understanding site conditions, user requirements, and project constraints early so that acoustic performance can be integrated into the design from the outset. BSE delivers acoustic engineering services across a broad range of sectors, including commercial, media, workplace, education, entertainment, and refurbishment projects, where performance must be achieved within complex and constrained conditions.
Effective acoustic outcomes rely on understanding how spaces are used, identifying constraints early, and developing practical solutions that balance performance, functionality, and cost. The following examples illustrate how BSE applies this approach across a variety of environments and project types.
Gravity Media Docklands
Gravity Media is an international provider of broadcast and production services, operating high‑performance television studios globally. At its Docklands Production Centre in Melbourne, a new studio was required within an existing industrial building.
The studio was constructed inside a warehouse annexe previously used for set storage, presenting significant acoustic challenges. The space was exposed to ground‑borne vibration from heavy vehicle movements, noise from an adjacent loading dock, nearby condenser plant, and environmental noise during adverse weather conditions.
To achieve broadcast‑grade acoustic performance, BSE developed a comprehensive strategy based on a box‑within‑a‑box construction. High levels of sound isolation were provided to studios and broadcast booths, while suspended flooring systems reduced vibration transmission. Control rooms were treated with high levels of acoustic absorption to manage reverberation, and penetrations were carefully detailed to maintain performance.
The completed studio meets the acoustic performance requirements for live broadcasting and is now in daily operational use.
Acoustically Rated Office Booths and Occupant Safety
Acoustic considerations are increasingly important in contemporary workplaces, particularly with the growing use of acoustically rated booths and pods within open plan environments.
As part of a confidential office refurbishment project in Brisbane, BSE assessed the audibility of emergency alarms and Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System alerts within enclosed acoustic booths. Testing identified that, while performance was acceptable in open office areas, audibility within sealed booths was reduced, particularly where ventilation noise was present.
Increasing alarm levels was not considered appropriate due to potential impacts on surrounding areas. An alternative solution incorporating visual alert systems was implemented, improving life‑safety outcomes without compromising acoustic comfort.
TAFE Centres of Excellence
Trade skills and training facilities often bring together competing acoustic requirements within the same building. Practical training environments need to accommodate noisy activities, while adjacent teaching spaces require conditions that support concentration, communication, and learning.
At the TAFE Centres of Excellence in Moreton Bay and Caloundra, acoustic design needed to balance practical training activities with the requirements of adjacent learning environments. A key challenge at the Moreton Bay campus was managing noise from the nearby Petrie rail corridor, together with noise generated by workshops and mechanical equipment.
BSE worked closely with the design team to control noise transfer between workshop and learning environments, while also managing reverberation within large-volume teaching spaces. Acoustic recommendations addressed building envelope performance, workshop acoustics, and internal separation requirements to support the intended educational use of the facilities.
The project also provided an opportunity to investigate innovative solutions, including prefabricated Dura Panel systems that could deliver the required levels of sound insulation and absorption while improving construction efficiency.
The resulting design balances practical training requirements with comfortable learning environments while responding to rail noise, workshop activities, and the acoustic requirements of adjacent learning spaces.
Image courtesy of Hayball.
Powerlink Virginia Workplace
Acoustic challenges also arise where commercial workspaces are developed adjacent to or within industrial environments.
At Powerlink’s Virginia site in Brisbane, BSE provided acoustic design input for the conversion of an industrial space into commercial offices, including workspaces, meeting rooms, and multi‑use areas. A key issue was noise intrusion from an adjoining warehouse, where forklift activity and large‑volume conditions resulted in high noise levels being transmitted into office spaces through existing openings.
Investigations confirmed that the existing separation between spaces was insufficient and that reverberation within the warehouse environment contributed to elevated noise levels. BSE developed a solution incorporating improved separation between the warehouse and office areas, along with acoustic treatments within the space to control reverberation.
These measures were integrated into the building design to improve acoustic conditions within the workplace environment, supporting appropriate levels of comfort and usability for occupants.
Bulimba Barracks
Mixed-use developments often bring together a diverse range of acoustic requirements, particularly where residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality uses must operate side-by-side.
At Bulimba Barracks in Brisbane, BSE has provided acoustic input for the transformation of a former military and naval site into a mixed-use precinct incorporating residential apartments, retail tenancies, food and beverage venues, gym facilities, and commercial space.
A key challenge of the project has been balancing the acoustic requirements of these varied uses within a heritage setting. Noise intrusion, acoustic separation, loading dock operations, gym activity, mechanical plant, vibration, and building services all required careful consideration throughout the design process.
BSE worked closely with the wider design team to coordinate acoustic requirements with architectural, services, heritage, and masterplanning objectives while protecting the acoustic amenity of future residents.
The acoustic design has focused on maintaining appropriate amenity for future residents while enabling active retail, commercial, food and beverage, and fitness uses to operate within the heritage fabric of the site.
Image courtesy of Buchan.
Cirque du Soleil
Large-scale entertainment events present acoustic challenges that extend beyond the performance itself. Temporary venues must balance audience experience, operational requirements, and community expectations, often within established urban environments.
BSE has provided acoustic consulting and noise management services for Cirque du Soleil productions in Sydney and Brisbane, including Luzia and Kooza. Performed beneath the iconic Grand Chapiteau (Big Top), the productions accommodate large audiences while operating in close proximity to existing residential and commercial receivers.
Our role has included development application acoustic assessments, construction and operational noise assessments, noise management planning, compliance monitoring, and acoustic reporting. Acoustic considerations have extended from amplified sound systems, crowd activity, public announcements, and mechanical plant through to the temporary construction and dismantling of venue infrastructure.
By establishing clear acoustic criteria early and verifying compliance during live performances, BSE has helped support world-class entertainment experiences while managing impacts on neighbouring communities.
Acoustic Capability
While each project presents its own unique challenges, a common principle remains: the best acoustic outcomes are achieved when acoustic performance is considered early, integrated throughout the design process, and verified during delivery.
By addressing acoustic performance within the context of building use, existing conditions, and interactions between architectural, structural, and building services systems, BSE supports outcomes that are both practical and effective.
