Project Overview
A leading Australian marine research organisation required a temporary acoustic enclosure to support specialist hearing sensitivity research on native marine mammals. The project demanded an exceptionally quiet testing environment capable of accurately measuring responses to sounds ranging from 100 Hz to 20 kHz, including tones as quiet as 0 dB re 20 µPa.
Control Hire designed and supplied a modular acoustic enclosure that reduced ambient noise and provided researchers with the controlled environment needed to conduct this world-class scientific study.
The Challenge
Behavioural hearing research requires an environment where external noise is minimised and internal sound reflections are controlled. The proposed testing location was exposed to varying levels of environmental and public activity, creating background noise that would interfere with sensitive acoustic measurements.
To meet the project’s requirements, the research team needed to achieve an approximate 20 dB reduction in ambient noise while maintaining practical access to the testing area and ensuring the enclosure could be adapted as required throughout the study.
The Control Hire Solution
Control Hire engineered a modular acoustic enclosure using its Noise Control Wall system combined with acoustic blanket roofing to create a practical, high-performance testing space.
The enclosure featured:
- Modular Noise Control Wall panels forming the acoustic perimeter.
- A removable acoustic blanket ceiling to provide flexibility throughout the project.
- A movable access door allowing safe entry and exit.
- A modular design that enabled the enclosure to be adapted during different stages of the research.
The removable ceiling allowed researchers to familiarise the animals with the enclosure before testing commenced, reducing unnecessary stress while maintaining the required acoustic performance during trials.
Acoustic Performance
The enclosure was designed to address both external and internal sources of noise.
Reducing External Noise
Control Hire’s Noise Control Wall system helped minimise external noise entering the testing environment, creating the level of acoustic isolation required for sensitive hearing measurements.
Controlling Internal Reflections
The highly absorptive surfaces of the Noise Control Wall panels and acoustic blanket ceiling reduced sound reflections within the enclosure, lowering overall ambient noise and improving the consistency of testing conditions.
Product Performance
- Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): 0.85
- Sound Reduction Index (Rw): 27 dB
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important part of every Control Hire solution.
The Noise Control Wall panels supplied for this project are manufactured using recycled materials, with approximately 150 recycled 2-litre milk bottles incorporated into every panel. At the end of their service life, the panels can be fully recycled, helping reduce environmental impact while delivering industry-leading acoustic performance.
The Outcome
The completed enclosure provided researchers with the quiet, controlled environment required to undertake highly specialised marine mammal hearing research.
By combining effective noise isolation, sound absorption and a flexible modular design, Control Hire delivered an acoustic solution that supported a complex scientific project while demonstrating the versatility of temporary noise control systems beyond traditional construction and infrastructure applications.
Equipment Used
- Control Hire Noise Control Wall
- Acoustic Blanket Roofing System
- Modular Acoustic Access Door
Key Benefits
- Approximate 20 dB reduction in ambient noise
- Suitable for sensitive acoustic testing between 100 Hz and 20 kHz
- Rw 27 dB acoustic barrier performance
- NRC 0.85 sound absorption
- Modular, reusable and adaptable design
- Manufactured using recycled materials
- Approximately 150 recycled 2L milk bottles per panel
- Fully recyclable at end of life