Building Acoustics in Homes - A Literature Study Based on Three Common Sound Environments

Abstract: The aim for this thesis is to find out what aspects are important to create a good sound environment at home. In order to do this three different sound environments has been studied in the literature review: hospitals, schools/pre-schools and offices. Important acoustical parameters was picked out and a method for evaluating the sound environment at home was carried out. The main subject was to find out what parameters had importance for building acoustics, but since there in some cases was found that other parameters could have great importance, both acoustic and non-acoustic parameters were studied. The main reason to acknowledge building acoustics is because of public health. Studies has shown that being exposed to long term high noises can cause both physiological and psychological diseases which in turn puts a higher work load on society in terms of increased need of health care. A good sound environment at home can be accomplished with a planning that gives the possibility for privacy, and is suited for social relations. The living area can be open plan if considerations has been taken to the room geometry to minimize room reflections, and kept reverberation times short. Kitchen wares should be kept at a minimum sound level, especially if having an open-plan solution between kitchen and other living areas.