Optimizing the Acoustics of Mixed-Structure Buildings: A Challenge Taken on by AcoustiTECH
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
September 2025 – In today’s modern construction landscape, acoustic optimization is an increasingly central issue. With the growing popularity of hybrid buildings – combining wood, concrete, steel, or mass timber – developers, architects, and acousticians must navigate complex structural realities where each material influences the acoustic performance of a project.
At AcoustiTECH, our mission is to support professionals in both new construction and renovation by providing tailored and optimized acoustic comfort solutions. Through a collaborative approach, unique expertise, proven data, and a diverse range of products, we help project teams meet the challenges of mixed structures while ensuring comfortable, code-compliant interior environments.
Why is acoustics a major issue in mixed structures?
Multi-material buildings offer numerous architectural, technical, and environmental advantages. However, each material has its own properties that influence sound propagation and attenuation:
- Wood, valued for its lightness and low carbon footprint, easily transmits impact noise due to its low mass. Flanking can be exacerbated by the flexibility of panels and beams, making optimized junctions and insulation especially critical to maintaining acoustic comfort.
- Concrete, heavy and dense, blocks airborne noise transmission effectively but can generate difficult-to-control structural vibrations.
- Steel, strong and versatile, tends to amplify resonances if not paired with suitable absorption systems.
- Mass timber, increasingly popular, combines structural performance and durability but requires precise expertise to meet acoustic requirements.
The challenge is therefore to design assemblies that harness the strengths of each material while compensating for their limitations.
Typical Acoustic Challenges
1. Impact noise
Footsteps, moving furniture, or vibrations transmitted through floors are a frequent source of discomfort. In wood or hybrid structures, these noises can be amplified if solutions are not integrated at the design stage.
Conversations, TV, and music easily pass through light or poorly designed partitions. Junctions between different materials often create weak points that compromise insulation.
3. Acoustic bridges
Transitions between concrete and wood, or between steel and mass timber, are critical zones where sound can infiltrate. Poor detailing quickly leads to occupant complaints.
4. Reverberation in common areas
Open spaces or exposed steel and mass timber structures, often valued for their aesthetics, require special attention to limit echo.
The AcoustiTECH Approach: Expertise, Data, and Solutions
At AcoustiTECH, we know that a successful project requires active collaboration from the earliest design stages. Our experts work alongside architects, acoustic engineers, and developers to integrate solutions tailored to each project’s specific constraints.
Our methodology is built on three pillars:
1. Technical expertise: With more than 25 years of experience in building acoustics, we master the complexities of mixed structures and understand current standards (such as the National Building Code of Canada and its performance requirements).
2. Proven data: Our solutions are validated through laboratory and field testing, ensuring reliable results. Professionals can therefore make informed decisions based on concrete data, not assumptions.
3. Diverse products and systems: Whether it’s acoustic underlayments, ceiling solutions, wall treatments, or specialized junction systems, our brand ecosystem enables the design of customized assemblies that meet the highest standards. These solutions apply to multiple environments, including residential units, office spaces, gyms, and mechanical rooms, where acoustic requirements are particularly demanding.
Benefits for All Stakeholders
Optimized acoustic comfort is not just a technical criterion: it creates tangible advantages for all project stakeholders:
- Architects and designers: select optimized materials for acoustic performance and integration; comply with building codes and standards to ensure regulatory conformity; meet client and occupant expectations for comfort and quality of life; and adopt a sustainable, environmentally responsible approach.
- Developers: align projects with building code standards while minimizing legal risks and ensuring smooth integration with other systems; enhance project value with soundproofing options that provide a distinctive marketing advantage; maximize occupant satisfaction by reducing noise complaints and creating calm, comfortable environments; and integrate environmentally responsible solutions that meet sustainability goals and reduce carbon footprint.
- Acousticians/engineers: meet or exceed acoustic standards for superior performance; satisfy client expectations thanks to our wide range of acoustic data from lab and field testing across many materials and assemblies; and optimize cost and sound efficiency.
Conclusion
Acoustics in mixed-structure buildings is a complex challenge but essential to address in order to ensure occupant comfort and satisfaction. With its expertise, reliable data, and range of tailored solutions, AcoustiTECH supports construction professionals in designing high-performing, sustainable buildings.
By integrating acoustics from the design phase, we help clients avoid costly mistakes, anticipate future standards, and build environments where sound comfort becomes an undeniable added value.
👉 Do you have a project involving wood, concrete, steel, or mass timber? The AcoustiTECH team is ready to collaborate with you to create customized acoustic solutions tailored to your needs. Call us today at 418-889-0001 for a consultation!
Andre Rioux
Co-Owner - Executive Vice-President Marketing -
Product Marketing & Development - Brand Ambassador
AcoustiTECH