Noise reduction of a double-skin façade considering opening for natural ventilation

The growing interest in natural or hybrid ventilation systems brings a challenge for good integration of openings in building façades. With a noisy environment, there is an important limitation for the use of direct openings in common building envelopes. As a part of a research project dedicated to this problem, it is possible to evaluate the impact of several double-skin configurations, modifying openings, space between façades or the choice of construction assemblies. Experimental measurements made in laboratory conditions lead to the estimation of usual noise reduction and sound transmission class. Moreover, the airflow at constant differential pressure was assessed as functions of the aperture and compared to sound insulation. Analyzing those parameters together give useful information for the design of passive ventilation with a significant airflow when acoustical performance is an important issue.