Noise insulation of a curtain wall for natural ventilation

The growing interest in natural or hybrid ventilation systems brings a challenge for good integration of openings in building façades. In a noisy environment, there is a major 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 a curtain wall that could be added to get a double skin façade. Experimental measurements made in laboratory conditions lead to the estimation of usual noise reduction and sound transmission class. The airflow at constant differential pressure was assessed as a function 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 acoustic performance is an important issue. This paper aims to detail performances of common curtain wall assemblies.