Blog

Computational Foundry – Bay Campus, Swansea University
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Computational Foundry – Bay Campus, Swansea University

FDTD modelling, Innovation
The Computational Foundry is a key building in the new Bay Campus completing the central square of the site. Working with AHR and Willmott Dixon, MACH Acoustics is delighted to be supporting on this important project.

Computational Foundry - Bay Campus, Swansea University


The building is being design to create a hub for Mathematics and Computer Research and to encourage collaboration through designing spaces for interaction, meeting pods and the “research crucible”. The Bay Campus enables the University to increase its’ footprint  – which pioneers the way for co working collaboration with industry and academics. They will share not only the same site, but also laboratories and facilities.
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First Thursday Club, Bristol sponsored by Integral

Talks/ Conferences, Technology
This excellent networking opportunity for those professional in the construction industry is held monthly as the title implies, at Bristol’s Colston Hall. Hosted by various sponsoring companies over a lunch time the event welcomes those from all associated professions – architects, engineers, contractors and has been described as a “leaning in group”. Having attended this meeting for a few years now MACH Acoustics would definitely agree. Not only is it a good place to make new contacts, but the benefits from meeting up with like minded people and sharing ideas and knowledge are enormously valued.
First Thursday Club, Bristol sponsored by Integral


Martin Hathaway, Clarkenbond Director and also one of the founding members of the FTC says of the event “Thanks to all friends old and new who join us, it’s good to see that the FTC continues to attract movers and shakers in Bristol and the surrounding areas”.

This month saw an attendance of over 150 and was sponsored by Integral. After an interesting address the ever popular prize draw took place. MACH Acoustics is pleased to be working currently with Integral on Redcliffe Parade in Bristol and having the opportunity to discuss projects in an informal setting over lunch seems a good way to make work even more enjoyable.

First Thursday Club, Bristol sponsored by Integral






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Steiner School scoops first prize at the ANC Awards

Acoustic Design, Awards
Last nights’ ANC Awards ceremony saw MACH Acoustics win first prize in the Best Sound Insulation category for the Steiner School. Josh Childs worked on the project and is pictured receiving his well deserved award.
Steiner School scoops first prize at the ANC Awards


Working with architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Kier as contractor this project was a great team effort. The Steiner School is part refurbishement part new build development which is built using CLT. As CLT is a relatively new construction material, the acoustic information available is limited. To ensure that the proposed performance targets were achieved Josh carried out reviews of laboratory and on site data of various CLT buildings, which was used to calibrate the sound insulation models for each space.


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ANC Awards 2016: MACH makes it to the shortlist

Acoustic Design, Awards
MACH is delighted to be shortlisted by the ANC awards again this year – this time for our work on the Steiner Academy, Frome. Working with architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the main challenge was accommodating a large amount of external CLT in the design, which is known for poor sound insulation.

ANC Awards 2016: MACH makes it to the shortlist

MACH Acoustics’ Josh Childs is due to talk about his awards entry on the Steiner Academy  in a presentation at the conference before the awards ceremony on the 29th June.

The Steiner Academy is in good company on the shortlist: also in the running for an award is the impressive Swansea University Great Hall – designed by Dr Demetri Porphyrios and incorporates lecture theatres, concert and conference auditoria. This project is at the heart of the community and will serve students, locals and tourists alike.  Environmental vibration Consultant Bickerdike Allen Partners also made it to the shortlist for their work with the British Museum. This world renound museum  has continued to evolve and impress and still provides opportunities for impressive engineering – Lord Foster’s Queen Elizabeth II Great Court glass roof which opened in 2000 remains truly in a class of its’ own.

The 2016 Awards Ceremony takes place in the evening of the 29th June in Brimingham.


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University of Bath, Integrated Design Conference

Acoustic Design, Talks/ Conferences
From 30th June to 1st July Bath University will hold the Integrated Design Conference.  This will bring architecture, engineering and construction industries together and will focus on the theme “Building our Future”. This forms part of Bath Universities’ 50th birthday anniversary celebrations, and recognises that in the 60’s, the combined Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering was very much founded on a philosophy of integrated design. During this conference, delegates will be able to enjoy debates and see developments in integrated design – taking account of the past 50 years, bearing witness to the present and also looking to the future.


Speakers will take part from both commercial and academic backgrounds, and the schedule is packed with provoking and challenging topics. MACH Acoustics’ Ze Nunes will speak on Thursday 30thJune in the 4-5pm lecture slot. Ze will present with Future of Windows: The Visualisation of Sound and the acoustics performance of open windows. His presentation will explain how heavy duty beautiful maths and engineering combine and translate – using some smart software and proper problem solving.
University of Bath, Integrated Design Conference

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Performance Network Webinar, with Foster and Partners’ Arpan Bakshi

FDTD modelling, Innovation, Talks/ Conferences
Ze Nunes has been invited to present a webinar entitled “Visualising Sound to Improve Open Window Performance”.  Arpan Bakshi, Performance Evangelist for Foster and Partners spotted Ze’s posts on linked in and found some shared interests. Arpan specialises in sustainability performance and organises the Performance Network.

This online seminar on June 2nd will address energy usage within buildings from ventilation systems and how architects can design for naturally ventilated offices, classrooms and other room types.  How can you treat the sound coming into a building to reduce noise levels? Which window types work better than others? 

Performance Network Webinar, with Foster and Partners’ Arpan Bakshi

Current understanding of the performance of open windows is low, mainly because the acoustics of these buildings is difficult to get to grips with. Here, Ze answers the key questions and helps you to better understand how to treat windows at the design stage – ultimately leading to improved energy usage and more efficient buildings. The visualisation of sound; the acoustic performance of open windows; clever mathematics; incredible software; and our retro toy, the Slinky, all play a part in this forward thinking webinar. 

Date & Time: Thursday June 2, 2016; 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PDT (UK is 8 hours ahead of Pacific Time). 


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Bite Size Session at the Green Register, Bristol: May 12th 2016

Talks/ Conferences
The Green Register Bite Size session on Thursday May 12th  in Bristol will see Ze Nunes talk about the Future of Windows. This is open to members and non-members of The Green Register alike and is a great way to get up to date with this important subject without committing to a whole days’ training. In the session Ze will demonstrate how to take a green, forward thinking approach to all aspects of building acoustics including window design. Best practice, the latest data, as well as useful “sustainable rules of thumb” are included in the presentation. For tickets and further information register at:http://goo.gl/MGmgtx 


Bite Size Session at the Green Register, Bristol: May 12th 2016
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Using Sonar for navigation – harnessing the Visualisation of Sound

FDTD modelling, Visualising Sound
I was captivated listening to Daniel Kish recently interviewed on Radio 6 on the Lauren Laverne show and how he uses sonar to help him navigate the world as a man without sight – but with a commanding understanding of sound.

At MACH Acoustics the Visualisation of Sound concept has proven extremely helpful in explaining how acoustics work and how sound “behaves”. Using sonar for navigation takes this concept out of the classroom and clearly demonstrates how for the majority of us sound as a sense can be developed and appreciated much further.


To listen to Daniel’s TED talk click on the link below:
https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_kish_how_i_use_sonar_to_navigate_the_world?language=en

Daniel explains how using this method of navigation with a form of echolocation helps him “construct and understanding of the space around him”. An interesting concept for sighted and blind alike – a powerful mix of engineering, physics and interpretation.






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CPD’s – Kier reaps rewards of CPD training

CPDs

 Last week Ze Nunes was invited to talk to Kier in Newbury to deliver a CPD as part of their in house training programme. As in all these situations, having a primed audience who is willing to engage and challenge adds much to the dynamics and learning of the session. Kier didn’t disappoint, and there was plenty of solid discussion. Drawing on shared project collaboration, Ze was able to make reference to several education projects and apply classroom knowledge to completed buildings.



CPD's - Kier reaps rewards of CPD training


Andy Vernon, Senior Design Manager said of the session: “I set you quite a wide ranging brief and, from the feedback I have had, you managed to provide something for everyone who attended along with setting many of them thinking which was also part of the plan!” Although MACH Acoustics offers set CPD’s,
 http://www.machacoustics.com/mach/images/uploads/content/1493_MACH_ACOUSTICS_CPD_brochure_x2.pdf , bespoke sessions are also available upon request.

Contractors typically select the modules: Adding Value and Construction Details. Transfering Acoustics Expertise in this way makes for Better Design Solutions. A lack of understanding of acoustic solutions can result in poor design decisions, which are costly and can limit a building’s scope for energy efficiency, performance and appearance. 

If you would like to arrange a CPD for your company please email info@machacoustics.com



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New suite of CPDs from MACH Acoustics

CPDs
Continuing Professional Development, just exactly what’s in it for architects, engineers and contractors to give up their lunch hours and pitch up to a talk? What could possibly be more appealing that leafing through the latest Architects Journal or Construction line and sitting at your desk for yet another hour!

Arguably most CPDs are just an excuse for companies to showcase their services or wares, but at MACH Acoustics they are treated more like an educational seminar and challenging questions and engagement are encouraged, Here’s what Gardiner and Theobald had to say of a recent CPD:

“I think you pitched the talk just right – feedback from the team was very positive, and I think everyone has taken away some useful new knowledge. The session has made us realise that there may be a lot of added value from considered and timely acoustic advice that we are not always seeking early enough on our projects.”

With content and topics pitched to appeal to both architects and contractors,  companies are welcome to select their own CPD or take advice from MACH.
New suite of CPDs from MACH Acoustics

 Click on the link below to access the brochure and see all the different CPDs currently offered and get in touch if you are interested in booking one.
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