The Yas Media Studio & Office project brings together media production spaces and standard office areas under one roof. This combination introduced a key acoustic challenge: studios require very low background noise, high sound insulation, and controlled reverberation, while the offices and lounge spaces require comfortable acoustic environments that support everyday work and collaboration.
From the beginning, it was essential to define a clear acoustic zoning strategy to prevent noise transfer between sensitive spaces, especially given the proximity of offices to the two recording studios.
The HVAC network required special attention. Noise from AHUs, cross-duct configurations, and regenerated noise from high air velocities all had the potential to exceed acceptable levels if untreated. The challenge was to ensure NC 25–30 conditions in the studios while preserving functional airflow across the building.
Finally, the architectural layout included several duct crossings through partitions, lightweight wall constructions, and open lobby volumes, all conditions that could reduce sound insulation if not carefully addressed. Ensuring studio-quality performance within a mixed-program building became the core mission.
Delhom Acoustics supported the project from Concept Design through Schematic Design, developing the full acoustic strategy for studios and office areas.
For Studio 1 and Studio 2, we defined:
- Reverberation time targets
- Internal acoustic treatments
- Studio-to-studio and studio-to-office sound insulation requirements
- Wall and floor assemblies based on performance models (rw + c values)
Using 3D reverberation analysis and detailed calculations from the schematic reports, we guided material selection and interior geometry to achieve controlled clarity inside both studios.
The HVAC noise study focused on equipment noise levels, duct-borne transmission, and regenerated noise. Various mitigation scenarios were evaluated, including absorptive ducts, pre-sized silencers, and combined solutions. The final recommendation, based on predicted reductions shown in the report, was to implement absorptive ducts + silencers to achieve target NC curves.
For office and mezzanine areas, we established:
- Reverberation comfort criteria
- Insulation targets to avoid distraction from nearby studios
- Acoustic performance requirements for partitions
- Guidelines for duct crossings, advising full enclosures and insulation to maintain partition performance
Throughout the process, the Delhom team coordinated with architects, interior designers, and MEP teams to ensure that acoustic recommendations were feasible, coherent, and fully integrated into the developing design.
The acoustic design ensures that studio-grade performance coexists with a functional office environment. Studios achieve the required low background noise and high insulation, enabling clear recording conditions without disturbance from nearby workspaces or HVAC systems.
Office and lounge areas benefit from improved reverberation control and privacy, offering a comfortable everyday working environment while remaining acoustically separated from the production spaces.
Through early coordination and detailed modelling, we helped define a coherent and high-performing acoustic environment, supporting the project’s ambition to create a modern media hub where production and office activity operate seamlessly together.
