Awesome Events

Awesome Events

Corporate Christmas Parties

Awesome Events is a leader in the events industry, hosting and organising the best in conferences, summer parties, christmas parties, awards and much more. Awesome Events, part of the Awesome Group, offers an all in one events solution providing everything from quirky venues to bespoke stages and set builds, as well as A/V solutions and full event management.

Run by Denis McCourt, the Awesome team first approached Direct Acoustics back in 2009 upon acquiring their first venue in Bloomsbury, in which they wanted to develop it into an events space using a big top circus tent and clearspan marquee over a six week Christmas period. Awesome was keen to run back-to-back shared and exclusive corporate Christmas parties and needed a proven sound solution to keep Camden council, and his Bloomsbury neighbours, happy.

Challenge

Preventing amplified music from not just bleeding between two venues a matter of metres apart but also meeting Camden Council’s inaudibility target at the nearest noise sensitive receptors, situated just 45m away.

Solution

Prove the concept to the Awesome Events team and Camden Council Environmental Health Department  & then implement multiple Zone Array installations within two central London venues.

Result

Planning and licensing permission granted and a decade of successful Christmas corporate event runs.


The venue itself had historic amplified music noise complaints and due to the sheer size of the space (2000 capacity) plus the clever way that Awesome had split it up into four spaces, meant that multiple office Christmas parties could be hosted at any one time. Unsurprisingly multiple events playing separate DJ sets at the same time was always going to be a challenge to control.

To prove the effectiveness of our equipment, specifically our Zone Array directional speaker system, we had proposed that Direct Acoustics set up a demonstration of the Zone Array within the Bloomsbury Coram’s Fields, without any structure in place to show the Awesome team and Camden Council how the system performed in a worst case scenario.

Being in the centre of town, there was a consistently high L90 background ambient due to the nonstop hustle and bustle generated from passing traffic – which played into our favour during the demonstration. The venue is surrounded on all four sides by residential dwellings and student housing, the latter being just 45m from the venue source and so deemed by the council as the most noise sensitive location. A combination of the high background level and the significant directionality of the Zone Array proved amplified music to be inaudible at the student housing.

 

Once Camden Council signed the Zone Array off as a feasible mitigation solution, Awesome Events committed to installing a number of our systems into their Big Top Circus Tent, and also into the neighbouring Fountain Room, to allow the team to run two events simultaneously and successfully for the last decade.

The Awesome team is constantly on the hunt for additional London sites to grow their corporate Christmas market. Our Zone Array has now provided the ability to open up a potential pool of sites which before the Awesome team may not have considered as they feel safe in the knowledge that our technology will meet the required noise criteria to host their long event runs.

Ever wondered what makes a cracking Christmas corporate party? Head over to our latest blog post for a few pointers.

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The Hawks Nest

The Hawks Nest

Whilst 2020 has, unfortunately, seen many venues have to close their doors, there have been a few new ventures giving it ago and during Christmas last year we were asked to consult on an exciting, trendy new venue in Shepherd’s Bush London: The Hawk’s Nest. 

A wicked concept; outdoor cocktail bar meets pizzeria, the Hawk’s Nest consists of an indoor area and outdoor covered seating area full of flowers and vast wall art in an open and covered seating area. 

Running parallel to the railway line, to the west of the Hawk’s Nest at a higher level is a block of flats. The flats were the nearest residential dwellings and were unsurprisingly at risk of being disturbed by patron noise.

Challenge

An outside venue looking to achieve planning permission, needing to control the general hubbub of people noise in a relatively residential area of West London, with close proximity to flats in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Solution

MAL16 marquee acoustic linings to line the roof of the structure and contain noise within the covered seating area.

Result

Planning and license permission granted and the continuation of a successful business relationship.

Data Gathering

To get a handle on the level of work required to combat any noise pollution and to help us analyse and suggest a mitigation strategy, Direct Acoustics gathered underlying data when the venue was open and when it was closed. Over the 10 hour period that the venue was open, an average 64.8dB L​Aeq was established compared to over the same period when the venue was closed, an average of 51.5dB L​Aeq. 

To meet reasonable internal bedroom target levels as set out by World Health Organisation (WHO) of 35dBA LAeq and considering their statement: “It should be noted that it should be possible to sleep with a bedroom window slightly open (a reduction from outside to inside of 15 dB)”  the goal for The Hawk’s Nest was to not exceed an average of 50dB L​Aeq and the property facade during the venue’s operational hours.

Mitigation Measures – Marquee Acoustic Linings

Considering the 15dB broadspectrum reduction required, Direct Acoustics proposed the implementation of our MAL16 acoustic linings to be installed into the roof and gable ends of the existing marquee. As the structure of the marquee was constructed within two large brick 4m + walls, linings were not needed in the walls, unlike typical marquee set ups.

Once the lockdown had lifted, it was happy drinking for the punters of West London!

About Our Marquee Acoustic linings

The acoustic linings that we manufacture are highly proficient at containing sound within any structure. The MAL range which we used at The Hawks Nest is specifically designed for and fabricated to slide directly into the structural frame of the marquee. This lining provides a high degree of control to non-amplified sounds such as the laughter, cheering and chinking of glass found in any bar.

We manufacture our acoustic linings in two weights dependent on the sound reduction required:

MAL16 (2.6kg/m2) – 16dB Rw

MAL22 (6.9kg/m2) – 22dB Rw

The composite make-up employed utilises both absorption and mass to create the most effective acoustic marquee lining available. After spending years researching and developing sound solutions, Direct Acoustics now manufactures our own line of acoustic and thermal linings at our workshop in Sussex. The linings are unparalleled in the industry and have undergone UKAS accredited lab tests to identify their frequency specific sound reduction index. 

If you would like to find out more, get in touch with the team today.

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Ashley Park House

In Ireland the bands play late and they play booming loud! Direct Acoustics have been working over there since our first Zone Array install at Clonabreany House back in 2010.

What we have learnt is that you can’t soundproof the marquee enough to satisfy an Irish band. They want a true 100dB LAeq(t15min) music noise level on the dance-floor from 22.00 until at least 02.00.  

The low frequency content at 63Hz will have you shaking as it peaks at 115dB LZeq!

One venue struggling to contain an Irish band’s presence asked us to take a look. After a number of tests and discussions, we came up with a solution.


CONCRETE…


And a lot of it. 12.5 tonnes to be exact.

You, as we did, are probably asking yourself: can a temporary marquee structure really take that much weight?

 


It turns out it can. 

 

The project was signed off by two world leading structural engineers. Yes, it needs some (to say the least) reinforcement but a Roder HTS 15m P Series Marquee can take two tonnes per bay with some clever engineering.

 

The concrete has been installed under a bespoke tuned rubber isolation to stop any vibrations generated through structural borne transmission and therefore potentially causing more issues. See our Soundproofing Fundamentals blog to understand how rubber can help.

Our acoustic model predicted a 33dB Rw but more impressively it was removing 19dB of 50Hz of bass amp nastiness. Couple this with our Highly Directional Zone Array and U2 could play in this place and you wouldn’t hear it outside! 

This is the third concrete roof we have installed, but the first one in an aluminium framed marquee. Take a look at the last one we did back in 2018 over in Malta.

There are no limits for these bands. Rock on!

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The Venue

The Venue - exterior image

The Venue

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, just outside of Henley-on-Thames, The Venue is a peaceful weekend retreat, perfect for getting away from it all. When hosting weddings throughout the summer, the wedding party usually takes the whole country house and potter about the various zones within the property for a long weekend or week.

Introduction

The property has close neighbours and had an historic amplified music issue, which was addressed in the barn with our Zone Array directional speakers, allowing them to meet their licensing requirements. On occasion, during a particularly loud wedding breakfast, the ambient in the day went from 45dB to a quick 10 second peak of 55dB. Due to the issues in the past, The Venue decided to nip this in the bud, before it inconvenienced the neighbours too much.

Challenge

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A venue with historic amplified noise issues needed the ability to control the hubbub during wedding breakfasts and daytime activities.

Solution

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Zone Array in the barn to control amplified music and a custom designed soundproof enclosure to keep noise levels under control.

Results

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Even the rowdiest of parties would now not disturb the neighbours!

Amplified noise control vs. hubbub

Controlling amplified music at a wedding venue can be relatively simple when implementing the correct acoustic design and management mitigation steps, because recorded amplified music in general, is constant when you have a fixed volume level.

Controlling the hubbub (loud noise or many voices talking at once), however, presents more of a challenge. Wedding guests can be raucous or meek in equal measure and a hilarious best man/women speech can raise the laughter and applause levels without warning.

The Venue Interior

Our solution

Working with the management team we designed a compact soundproof permanent enclosure on the property. A space designed to host the wedding breakfast and any other daytime activities with a heavy amount of sound insulation, to control even the rowdiest of parties. It utilised 10.8mm acoustics glass wrapped in an oak timber frame, our heavyweight MAL22 acoustic linings in the roof and two acoustic door sets. A rather lovely example of functional beauty we think.

the venue exterior

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Dulwich Picture Gallery

overhead shot of Dulwich large building

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Established as England’s first ever public picture gallery, Dulwich Picture Gallery is a unique and architecturally intriguing venue.

Introduction

The events team have been holding events for years, predominantly within the gallery itself however occasionally the need for larger parties to be held within the grounds of the venue arises.

Historically a few events have seen noise complaints occur, understandably considering neighbouring properties are just 83 metres away. This proved an issue for one particular couple who needed to obtain a TENS licence from Southwark Council. As is becoming often with granting TENS applications, Dulwich Picture Gallery needed to prove noise emissions could be controlled to meet relevant criteria and ensure complaints would not occur.

Challenge

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A wedding party needed unrestricted volume limits but with houses only 83m’s away any typical setup wouldn’t be able to offer the control to get permission

Solution

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Zone Array directional speakers and a combination of MAL16/MAL22 acoustic linings.

Results

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Dancefloor levels of 98dB were achieved while the boundary readings did not exceed 43dB

Plan

Direct Acoustics compiled a site specific acoustic mitigation design, incorporating the bride and grooms need for an 8 piece jazz band, 1am finish and uncompromised dancefloor volume levels.

After a night of ambient data gathering for Richard, a venue specific noise management plan and regular mediation, Southwark Council approved the TENS application in the knowledge that our heavyweight 22dB acoustic lining and Zone Array speaker system will be used to full effect to create a soundproof marquee dance tent

black and white image of checkered dancefloor with Zone Array panels

Within the incredibly tight timeline we installed a 80 panel Zone Array above the dancefloor and fitted the marquee facing the nearby residents with our Acoustic Linings. 

During the event we had a acoustic engineer taking measurements, relaying this information to a sound engineer in the marquee who could control the overall volume and specific frequencies. 

 

 

Results

The combination of the high directionality of the Zone Array with the acoustic absorption of the lining meant we were able to provide 98dB on the dancefloor while at the boundary maintaining only 43dB even while a 8 piece jazz band played! The client was ecstatic at how well the night went and the gallery very pleased with the results and lack of any complaints.

How well does the Zone Array Work?
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Dancefloor Level
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Boundary Level

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Malta Camp

crowded event with Zone Array panels overhead

Malta Camp

Summer of 2018 Direct Acoustics worked with the Order or Malta charity to deliver a week of partying for 500 young people with disabilities

Introduction

The Order of Malta worked hard to organised week of activities and adventures had been organised for the 500 young people and their carers with each day finishing up with a night of partying. To accommodate the number of guests the organisers chose to erect a marquee in a schools field giving them the flexibility of size and logistics of transporting that many people. However, less than 200m’s from the marquee across open fields were a number of residential properties. The organisers approached us to provide insight into the likely impact of music late into the night, our engineers spent an evening collecting ambient data and modeled a typical PA setup with this information. The results weren’t encouraging, any standard sound system would result in significant disturbances to the residents and have a high possibility of leading to a noise complaint that could shut down the much anticipated party. 

Challenge

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Five nights of loud music and guests in a standard 5m clear span marquee with houses only 200m’s away that needed to be able to go on late into the night.

Solution

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 A 144 panel highly directional Zone Array with precise control over volume combined with the noise mitigating capabilities of our heaviest lining installed throughout the marquee. With acoustic engineers attending each event.

Results

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We created an acoustically sealed marquee that allowed the dancefloor to sit at an impressive 99dB with the boundary at only 40dB. The guests danced the night away while the neighbours slept peacefully. 

Plan

With careful consideration of the clients requirements for required volume level and late finishing time we developed a solution that combined Direct Acoustics strongest tools and experience. 

men soundproofing marquee with acoustic lining

We proposed the use of our heaviest weight acoustic lining that can absorb up to 16dB of sound be installed throughout the marquee. This would create a acoustically treated environment that would cut out the unamplified noise and aid significantly with amplified music.

Developed to fit within the Kader track of a clear span marquee the acoustic lining was the perfect soundproofing solution for this event. We were able to install during the erection of the marquee keeping to a tight timeline required by the client. 

However, alone the acoustic lining wasn’t going to be enough to mitigate against amplified music. Our highly directional Zone Array with it’s ability to isolate the bass frequencies to just the dancefloor and exceptional volume drop off over distance compared to a standard PA was required.  

We installed 144 Zone Array Panels in a dispersed configuration to give the greatest distribution of sound across the large dancefloor whilst maintaining the directionality engineered into the system. To achieve the greatest results we provided an acoustic and sound engineer on site for all five events to closely monitor the levels on the dancefloor and boundary.

live music and crowded dancefloor with Zone Array panels overhead

Results

The combination of the three tools used, the Acoustic Lining, Zone Array and our onsite presence resulted in five nights of fun for the guests and five nights of peaceful rest for the neighbours. We were able to maintain a more than respectable 99dB on the dancefloor while not exceeding 40dB at the boundary, well within the acceptable limits.

No noise complaints were lodged and the client was exceptionally happy with the results of the system and event! 

How well does the Zone Array Work?
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Dancefloor Level
0dB
Boundary Level

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Villa Arrigo, Malta

External image of soundproof marquee

Villa Arrigo

A striking colonial style villa in the exclusive area of San Pawl Tat- Targa on the Maltese islands – has been active as a luxury wedding and events venue, hosting hundreds of events a year, since the early 1970s.

Introduction

In the grounds of the villa there is a large, elegant marquee structure with separate areas for seating, dining and dancing in which parties often continue through the night.

Sandwiched between the British Consulate on one side and the nearest neighbour only 36 meters from the venue on the other, it was essential for the management team at Villa Arigo to introduce a highly controlled noise strategy to ensure that it could continue trading without disturbing the neighbouring properties.

We were approached by design consultancy Pro Invest to work alongside the architect Edwin Mintoff to design and implement a complex series of structural and acoustic works to achieve the remodeling of the marquee.

Challenge

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Running hundreds of events a year often late into the night with residents only 36m’s from the venue, Villa Arrigo needed to find a way to maintain their high volume whilst not disturbing the neighbours.

Solution

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We developed and installed a custom steel portal soundproof structure with a mass audio ceiling, acoustic glass and an array of speaker options.  

Results

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Villa Arrigo is now able to run events in a beautiful structure with 105dB on the dancefloor without disturbing the neighbours. 

Plan

This project brought together the full range of our experience from the decade in which we’ve been operating in the field of acoustics, incorporating a wide range of acoustic materials, our highly directional speaker system, extensive knowledge of planning and licensing restrictions in the UK (which are amongst the most developed and stringent in the world) and our engineering and acoustic expertise.

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men in hi viz and hard hats install soundproofing on roof
internal shot workers constructing villa arigo for soundproofing
three men in hard hats with lifting machinery

Within a construction window of a little more than a fortnight, we essentially rebuilt the entire marquee structure; incorporating a new steel portal frame, an isolated concrete roof, a mass audio ceiling, an acoustic glass function room within the structure – using the room-within-a-room principle – and a conventional PA system with a line array to run alongside our highly directional Zone Array system.

 

A note for a more technical reader

In wedding venues, we aim to generate 95dB LAeq (T 3 mins) on the dancefloor as a minimum in the majority of our installations (pretty loud) and our combined noise mitigation strategies ensure that the L90 at the monitoring location (one meter from the façade of the nearest noise sensitive dwelling) falls within acceptable parameters as defined in the Clubs and Pubs act.

At Villa Arrigo with the combination of structural interventions and the speaker systems we installed we generate 105dB on the dancefloor – twice the energy of 95dB – whilst falling well within acceptable limits at the monitoring location. For the layman that means that the venue is operating at the volume of a nightclub whilst neighbouring residents sleep undisturbed less than 40 meters away. An achievement we’re pretty proud of!

How well did the Structure work?
0dB
Dancefloor Level
0dB
Boundary Level

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