Design condiserations for secondary glazing systems

Addressing high noise levels from intermittent environmental sources, such as from train pass-bys, presents both acoustical and architectural challenges. One effective noise mitigation approach is to provide secondary storm glazing, but this is not always favored by architects, developers, and builders due to operational and aesthetic shortcomings, budget considerations, and installation challenges. These pitfalls are not always well-communicated among the design team, leading to a compromised solution. In this case study, we will discuss the concerns related to secondary glazing and the collaborative process used with the design team—informed by lessons learned on prior projects—to find a solution that addresses the various project goals.