Project overview
QuietStar partnered with VAX to design, supply, install and commission a high-performance semi-anechoic chamber within an active warehouse. The bespoke facility was engineered to support vacuum cleaner acoustic testing and sound quality analysis to international standards.
The installation featured a fully isolated floating floor, precision foam wedges, acoustic doors, LED lighting and power, terminal ductwork and silencers — all carefully integrated to create an ultra-low-noise testing environment.
Despite the challenges of working in a busy operational warehouse, the team successfully delivered the project on schedule, meeting stringent performance benchmarks and enabling VAX to advance its R&D for quieter, more efficient vacuum cleaners.
The Brief
VAX required a dedicated acoustic testing facility to support product innovation and the development of next-generation vacuum cleaners. The testing environment needed to allow for accurate sound power measurements in accordance with BS 60704, ensuring reliable data collection and compliance with industry noise regulations.
The solution had to combine exceptional acoustic control with practicality — integrating seamlessly within the client’s existing warehouse, without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Our Approach
To meet these requirements, QuietStar engineered a room-within-a-room solution, ensuring maximum sound isolation and minimal background interference.
Key elements included:
A floating floor system to isolate the test space from warehouse vibrations
Inner acoustic enclosure with optimized foam wedge layout
Duct silencers and controlled services integration
Bespoke acoustic doors, supplied and installed directly for guaranteed performance
Careful coordination with site teams ensured efficient installation and minimal operational downtime. Every stage was managed to maintain quality standards, meet regulatory requirements, and achieve the target acoustic performance.
The Results
The completed semi-anechoic chamber is currently undergoing final validation, already demonstrating outstanding performance:
This custom-built facility provides VAX with a world-class R&D environment for accurate, repeatable acoustic testing — enabling faster product development cycles and improved sound performance of vacuum cleaners.
