WGN Studios Case Study - QuietLite Windows and QuietSwing Doors

PROBLEM
Within the walls of WGN Studios, nestled in the bustling urban landscape of Chicago, a pressing challenge emerged: separating noise from the busy control room Operations Center from the Broadcasting Studio Room. Additionally, WGN needed the entire wall to be a window that could be as close as possible to being an entirely unobstructed view.

With WGN-TV (channel 9) serving as a prominent television station delivering essential news, talk, and sports programming, maintaining pristine audio quality was paramount.

SOLUTION
Noise Barriers proposed a novel approach with its channel partner, Huff Company, to introduce a combination of their QuietSwing Architectural Door (STC 51) and QuietLite Window systems (STC 53), based on the HM-6-53 window design, which steered the project toward a zero-mullion window system. While the concept seemed promising,
it required a departure from conventional practices.

By involving Noise Barriers and Huff Company early in the design process, the contractor received valuable assistance in detailing the window wall to provide the required slope. Typically, the window might have been drawn as segmented with mullions every 4’-5’ on center and as an angled window, with the top and bottom appearing “level”, but the glass sloped.

Noise Barriers advised on how they could eliminate mullions and still achieve the target NIC needed, including the construction of the slope into the surrounding base and head, enabling the installation of a standard rectangular window.

RESULTS
The implementation of Noise Barriers QuietLite Windows and QuietSwing Architectural Doors exceeded expectations, effectively minimizing noise infiltration within the WGN
premises. Occupants experienced an improvement in ambient noise levels, fostering an environment conducive to concentration and comfort.

The confidence gained from successful third-party testing, including results from Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories, that the window tested to NIC 48 reinforced the viability of their approach.

The project completed ahead of schedule in March 2023, which underscored the efficiency and efficacy of Noise Barriers’ solution and process. Subsequent testing conducted in April 2023 reaffirmed the system’s performance, validating its reliability over time.

The success of the WGN project stands as a testament to the power of creative problem-solving and technical expertise in overcoming formidable sound control obstacles.