Living alongside a busy motorway requires smart solutions. For the new Canvas Living development in Rotterdam, we designed custom-made façade grilles that let fresh air in while keeping traffic noise out. This creates a healthy and comfortable living environment right in the heart of the city.
Case study
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Anechoic chamber for wind circulation testing
At NLR Marknesse, we created an anechoic chamber designed for airflow up to 110 m/s. The room eliminates sound reflections, enabling clean, reliable and flexible acoustic testing.
Merford was involved in providing the acoustic treatments for this advanced testing facility, working closely with NLR’s engineering team.
Precise measurements in acoustic research
At the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) in Marknesse, research is conducted into aircraft noise, engine components and rotor blades. To support this work, a dedicated hall has been built featuring a wind circulation circuit with an integrated anechoic chamber. The facility was designed for acoustic testing at airflow speeds of up to 110 metres per second, without sound reflections that could distort measurements.
The challenge was clear: to analyse sound patterns in an environment where reflections are virtually eliminated, ensuring clean and reliable test data. Merford provided the acoustic treatments for this advanced testing facility, working closely with NLR’s engineering team.
Flamex pyramid wedges on walls and ceiling
The 432 m³ chamber is fully lined with hundreds of pyramid-shaped wedges made from Flamex, a sound-absorbing melamine foam. The wedges are mounted on the walls and ceiling using a practical, service-friendly installation system. The floor remains open and flexible, allowing test setups to be changed quickly when required.
Merford’s collaboration with NLR began in 2016 during the investment preparation phase for the new facility. The scope included not only the anechoic chamber itself, but also splitter silencers for both wind tunnels. Thanks to detailed planning and smart engineering, installation time was kept to a minimum, ensuring smooth project execution.
Captured on site
Accurate acoustic testing in a controlled environment
The completed anechoic chamber enables NLR to analyse and locate sound sources with minimal interference from reflections. As part of the aeroacoustic testing facilities, the chamber ensures a high level of measurement accuracy. Reflections are virtually eliminated, resulting in reliable and consistent research data.
The collaboration between Merford and NLR resulted in advanced acoustic solutions that meet the demanding requirements of aerospace research. The project demonstrates how efficient engineering and precise acoustic design contribute to both functionality and flexibility.
Behind the project
“Our collaboration with Merford on our new aeroacoustic wind tunnels began in 2016, when we were still preparing the investment proposal for the facility. From the start, Merford contributed valuable technical input to develop a sound and cost-effective solution. The work involved not only the impressive anechoic chamber but also splitter silencers for both wind tunnels. We were most impressed by the limited installation time, made possible by excellent engineering.”
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