Kehl Associates™ Silences Gander Guns Ryan Chooses Kehl for Gander Acoustics Ryan Companies, design-build construction company for Gander Mountain's pilot Gun Academy in Lake Mary, Florida,  brought Kehl Associates on board for acoustical design for this project.  The acoustical challenge was to design a cost effective means of providing sound isolation for the Live Firing Range, such that gun noise would not be heard in the adjoining retail shopping space in which it is housed.  The new gun academies at Gander Mountain provide firearms training to the public featuring live firing ranges, virtual firing ranges, and computerized scenario simulators identical to those used by the police and military.    Gander Mountain executives wanted an open, inviting entrance to the Gun Academy from the retail store, such that shoppers would be drawn to the Gun Academy but not hear it.  This goal intensified the acoustical and architectural design challenge.   Kehl Associates created computer models simulating the sound impact of various high powered hand guns in the Live Firing Range.  The models  simulated materials for acoustical isolation and absorption, comparing various construction methods and acoustical treatments against construction costs.  Evaluation and design of the Live Firing Range walls, ceiling, and viewing windows were some of the key tasks accomplished by the Acoustical Consultants.   The acoustical team also prescribed room finish materials and STC’s for the academy’s Lobby, the Classrooms, the Virtual Firing Range, and the Training Simulators.  Floor decouplers were prescribed for the Large Simulator to keep vibrations from the simulator floor “rumblers” from reaching the retail shopping space. The results of Kehl’s acoustical design incorporated into Ryan’s architectural design met the goals set forth by Gander Mountain.     The project was a success. ACOUSTICAL DESIGN is one of the specialty design services offered by Kehl Associates.  We provide acoustical design services for all types of facilities.     What We Do Architectural Acoustics and System Design Kehl Associates™ is a specialty consulting firm that provides design expertise in architectural acoustics, sound, audio-visual, and theatre technologies.  Our designs are incorported into Performing Arts Theatres, Churches, Educational and Athletic Facilities, and a diversity of other facility types.  Architectural Infrastructure for Technology We help make the rooms work for the technology by designing the infrastructure needed for the systems in each space.  This includes room geometries and architectural features that allow good hearing, viewing, sound, and lighting coverage.  It includes the electrical, structural, and mechanical systems needed to support and facilitate proper operation of the sound, video, lighting, and rigging systems. Systems Procurement Documentation We provide systems drawings, documentation, and specifications for bidding and procurement purposes.  Construction Management and Testing We help manage the construction and systems installation, performing on-site inspections and testing to make sure everything is built and installed as intended. Design-Build Option To complement our consulting and design services we also offer complete turn-key Design-Build Contracting services at extremely competitive prices.  Our expert contracting groups  provide complete installation of sound, video, and lighting systems, as well as acoustical materials and treatments.    Track Record We've been in business doing what we do since 1984.  Our involvement in award-winning projects began in 1986 with Notre Dame’s Olympic Aquatic Center.  We have enjoyed ongoing business from repeat clients like Notre Dame, Ellerbe Becket, and HGA since our inception.  For a list of our award-winning projects, request our Company Profile at the “Contact”  link above.