Kehl Associates™ Silences Gander Guns Ryan Chooses Kehl for Gander Mountain 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 offer 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, theatrical lighting, and stage rigging systems.  Our designs are incorporated into Performing Arts Theatres, Churches, Educational and Athletic Facilities, Government and Corporate Facilities, and a diversity of other facility types.  Architectural Infrastructure for Technology We help your architect design spaces that work for the technology by designing the infrastructure into the building to accommodate the systems in each space.  We critique room geometries and architectural features to ensure good hearing, viewing, sound, and lighting coverage, and adequate space for technology equipment and operation.  We define the electrical, structural, and mechanical systems requirements for proper operation of sound, video, lighting, and rigging systems.  We work with your building design team to incorporate this technology infrastructure into the design of the building. Systems Design and Procurement We design sound, video, lighting, and rigging systems that will serve the users needs and match the acoustics and geometric features of the individual spaces in the facility.  We  provide component level 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  We also offer Design-Build options that provide single-source design, sales, and installation of acoustical treatments as well as sound, audio-visual, theatrical lighting, and stage rigging systems.  Contact us for more information.    

80 South Eighth Street Suite 900 - IDS Center Minneapolis, MN  55402   612-332-5345