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 Gander retail shopping space which was adjacent and connected to the Gun Academy. 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.  Kehl’s acoustical design incorporated into Ryan’s architectural design met the goals set forth by Gander Mountain.  The project was such a success that Gander duplicated the design at multiple facilities around the country.  

ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS DESIGN is one of the specialty design services offered by Kehl Associates.  We provide acoustical design services for all types of facilities.