WHEN PEOPLE CHOOSE a hotel, they do not ask about the width of the walls or the general standard of soundproofing. But if a guest is kept awake half the night by a blaring television in the next room, or by other loud noises, such questions will come up very fast.
Winston Suen, director of corporate engineering at Langham Hotels International, believes every guest should have a restful sleep, and that involves attending to details other people might overlook.
'We involve acoustic consultants at the beginning of a building project,' Mr Suen said.
'You can't rely on an architect for the acoustics, and failure to take noise issues into account can create a nightmare. Acoustics are affected by the design and the choice of the internal and external building materials.'
Mr Suen is aware of the expectations of five-star guests and therefore ensures that the internal walls of group hotels effectively insulate one room from the potential noise levels of high-quality entertainment systems next door.
'We have a maximum volume for television sets, and we make sure the plumbing for showers and toilets is so done that other guests do not hear the sound of running water.'
Mr Suen is responsible for providing technical guidance on a wide range of issues.