KLA Research & Development

The new KLA Research and Development campus near the University of Michigan is KLA’s second US headquarters.

The new facility is split into two sections, Laboratory and Office tower. Soundscape brought our expertise in sound and vibrations to bear on many aspects of the project, beginning with a project noise impact assessment. Soundscape made multi-day sound level measurements to quantify the existing acoustic environment at the single-family residences adjacent to the forested project site, performed 3D acoustic modeling of the site and neighborhood, recommended operational controls and outdoor equipment noise limits, and presented the study and recommendations to the public at the Township meeting

The 51,000 square foot clean room laboratory requires a low-vibration environment. Soundscape assessed existing ground vibration levels at the site and was involved in isolating the laboratory from vibration produced by the facility’s large and varied mechanical equipment. Upon project completion, Soundscape measured vibration levels in the Clean to confirm compliance with KLA’s vibration criteria.

The 6-story tower section of KLA houses the offices, conference rooms, cafeteria, gathering areas, fitness space, and a 5-story atrium open to the gathering spaces. Soundscape performed room acoustics calculations and worked with the design team to incorporate the acoustical finishes needed to prevent excessive background sound build-up, creating more comfortable spaces and increasing speech intelligibility during casual conversations and all-hands meetings.