FIELD

The present teachings relate to a method of installing a window assembly, and to a window assembly for installation in an opening of a building structure.

BACKGROUND

Noise is simply sound that is loud or unpleasant or causes disturbances. Living in certain environments, for example an urban environment, noise levels can become extremely annoying or even harmful, and affect both your life and your health.

In order to combat this ambient noise, window assemblies installed in the openings of buildings are constructed to limit the amount of noise that is transmitted therethrough to the interior of the building. Window assemblies often include two or more facing panes of glass or other material separated by an air space so as to reduce the noise transmission to which the window assembly is mounted. These known window assemblies are often unopenable so as to be able to provide the required levels of noise insulation, and may provide insufficient noise insulation when one or more of the window frames are opened.

The present teachings seek to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the teachings provides a method of installing a window assembly into an opening of a building structure, the window assembly provided in the form of an outboard frame and an inboard frame connected to the outboard frame and spaced apart therefrom to define a cavity therebetween, the outboard frame defining a first outer opening with a first outer window sash mounted therein, and the inboard frame defining a first inner opening receiving a first inner window sash therein, wherein the first outer window sash and first inner window sash are pivotally mounted to the outboard and inboard frames, respectively, to be openable so as to define an inlet and outlet, the method comprising the steps of: detecting ambient noise levels at the opening of the building to identify a noise source; determining an elevation of the noise source relative to an elevation of the opening of the building; selecting positions of the inlet and outlet based on the determined elevation of the noise source such that the inlet is positioned on the outboard frame to be remote from the identified noise source; and mounting the first outer window sash and first inner window sash in their selected positions on the outboard frame and inboard frame, respectively.

This method of assessing the noise at a particular location prior to installation, and subsequent configuration of the window assembly based on this assessment enables the acoustic attenuation of the window assembly to be tailored to the noise conditions at the installation location.

The step of selecting the position of the inlet and outlet may comprise the step of positioning the outlet to be vertically offset from the inlet.

This increases the sound transmission path through the window assembly, which works to further attenuate noise travelling therethrough.

When the elevation of the noise source is less than the elevation of the opening, the method may comprise the step of mounting the first outer window sash to the outboard frame so as to pivot about a lower edge thereof, e.g. in a direction towards the inboard frame, to define the inlet.

This arrangement positions the inlet proximate to an upper edge of the window assembly when the noise source is below the window assembly. This has been found to increase diffraction losses about the edge of the first outer window sash, which further improves acoustic attenuation of the window assembly. Positioning the inlet facing away from the noise source has also been found to increase direction losses about the edge of the first outer window sash.

The outboard frame may define first and second outer openings with first and second outer window sashes mounted therein and the inboard frame defines first and second inner openings receiving first and second inner window sashes therein. When the elevation of the noise source is less than the elevation of the opening, the first outer window sash may be installed above the second outer window sash.

This arrangement enables the acoustic attenuation of the window assembly to be tailored for noise that is coming from below the window assembly, e.g. from people, trains and/or road vehicles, by arranging the inlet on the outboard frame at a position remote from the identified noise source. When the elevation of the noise source is determined to be greater than the elevation of the opening of the building, the method may comprise the step of mounting the first outer window sash to the outboard frame as so as to pivot about an upper edge thereof, e.g. in a direction away from the inboard frame, to define the inlet.

This arrangement positions the inlet proximate to a lower edge of the window assembly when the noise source is above the window assembly. This has been found to increase diffraction losses about the edge of the first outer window sash, which further improves acoustic attenuation of the window assembly. Positioning the inlet facing away from the noise source has also been found to increase direction losses about the edge of the first outer window sash.

The method may comprise the step of assessing a building structure in which the window assembly is to be installed. When the window assembly is to be installed in combination with one or more balconies, e.g. acoustic balconies, the method may comprise the step of selecting positions of the inlet and outlet based on the determined elevation of the noise source such that the inlet is positioned on the outboard frame to be proximate to the identified noise source.

When the elevation of the noise source is less than the elevation of the opening, and the window assembly is to be installed in combination with one or more balconies, the method may comprise the step of mounting the first outer window sash to the outboard frame so as to pivot about an upper edge thereof, e.g. in a direction away from the inboard frame, to define the inlet.

When the elevation of the noise source is greater than the elevation of the opening, and the window assembly is to be installed in combination with one or more balconies, the method may comprise the step of mounting the first outer window sash to the outboard frame so as to pivot about a lower edge thereof, e.g. in a direction towards the inboard frame, to define the inlet.

The inlet may be positioned at or near an upper edge or lower edge of the outboard frame when the elevation of the noise source is greater than or less than the elevation of the opening, respectively, when the window assembly is installed in combination with one or more balconies. Due to the acoustic blocking provided by upper and/or lower acoustic balconies, this has been found to provide increased acoustic attenuation for a window assembly that is installed between upper and lower acoustic balconies.

The outboard frame may define first and second outer openings with first and second outer window sashes mounted therein and the inboard frame defines first and second inner openings receiving first and second inner window sashes therein/ When the elevation of the noise source is determined to be greater than the elevation of the opening of the building, the first outer window sash may be installed below the second outer window sash.

This arrangement enables the acoustic attenuation of the window assembly to be tailored for noise that is coming from above the window assembly, e.g. from airplanes, by positioning the inlet on the outboard frame remote from the identified noise source.

The method may comprise the step of configuring the first window sash to deflect sound waves travelling from the identified noise source away from the inlet.

This has been found to increase diffraction losses about the edge of the first outer window sash, which further improves acoustic attenuation of the window assembly.

The method may comprise the step of providing a deflecting member on, e.g. a deflecting lip extending laterally across, the first outer window sash to deflect sound waves away from the inlet.

The deflecting member may be configured and arranged to project outwardly from the first outer window sash in a direction away from the inboard frame.

The deflecting member may project beyond an outer perimeter of the first outer window sash.

The method may comprise the steps of calculating a desired amount of noise attenuation required at the opening of the building, and providing one or more acoustic attenuation members between the outboard frame and inboard frame such that the window assembly provides the desired noise attenuation.

These steps help to ensure that the window assembly is able to provide the desired level of noise attenuation for a particular location. Providing only the required level of noise attenuation helps to ensure that the cavity is not unnecessarily filled with acoustic attenuation members, which would be detrimental to flow through the window assembly.

The method may comprise the step of arranging the one or more acoustic attenuation members to restrict the sound transmission path and/or to increase the length of the sound transmission path between the inlet and outlet.

The method may comprise the step of arranging the one or more acoustic attenuation members to provide a more tortuous sound transmission path.

Through this arrangement, the acoustic attenuation members are configured and arranged so as to provide a more tortuous sound transmission path from the inlet to the outlet of the window assembly.

The method may comprise the step of arranging the one or more acoustic attenuation members to divide the cavity into one or more window chambers along the sound transmission path from the inlet to the outlet.

The method may comprise the step of arranging the one or more acoustic attenuation members along the inner edges of the window cavity.

The method may comprise the step of configuring the window assembly such that the first outer window sash defines a smaller area than the second outer window sash.

The first outer window sash may be a window light or vent light.

The first inner window sash may define a smaller area than the second inner window sash.

The first inner window sash may be a window light or vent light.

This arrangement provides a window frame that defines the inlet that is smaller than the other outer window sash(s), which helps to reduce the size of the inlet, which in turn, reduced noise transmitted through the open window assembly.

The outboard frame may define first, second, third and fourth outer openings with first, second, third and fourth outer window sashes mounted therein and the inboard frame defines first, second, third and fourth inner openings with first, second, third and fourth inner window sashes mounted therein. The step of selecting the position of the inlet and outlet may comprise the step of positioning the outlet to be horizontally offset from the inlet.

A first aspect of the teachings provides a window assembly for installing into an opening of a building structure, the window assembly comprising: an outboard frame defining a first outer opening with a first outer window sash mounted therein; and an inboard frame defining a first inner opening with a first inner window sash mounted therein, wherein the inboard frame is connected to the outboard frame and spaced apart therefrom to define a cavity therebetween, wherein the first outer window sash and first inner window sash are pivotally mounted to the outboard frame and inboard frame to be openable so as to define an inlet and outlet, respectively.

The window assembly may be configurable between the first outer window sash to the outboard frame so as to pivot about an upper edge or a lower edge thereof, wherein the inlet and the outlet are vertically offset.

The outboard frame may define first and second outer openings with first and second outer window sashes mounted therein and the inboard frame defines first and second inner openings receiving first and second inner window sashes therein.

The window assembly may be configurable between the first outer window sash being installed above the second outer window sash and the first outer window sash being installed below the second outer window sash.

The outboard frame may define first, second, third and fourth outer openings with first, second, third and fourth outer window sashes mounted therein and the inboard frame defines first, second, third and fourth inner openings with first, second, third and fourth inner window sashes mounted therein. The inlet and outlet may be horizontally offset.

The first outer window sash may be configured to deflect sound waves away from the inlet.

The first outer window sash may comprise a deflecting member on, e.g. a deflecting lip extending laterally across, the first outer window sash to deflect sound waves away from the inlet.

The deflecting member may be configured and arranged to project outwardly from the first outer window sash in a direction away from the inboard frame. The deflecting member may project beyond an outer perimeter of the first outer window sash.

The window assembly may comprise one or more acoustic attenuation members extending between the outboard frame and the inboard frame configured and arranged within the cavity to restrict the sound transmission path and/or to increase the length of the sound transmission path between the inlet and outlet.

The or each acoustic attenuation member may comprise a housing that is at least partially filled with an acoustic attenuating material.

The housing may be substantially entirely filled with an acoustic attenuating material.

The housing may define a housing inlet and a housing outlet and the housing acoustic attenuating material defines an attenuating sound transmission path from the inlet to the outlet.

The sound transmission path may be stepped, substantially V-shaped, or substantially U-shaped.

The housing may comprise one or more apertures to define the housing inlet and/or one or more apertures to define the housing outlet.

The apertures may be provided as an array over the housing.

The or each outer window sash may comprise a double glazing unit therein.

The or each inner window sash may comprise a single glazed unit, e.g. a glass panel, therein.

The first and second inner window sashes may each comprise a double glazed unit therein

The first inner window sash and first outer window sash may be offset, e.g. horizontally and/or vertically.

Each of the inner and outer window sashes may be openable about a substantially upright axis. The first outer window sash may define a smaller area than the second outer window sash and/or wherein the first inner window sash may define a smaller area than the second inner window sash.

The first outer window sash may be a window light or vent light. The first inner window sash may be a window light or vent light.

This works to reduce the size of the inlet and outlet openings, which works to obstruct the transmission of air, and so noise, through window assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of inboard and outboard frames of a window assembly; Figure 2 is a front view of the outboard frame of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the window assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the window assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an isometric view of inboard and outboard frames of a window assembly; Figure 6 is a front view of the outboard frame of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the window assembly of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the window assembly of Figure 5; and Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area A of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, a window assembly for installing into an opening of a building structure (not shown) is illustrated and indicated generally at 10. The window assembly 10 includes an outboard frame 12 and an inboard frame 14. The inboard frame 14 is spaced apart therefrom to define a cavity therebetween. The inboard frame 14 is connected, i.e. structurally connected, to the outboard frame 12. Put another way, the window assembly 10 is a box shaped window assembly formed from an outer window 12 connected, and spaced apart from, an inner window 14.

The outboard frame 12 defines four openings, with first 16, second 18, third 20 and fourth 22 window sashes mounted therein. The inboard frame 14 defines four openings, with first 24, second 26, third 28 and fourth 30 window sashes mounted therein. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the window assembly may only include first and second outer windows sashes 16, 18 and first and second inner window sashes 24, 26. In such alterative arrangements, the first and second outer window sashes 16, 18 and first and second inner window sashes 24, 26 may be arranged one on top of the other. In further alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the window assembly 10 may only include a first outer windows sash 16 and a first inner window sash 24. In such alterative arrangements, the first outer window sash and first inner window sash may be configured such that the inlet 32 and outlet 34 are vertically offset.

The first outer window sash 116 is installed above the second outer window sash 118. The third outer window sash 120 is installed above the fourth outer window sash 122. The third and fourth outer window sashes 120, 122 are adjacent to the first and second outer window sashes 116, 118. The first inner window sash 124 is installed above the second inner window sash 126. The third inner window sash 126 is installed above the fourth inner window sash 130. The third and fourth inner window sashes 128, 130 are adjacent to the first and second inner window sashes 124, 126.

In the illustrated arrangement, all of the inner and outer window sashes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are pivotally mounted to the respective frame 12, 14 so as to be openable about a substantially upright axis. This arrangement enables any air or moisture within the cavity to be emptied so as to provide purge ventilation.

The first outer window sash 16 and the first inner window sash 24 are pivotally mounted to the respective frame 12, 14 so as to be openable to define an inlet 32 and an outlet 34, respectively. In this way, the window assembly 10 defines a sound transmission path 36 through the window assembly 10. In some arrangements, only the first outer window sash 16 and the first inner window sash 24 are openable in this way. In some arrangements, the second, third and fourth inner and outer window sashes 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30 may be considered to be dummy sashes. The first outer window sash 16 is configured to open, e.g. to pivot about a lower edge there, in a direction towards the inboard frame 114 to define the inlet 32. The first inner window sash 24 is configured to open, e.g. to pivot about a lower edge there, in a direction away from the outboard frame 12 to define the outlet 34.

The window assembly 10 is re-configurable between the first outer window sash 16 being installed above the second outer window sash 18, and the first outer window sash 16 being installed below the second outer window sash 18. The window assembly 10 is re-configurable between the first inner window sash 24 being installed above the second inner window sash 26, and the first inner window sash 24 being installed below the second inner window sash 26.

In some arrangements, for example the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the first outer window sash 16 defines a smaller area than the second outer window sash 18. In such arrangements, the first inner window sash 24 may also define a smaller area than the second inner window sash 26. In this way, the first outer window sash 16 and/or the first inner window sash 24 can be considered to be a window light or a vent light. This works to reduce the size of the inlet 32 and outlet 34 openings, which works to restrict the amount of sound waves (i.e. noise) that enter through the inlet 32, and so reduces noise transmitted through the window assembly 10.

The inlet 32 and outlet 34 are offset. The inlet 32 and outlet 34 may be vertically and/or horizontally offset. This works to increase the length of the sound transmission path 36 through the window assembly, and to provide a more tortuous sound transmission path 36 through the window assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 32 and outlet 34 (and so the first outer window sash 16 and first inner window sash 24 are horizontally or laterally offset. In arrangements including only first and second outer window sashes 16, 18 and first and second inner window sashes 24, 26, it will be appreciated that the inlet 32 and outlet 34 may be vertically offset.

As discussed above the outboard window frame 12 and inboard window frame 14 are structurally connected. The window assembly 10 includes one or more acoustic attenuation members extending between the outboard frame 12 and the inboard frame 14. The acoustic attenuation members are configured to attenuate and/or absorb sound travelling along the sound transmission path 36. The one or more acoustic attenuation members are arranged within the cavity to divide the cavity into one or more window chambers along the sound transmission path from the inlet 32 to the outlet 34. In the illustrated arrangement, the cavity is divided into four chambers, but it will be appreciated that any suitable number of chambers may be formed.

The one or more acoustic attenuation members are configured and arranged within the cavity (i.e. within the window assembly 10) to restrict the sound transmission path 36. The one or more acoustic attenuation members are configured and arranged within the cavity (i.e. within the window assembly 10) to increase the length of the sound transmission path 36 between the inlet 32 and outlet 34.

In the illustrated arrangement, one or more acoustic attenuation members 38 are arranged vertically between the first and third outer window sashes 16, 20 and the first and third inner window sashes 24, 28. Put another way, one or more acoustic attenuation members 38 may be positioned vertically to prevent lateral flow within the cavity. These vertical acoustic attenuation members 38 extend from an upper edge of the cavity such that sound waves is directed to flow below these vertical acoustic attenuation members 38 along the sound transmission path. These vertical acoustic attenuation members 38 may be configured to prevent the transmission of sound waves therethrough. This arrangement works to increase the length of the sound transmission path 36.

One or more acoustic attenuation members may also be positioned along the lateral sides of the cavity. These may be substantially the same as the vertical acoustic attenuation members, or may be provided in the form of an elongate body of acoustic attenuation material.

Each vertical acoustic attenuation member 38 may include a housing defining a housing inlet and a housing outlet. The housing is partially filled with an acoustic attenuation material to define an attenuating sound transmission path therethrough. The sound transmission path through the or each vertical acoustic attenuation member 38 may be substantially V-shaped, or substantially U-shaped. This works to attenuate noise without enabling transmission through the vertical acoustic attenuation member 38.

In the illustrated arrangement, one or more acoustic attenuation members 44 are arranged horizontally between the first and second outer window sashes 16, 18 and the first and second inner window sashes 24, 26. One or more acoustic attenuation members 44 are arranged horizontally between the third and fourth outer window sashes 20, 22 and the first and second inner window sashes 28, 30. Put another way, one or more acoustic attenuation members 44 may be positioned horizontally to restrict flow vertically flow within the cavity.

These horizontal acoustic attenuation members 44 extend between lateral sides of the cavity. The horizontal acoustic attenuation members 44 are configured to enable air to flow there through, but to restrict the transmission of sound waves therethrough, so as to attenuate the sound waves (i.e. noise) as it passes through the window assembly 10.

Each horizontal acoustic attenuation member 44 may include a housing defining a housing inlet and a housing outlet. The housing is partially filled with an acoustic attenuation material to define an attenuating sound transmission path therethrough. The sound transmission path through the or each vertical acoustic attenuation member 38 may be stepped, may be substantially V-shaped, or substantially U-shaped, and arranged within the cavity to enable air to pass vertically therethrough. This works to attenuate noise whilst enabling transmission through the horizontal acoustic attenuation member 44.

One or more acoustic attenuation members may also be positioned along the upper and lower internal edges of the cavity. These may be substantially the same as the horizontal acoustic attenuation members, or may be provided in the form of an elongate body of acoustic attenuation material.

The housing of the vertical acoustic attenuation members 38 and/or the horizontal acoustic attenuation members 44 may include one or more apertures to define the housing inlet and/or one or more apertures to define the housing outlet. The housing may include apertures as an array over the housing, e.g. over an entirety of the housing.

In the illustrated arrangement, the outboard window frame 12 includes double glazing units therein. Put another way, the first, second, third and fourth outer window sashes 16, 18, 20, 22 each include a double glazing unit 40 therein. The double glazing unit 40 may be a double gazed seal unit.

In the illustrated arrangement, the inboard window frame 14 includes a single glazed units, e.g. a glass panel, 42 therein. Put another way, the first, second, third and fourth inner window sashes 24, 26, 28, 30 each include a single glass panel 42 therein.

Although not illustrated, the window assembly 10 of Figures 1 to 4 may be installed in a building structure. The building structure including one or more walls defining an opening therein. The window assembly will be installed within the opening.

In some arrangements, one or more balconies may be mounted to the wall, for example upper and lower balconies. The one or more balconies may be considered to be acoustic balconies. When the window assembly 10 is installed in combination with one or more balconies, e.g. acoustic balconies, the inlet 32 is positioned on the outboard frame to be proximate to the identified noise source. Put another way, the inlet 32 is positioned at or near an upper edge or lower edge of the outboard frame 12 when the elevation of the noise source is greater than or less than the elevation of the opening, respectively, when the window assembly 10 is installed in combination with one or more balconies.

When the elevation of the noise source is less than the elevation of the opening, and the window assembly 10 is installed in combination with one or more balconies, the first outer window sash 16 is mounted to the outboard frame 12 so as to pivot about an upper edge thereof, e.g. in a direction away from the inboard frame 14, to define the inlet 32. When the elevation of the noise source is greater than the elevation of the opening, and the window assembly 10 is installed in combination with one or more balconies, the first outer window sash 16 is mounted to the outboard frame 12 so as to pivot about a lower edge thereof, e.g. in a direction towards the inboard frame 14, to define the inlet 32.

The arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 4, of arranging the first outer window sash 16 above the second outer window sash 18 has been found to be particularly advantageous when the elevation of the noise source, in the location where the window assembly 10 is installed, is less than the elevation of the window assembly 10. This arrangement provides effective acoustic attenuation of the window assembly 10 for noise that is coming from below the window assembly, e.g. from people and/or road vehicles. Additionally, pivoting the first outer window sash 16 about a lower edge thereof, e.g. in a direction towards the inboard frame to define the inlet, has been found to further increase diffraction losses about the edge of the first outer window sash. Referring to Figures 5 to 9, a window assembly is indicated an indicated generally at 100. Corresponding components of these figures with respect to Figures 1 to 4 are labelled with the prefix ' , and only differences are discussed in more detail.

The first outer window sash 116 is installed below the second outer window sash 118. The third outer window sash 120 is installed below the fourth outer window sash 122. The third and fourth outer window sashes 120, 122 are adjacent to the first and second outer window sashes 116, 118. The first inner window sash 124 is installed below the second inner window sash 126. The third inner window sash 126 is installed below the fourth inner window sash 130. The third and fourth inner window sashes 128, 130 are adjacent to the first and second inner window sashes 124, 126.

The first outer window sash 116 is configured to open, e.g. to pivot about an upper edge there, in a direction away from the inboard frame 114 to define the inlet 132. The first inner window sash 124 is configured to open, e.g. to pivot about an upper edge there, in a direction away from the outboard frame 112 to define the outlet 134.

The arrangement shown in Figures 5 to 9, of arranging the first outer window sash 116 below the second outer window sash 118 has been found to be particularly advantageous when the elevation of the noise source, in the location where the window assembly 110 is installed, is greater than the elevation of the window assembly 110. This arrangement provides effective acoustic attenuation of the window assembly 110 for noise that is coming from above the window assembly 100, e.g. from airplanes. Additionally, pivoting the first outer window sash 116 about an upper edge thereof, e.g. in a direction away the inboard frame 114 to define the inlet 132, has been found to further increase diffraction losses about the edge of the first outer window sash 116.

The first outer window sash 116 is configured to deflect sound waves (i.e. noise) away from the inlet 132. The first window sash 116 achieves this by increasing diffraction losses about the outer edge of the first outer window sash 116. In the embodiment of Figure 5 to 9, the outer edge of the first outer window sash 116 is a lower edge.

The first outer window sash 116 includes a deflecting member 146 configured to deflect sound waves (i.e. noise) away from the inlet 132. The deflecting member 146 extends laterally across the first outer window sash 116. The deflecting member 146 is positioned at or near an outer edge (i.e. a lower edge) of the first outer window sash 116. The deflecting member may be a deflecting lip.

The deflecting member 146 projects outwardly from the first outer window sash 116. The deflecting member 146 projects in a direction away from the inboard frame 112. Put another way, the deflecting member 146 projects outwardly from the first outer window sash 116.

In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 9, the deflecting member 146 projects beyond an outer perimeter of the first outer window sash 116. This has been found to further increase diffraction losses about the outer edge of the first outer window sash 116. In other arrangements, for example the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the deflecting member 146 may not project beyond an outer perimeter of the first outer window sash 116. Put another way, in arrangements where the first outer window sash 116 pivotally opens in a direction towards the inboard frame 112, the deflecting member 146 may not project beyond an outer perimeter of the first outer window sash 116. This arranges the deflecting member 146 so that it does not interact with the outboard frame 112 preventing the firs outer window sash 116 from being opened.

Although not illustrated, the window assembly of Figures 5 to 9 may be installed in a building structure. The building structure including one or more walls defining an opening therein. The window assembly will be installed within the opening. In some arrangements, a balcony may be mounted to the wall. The balcony may be mounted proximate to, and below, the opening. The balcony may be an acoustic balcony.

A method of installing a window assembly 10, 110 into an opening of a building structure will now be discussed.

In order to tailor the acoustic attenuation of the window assembly 10, 110 for the noise levels in a particular location, the following method of installation is followed.

The method of installation includes: detecting ambient noise levels at the opening of the building to identify a noise source; determining an elevation of the noise source relative to an elevation of the opening of the building; selecting positions of the first outer window sash 16, 116 and first inner window sash 24, 124 based on the determined elevation of the noise source; and mounting the first outer window sash 16, 116 and first inner window sash 24, 124 in their selected positions on the outboard frame 12, 112 and inboard frame 14, 114, respectively. When the elevation of the noise source is less than the elevation of the opening, the first outer window sash 16 is installed above the second outer window sash 24. This positions the inlet 32 on the outboard frame 12 remote from the identified noise source arrangement, and tailors the window assembly 10 to more effectively attenuate noise that is coming from below the window assembly 10, e.g. from people and/or road vehicles. In such configurations, the first outer window sash 16 may pivot about a lower edge thereof to define the inlet 32.

When the elevation of the noise source is determined to be greater than the elevation of the opening of the building, the first outer window sash 116 is installed below the second outer window sash 124. This positions the inlet 132 on the outboard frame 112 remote from the identified noise source arrangement, and tailors the window assembly 110 to more effectively attenuate noise that is coming from above the window assembly 110, e.g. from airplanes. In such configurations, the first outer window sash 116 may pivot about an upper edge thereof to define the inlet 132.

The method may include assessing a building structure in which the window assembly is to be installed to determine if the window assembly is to be installed in combination with one or more, e.g. upper and lower, balconies. In such arrangement, the method will include the step of selecting positions of the inlet and outlet based on the determined elevation of the noise source such that the inlet is positioned on the outboard frame to be proximate to the identified noise source.

The method may include the step of configuring the first window sash 16, 116 to deflect sound waves travelling in a direction from the noise source away from the inlet 32, 132. The method may include the step of providing a deflecting member 146, e.g. a deflecting lip, on the first outer window sash 16, 116.

The method may include the step of calculating a desired amount of noise attenuation/reduction required at the opening of the building. The method will then also include the step of providing one or more acoustic attenuation members 38, 138, 44, 144 between the outboard frame 12, 112 and inboard frame 14, 114 such that the window assembly 10, 110 provides the desired noise attenuation. These steps help to ensure that the window assembly 10, 110 is able to provide the desired level of noise attenuation for a particular location. Providing only the required level of noise attenuation helps to ensure that the cavity is not unnecessarily filled with acoustic attenuation members 38, 138, 44, 144, which would be detrimental to flow through the window assembly 10, 110. The method may include the step of restricting the sound transmission path 36, 136. The method may include the step of increasing the length of the sound transmission path 36, 136 between the inlet 32, 132 and outlet 34, 134. The sound transmission path 36, 136 may be restricted and/or lengthened by arranging one or more acoustic attenuation members 38, 138, 44, 144 in the cavity. Put another way, the method may include arranging one or more acoustic attenuation members 38, 138, 44, 144 in the cavity to provide a more tortuous sound transmission path from the inlet 32, 132 to the outlet 34, 134 of the window assembly 10, 110.

As has been discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the window assembly 10, 110 may be configured such that the first outer window sash 16, 116 defines a smaller area than the second outer window sash 18, 118. The window assembly 10, 110 may be configured such that the first inner window sash 24, 124 defines a smaller area than the second inner window sash 26, 126. The first outer window sash 16, 116 and/or the first inner widow sash 24, 124 may be a window light or vent light.

Although the teachings have been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims.