Active floor vibration control for commercial and retail spaces
Excessive floor vibration puts visitor experience, building performance and value at risk
The design of contemporary commercial and retail buildings is evolving fast. From long-span walkways in shopping centres to open-plan retail spaces with minimal structural columns, today’s architecture demands more from its spaces, yet they’re more vulnerable than ever to problematic floor vibration.
Floor vibration reduction in shopping centres and retail facilities is critical to maintaining the visitor experience and operational efficiency.
Constant foot traffic, rolling trolleys, building equipment and machinery and HVAC systems all generate low-frequency vibrations that can cause performance issues, especially in busy retail zones. Over time, these movements disrupt visitor enjoyment and comfort, damage perception of quality and reduce operational efficiency for staff and the systems they rely on.
For building owners, facilities managers, developers, engineers and architects, these risks go far beyond inconvenience. They impact commercial returns, tenant satisfaction, brand experience and can even leave owners in contravention of compliance regulations.
CALMFLOOR delivers optimal floor vibration control fast – with no structural change
CALMFLOOR’s revolutionary active mass damping (AMD) technology brings instant vibration control to busy commercial and retail environments, without the need for any structural intervention. Each portable AMD unit weighs just 67kg (147lbs) and can be mounted in the ceiling void, directly on the floor or on the web of the beam supporting the structure.
AMDs are deployed only to precise locations where vibration risk is present, using data-led simulation to identify vibration hotspots across expansive retail grids, commercial units, around lifts, escalators, stairways and public walkways. The installation process of AMDs takes hours, not weeks as with traditional anti-vibration methods and spaces remain fully operational throughout.
Unlike conventional vibration solutions such as adding steel or concrete or installing systems like columns, pillars or tuned mass dampers (TMDs), CALMFLOOR reduces problematic floor vibration by up to 90% with no disruption to operations and a far lower carbon footprint.
For new builds, specifying CALMFLOOR active vibration control at concept stage means you’ll mitigate your risk of vibration and, more than that, you’ll reduce your embodied carbon by up to 50% and build lighter in the process.
Control floor vibration in long-span, open-plan, column-free retail environments
Modern retail and commercial schemes increasingly favour vast open-plan layouts, flexible unit sizes and dynamic public spaces. CALMFLOOR is uniquely suited to both existing, retrofit and new-build projects.
Whether you’re specifying a new shopping centre or refurbishing an existing outlet facility or pedestrian concourse, CALMFLOOR gives you total design freedom over long-span, low-frequency floors without compromising on layout, aesthetic or commercial function.
Every unit is part of a scalable, non-intrusive solution that adapts with your space. With CALMCONNECT smart portal, you also have access to unparalleled real-time performance data and analytics to monitor floor vibration control and AMD system health at any time.
Pioneering technology designed for busy retail environments and high-traffic locations
In a busy shopping centre or outlet village, downtime isn’t an option. CALMFLOOR’s compact, portable AMD units can be installed in hours without interrupting daily operations. There’s no need to evacuate tenants, block off sections or alter existing architectural finishes – your building stays operational throughout.
Our simulation service analyses the modal properties of your building to predict how floor vibration behaves across long, column-free spans. We model multiple use-case scenarios, validate optimal unit positions and confirm vibration control efficacy, before a single unit is installed.
Ideal for:
Shopping centres and retail parks
Outlet villages and mixed-use commercial hubs
Airport retail zones and pedestrian concourses
Supermarkets and large floor-plate stores
Walkways, atria and multi-level gallerias
Staff operation zones with trolleys, lifts and handling equipment
Talk to us about floor vibration control for your commercial or retail project
CALMFLOOR enables retail and commercial developers to prioritise visitor experience, design ambition, operational performance – and Net Zero alignment – without compromise. Whether you’re working on a flagship centre, an urban retail regeneration project or a high-traffic mixed-use development, we’ll help you deliver vibration performance where it matters most.
Why CALMFLOOR?
Reduces floor vibration by up to 90%
No structural intervention, your space stays operational
Simulation-led planning ensures optimal placement and coverage
67kg (147lbs) portable units install in hours, not weeks
Supports long-span, open-plan, column-free designs
Real-time system insight with CALMCONNECT smart portal