Acoustics Engineering

Acoustics and noise are important considerations in designing buildings.

• In residential buildings, new build and change of use developments must meet the requirements of Part E of the building regulations for sound insulation.
• In educational buildings, Building Bulletin 93 dictates the standards to which schools should adhere when it comes to acoustics and noise as this may impact learning.
• While commercial buildings do not have the same requirements placed on them as residential and educational buildings, poor acoustics and noise control within office buildings may lead to loss in productivity and compromised confidentiality.

Acoustic design consultation

Where design consultation is required, we are able to work with the designer from the conceptual stage through to post-completion testing. This may include:

• Advice on the regulations and British Standards that apply to the development and the best way to achieve them
• Party wall and floor insulation modelling and assessment
• Review of detailing to prevent flanking transmission
• Room acoustic design for control of reverberation within work and learning environments
• Open plan office acoustics design for enhanced productivity and wellbeing
• Ambient noise levels and environmental impact
• Design for confidentiality

Planning Disputes

Planning disputes related to noise and noise nuisance cases can be difficult to resolve without a thorough investigation. Whether it is for an appeal against planning refusal or arguing against planning permission, the discussion often becomes very technical. In cases of noise nuisance, experts often step in where environmental health departments cannot help. We understand how disturbing noise can become to residents, impacting their quality of life. We are equally aware of the harsh restrictions which may be placed on industry due to the individual sensitivity of complainants.

Where disputes arise through failure to meet the standards and regulations, we can offer:

• Review of the robustness of acoustics reports and design advice
• Review of tender documentation in determining correct specification for the achievement of the relevant requirements
• Sound insulation and reverberation testing and comparison with the relevant requirements
• Solutions for retrospective mitigation and improvement in confidentiality