Building Acoustic Design
The acoustic design of buildings can have a large influence on their fitness for purpose, quality of environment and effectiveness of occupants. Most buildings benefit from good acoustic design, whether an obvious but specialised case such as ensuring an auditorium ‘sounds’ good, or more common applications such as making sure that meeting rooms function correctly, houses encourage good resting and sleeping conditions or restaurants provide an environment conducive to enjoying tasty food.
Acoustic design can cover a wide variety of areas including:
- Internal sound level
- Sound insulation between spaces
- Reverberation, sound absorption and reflection
- Soundscape
- Mechanical services noise and fixed plant
Acoustic design forms an important part of new build projects and also refurbishments or repurposing conversions. The precise targets, design and considerations vary between building types, so please contact us to discuss the requirements of your particular project.
BREEAM
BREEAM assessments can apply to many types of buildings including healthcare, commercial, industrial, law court and educational projects. Credits are available for acoustics under POL 05 ‘Reduction of Noise Pollution’ and Hea 05 ‘Acoustic Performance.’
The exact requirements for obtaining BREEAM credits and the number available are dependent on the nature of the development, and whether it is a full fit, shell and core or shell only development. For credits to be awarded for acoustics, a suitably qualified consultant should be involved at all stages from design through to end stage tests to prove compliance.
We offer pre construction surveys, design advice and consultancy, ad-hoc assistance and post construction testing for all types of development. If the project you are involved in is subject to a BREEAM assessment or you would like to discuss the implications of pursuing acoustic credits, please contact us and we shall be delighted to discuss this with you.
Please contact us to discuss any aspect of acoustics in buildings
