Acoustics & Vibrations Services
Planning
In line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), noise assessments are often required by the Local Authorities at the planning stage of new development. Now, more than ever before, the need for an adequate acoustics design, that is compatible with the ventilation and overheating requirements for new buildings is crucial. Sustainable construction is directly linked to well-designed buildings which address resident’s health and well-being whilst reducing maintenance costs.
Our team communicates with the relevant entities, including the local authority, to effectively address all the requirements, using a comprehensive approach. We support an array of clients who find themselves in need of guidance with their planning applications.
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Relevant documents
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National Planning Policy Framework
Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE)
PAN 1/2011​
Acoustics Ventilation and Overheating (ANC)
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Building Acoustics
Building Regulations Approved Document E (ADE) sets out requirements for dwelling-houses, flats, rooms for residential purposes, and schools. Furthermore, all new-builds and refurbishments require acoustic design considerations to safeguard their users’ comfort and productivity. The acoustic design is dependent on the function of the building, the client’s aspirations, and its overall architectural features and layout.
With the help of state-of-the-art software and equipment, we can provide advice on standard specifications or develop high-performance bespoke constructions to ensure the acoustics environment within your building is suitable for its purpose. We assess buildings in a holistic manner allowing us to find opportunities for a better design and performance, therefore enabling cost-effective and sustainable solutions.
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Relevant documents
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Resistance to sound: Approved Document E
BB93: acoustic design of schools - performance standards
Health Technical Memorandum 08-01: Acoustics
Room Acoustics
There is no doubt that poor room acoustics design can have a detrimental effect on health, comfort, and performance. Excess noise and reverberation or inadequate privacy levels are some of the most common issues we face.
Conversely, there is a multitude of benefits that can be attributed to effective room acoustics design, e.g. enhanced communication and comfort, heightened levels of concentration, and increase of productivity.
We provide full design advice to our clients, enabling adequate acoustics environments for offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, rehearsal rooms, cinemas, or performance spaces.
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Relevant documents
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BS EN ISO 3382-1:2009
Acoustics. Measurement of room acoustic parameters. Performance spaces
BS EN ISO 3382-3:2012
Acoustics. Measurement of room acoustic parameters. Open-plan offices
Environmental Noise
Excessive environmental noise can impact people’s life quality considerably. With more than 50% of the world's population now residing in urban areas, the increase in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings has contributed significantly to a rise in noise levels.
We have a significant amount of experience with environmental noise impact assessments on buildings and external amenity areas and are able to develop suitable mitigation solutions, in line with our client’s aspirations and the Local Authority requirements.
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Relevant documents
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Construction Noise
The combination of high vibrations, continuous noise and impulsive loud noises from tools and machinery can cause significant adverse impacts on sensitive receivers. A mitigation strategy may be required to ensure that the works are not temporarily suspended.
Our team offers practical advice at an early stage to ensure that you can carry out the required works whilst comply with the pre-set noise emission limits.
We develop a Noise and Vibration Management Plan that includes best practices, a mitigation strategy and monitoring details. Continuous noise and vibration monitoring can also be carried out to consistently inform on strategy effectiveness.
We use state-of-the-art equipment and software to predict and assess impacts at sensitive receivers.
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Relevant documents
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BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014
Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. NoiseBS 5228-2:2009+A1:2014
Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. Vibration
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Vibration
It’s often the case that sites for building developments are located close to the source of large-scale vibrations, with the occupants of both residential and commercial plots regularly left ruing the after-effects of poor planning.
Granted, there are circumstances where projects will inevitably find themselves being built near a source of vibration such as railway lines or industrial sites. Nonetheless, there are ways that the impact of vibrations can be significantly reduced, in turn, improving the overall comfort for the inhabitant.
We assist a variety of clients reducing the likelihood of risks that can be attributed to vibrations. Our approach allows us to identify viable mitigation solutions and ensure that you can work and live in maximum comfort, with the added assurances that the advice that we have provided complies with stringent regulations and requirements.
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Relevant documents
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BS 6472-1:2008
Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings. Vibration sources other than blastingBS 5228-2:2009+A1:2014
Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. Vibration
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