Background
Neilcott Construction commissioned Anderson Acoustics to provide acoustic design advice for the refurbishment of Woking Library for Surrey County Council. The aim was to enhance the acoustic environment with respect to the Employer’s Requirements (ER) for acoustics, whilst negotiating acoustic performance standards with the SCC’s representative where appropriate.
What we did
Our acoustic strategy addressed several key areas:
- Indoor Ambient Noise Levels: Checking environmental noise ingress via existing external fabric and ventilation strategy was sufficient to meet target indoor ambient noise levels
- Internal Sound Insulation: Improving internal airborne sound insulation partitions with high-density boards and mineral wool insulation were proposed to achieve robust sound insulation performance
- Reverberation Time Control: Providing sound absorbent finishes to control reverberation time. We provided detailed recommendations for sound absorbent finishes in various spaces, including the main library space, flexible meeting rooms, and work rooms. The proposed finishes were expected to achieve the target reverberation times. Enhanced sound absorption was proposed in flexible meeting rooms for better video conferencing
- Noise Control Mitigation: Outlining noise control measures for building services noise and vibration isolation
- Noise Emissions Limits: Setting limits for noise emissions from fixed plant installations to minimize impact on neighboring premises
Conclusion
The acoustic strategy for the Woking Library refurbishment project successfully addressed the key acoustic design issues, provided alternative performance standards where necessary, and outlined measures to mitigate design risks. This ensured that the project met the target acoustic performance standards and enhanced the acoustic environment of the refurbished spaces.
Project Progress
Completed in January 2025, this refurbishment is part of the first phase of the Surrey Libraries transformation and modernisation programme facilitated by Surrey County Council’s Land and Property, Capital Projects teams.
Anderson Acoustics are also supporting the Weybridge, Redhill and Staines library refurbishment projects working again with the team at Neilcott Construction.
