Background
The new 2-storey office extension at BAE Systems Maritime Integration & Support Centre (MISC) in Portsmouth includes general office areas, a reception, breakout spaces, a manager’s office, a conference room, meeting rooms, WCs, and a kitchenette.
We were commissioned by VolkerFitzpatrick to provide a comprehensive acoustic assessment and commissioning programme of testing to ensure compliance with BREEAM New Construction 2018 criteria. The project aimed to achieve credits for Hea 05 (Acoustic Performance) and Pol 05 (Reduction of Noise Pollution).
What we did
Our acoustic design strategy included:-
- Acoustic Criteria: outlining the requirements for achieving three BREEAM Hea 05 credits for sound insulation, indoor ambient noise levels, and reverberation times, as well as Pol 05 credit for noise pollution reduction.
- Baseline Noise Survey: an unattended noise survey conducted to determine external noise levels and background noise levels at the nearest sensitive receptors.
- Design Recommendations: detailed recommendations for sound insulation of walls, floors, and doors, as well as guidelines for controlling indoor ambient noise levels and reverberation times.
Acoustic Commissioning
We undertake a programme of pre-completion commissioning testing to verify compliance with the design stage targets. Testing found:-
- Airborne Sound Insulation: The measured sound insulation between acoustically sensitive spaces met or exceeded the target values.
- Impact Sound Insulation: The impact sound insulation of floors also met the required standards.
- Internal Ambient Noise Levels: The measured internal ambient noise levels in various rooms were within the specified limits.
- Reverberation Time: The reverberation times in acoustically sensitive rooms were within the acceptable range.
- Plant Noise Assessment: The noise emissions from fixed plant installations were found to be within the acceptable limits, ensuring compliance with Pol 05 criteria.
Conclusion
The acoustic assessment and commissioning testing for the BAE Office Extension project successfully demonstrated compliance with BREEAM Hea 05 and Pol 05 criteria. The project achieved the targeted acoustic performance standards, ensuring a comfortable and noise-controlled environment for building users.
Project Progress
The build is complete and open for use. Head on over to VolkerFitzpatrick’s website for more information.
