Background
Anderson Acoustics was appointed by WW Martin Ltd as acoustic consultant for a new purpose-built student accommodation development at Giles Lane, Canterbury. The project comprises a three-storey building providing 91 student units, together with communal, amenity and plant spaces. The development was designed to comply with Building Regulations and to support the achievement of a BREEAM “Excellent” rating.
Our Role
Our appointment covered acoustic consultancy input during the design development and technical design stages, together with an environmental plant noise assessment to support planning and BREEAM requirements. Services were provided across RIBA Stages 3 and 4, with continued coordination as the design progressed.
Project Context
The site is influenced by road traffic noise from surrounding routes and is located close to existing residential properties. Internally, the building layout required careful consideration of sound insulation between student bedrooms, circulation spaces, communal areas and building services. External plant noise also required assessment to ensure suitable control at nearby noise-sensitive receptors.
Our Approach
We worked alongside the wider design team to provide structured acoustic advice as the scheme developed. This included:
- Establishing acoustic performance targets in line with Building Regulations, BS 8233 and BREEAM criteria;
- Reviewing layouts, constructions and junction details to support appropriate sound insulation between key spaces;
- Advising on façade design, glazing and ventilation strategies to manage external noise ingress;
- Providing guidance on room acoustics and sound absorption within common areas;
- Undertaking baseline noise monitoring and predictive modelling to assess plant noise emissions and identify appropriate mitigation;
- Supporting the contractor during construction through design clarifications and review of acoustic details
This approach allowed acoustic considerations to be addressed as part of the coordinated design process.
Outcomes
The acoustic design reviews and assessments demonstrated that the proposed scheme could meet the relevant internal noise, sound insulation and environmental noise criteria, subject to the recommended measures being incorporated. The work supported compliance with the requirements for BREEAM Hea 05 and Pol 05 credits.
Testing and Verification
Post-completion acoustic testing was undertaken to verify the performance of the constructed building. Testing confirmed that the development achieved the required standards for sound insulation in accordance with Approved Document E, and satisfied the relevant acoustic criteria for BREEAM Hea 05. Environmental noise assessments and mitigation measures also demonstrated compliance with BREEAM Pol 05 requirements.
Conclusion
Through ongoing coordination and targeted acoustic advice, we supported the delivery of a student accommodation scheme that meets regulatory requirements and provides appropriate acoustic conditions for occupants and neighbouring properties.
Project Progress
The construction project is now complete. Read more on WW Martin’s website
