HMRC Holyhead

Background 

In July 2022, Anderson Acoustics was commissioned by VINCI Facilities to provide acoustic consultancy services for the proposed HMRC North Wales – Inland Border Facility (IBF) at Kingsland, Holyhead. The project aimed to transform the existing Road King Truckstop into a modern facility with offices, meeting rooms, and inspection areas, ensuring a comfortable acoustic environment for all users. 

What we did 

Our objective was to achieve a “Very Good” BREEAM rating for the building (including Hea05 and Pol05 acoustic related credits). This involves meeting stringent acoustic performance standards which in turn help to enhance the comfort and productivity of building occupants. 

Key Acoustic Design Strategies 

External Noise Control: 

• Building Envelope Design: The design includes robust external walls and roofs to minimize noise ingress from the surrounding environment, particularly from HGV movements. 
• Ventilation Strategy: A full mechanical ventilation system was proposed to avoid reliance on open windows, which could otherwise compromise acoustic performance. 

 Internal Noise Management: 

• Sound Insulation: Partitions and doors and junction detailing was specified to ensure adequate sound insulation between different spaces, such as offices, meeting rooms, and inspection areas. 
• Reverberation Control: Acoustic ceilings and wall panels were installed to control reverberation times, ensuring clear communication and reducing occupancy noise levels within multiple occupancy rooms. 

Building Services Noise: 

• Mechanical Services: Noise from mechanical equipment was controlled through careful selection of quieter equipment and the use of duct silencers and vibration isolators. 
• Plant Noise: External plant noise was assessed and mitigation proposed to ensure a low noise impact on nearby noise-sensitive receptors, such as residential areas and hotels, and to achieve BREEAM credit Pol05.

Project Progress 

Our acoustic design recommendations would allow all BRREAM credits to be achieved. In September 2023, a programme of BREEAM acoustic commissioning testing successfully demonstrated compliance.