Background
We were commissioned by VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd in 2023 to undertake a BREEAM assessment for two units of the proposed logistics park development, Magna Park Corby (MPC) in Northamptonshire. The construction included a distribution warehouse and a manufacturing centre – Europe’s largest modular home facility for TopHat.
The full development was to comprise of 6 no. B2/B8 use warehouses. Unit 2 (MPC2) consisted of a 54,500 square metre warehouse with Unit 3 (MPC3) consisting of a 61,000 square metre warehouse. Both units were to also have open plan offices and transport offices.
A BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating was sought for the development.
What We Did
We provided advice to support both projects through the design and construction phases. For developments of this type, the maximum acoustics related credits available are one credit for acoustic performance (Hea 05) and one credit for reduction of noise pollution (Pol 05).
The office spaces were subject to achieving compliance with BREEAM Hea 05 ‘Indoor ambient noise levels’ (IANL) for industrial ‘shell and core’ buildings.
As both buildings were to have fixed plant items serving the office spaces and given that there were sensitive receptors located within 800m of the building, an assessment in line with Pol 05 was required to ensure the amenity of these residential premises would be protected from plant noise emissions.
Image source VolkerFitzpatrick
BREEAM Acoustic Assessment
We established performance requirements in accordance with BREEAM criteria in relation to indoor ambient noise levels for the open plan and hub offices associated to the development (Hea 05). Noise levels at the office facades (and later, at the nearest noise sensitive receptors) were predicted using the CadnaA noise modelling suite. The model incorporated ground contours, nearby buildings, road traffic noise, and drawings of the proposed site provided by VolkerFitzpatrick.
A noise impact assessment from fixed plant noise installations was also undertaken, to protect the amenity of nearest noise sensitive premises (Pol 05).
The results of the assessment indicated the proposed design of both units should achieve two credits under BREEAM 2018 (one for Hea 05 and one for Pol 05).
Acoustic Commissioning Testing
We undertook a programme of pre-completion testing to determine compliance with BREEAM New Construction 2018 criteria for internal ambient noise levels and plant noise emissions at both sites.
Both IANL and plant noise emission targets were met, therefore we advised both the Hea 05 and Pol 05 credits should be awarded.
Project Progress
VolkerFitzpatrick completed the two units in 2023. For more information click here
