Background
This project involved the development of a £15 million new modular build construction, which comprised three floors, including a plant floor, at Newham University Hospital, London. The ground and first floors included a standard ward, a critical care unit, central clinical support areas, and an admin area.
We were commissioned by Health Spaces to provide acoustic consultancy services from RIBA design stages 3 to 6, to ensure that the design satisfied the relevant requirements in HTM 08-01[note a], BS8233 and BREEAM[note b] with regard to internal ambient noise levels, sound insulation, reverberation time criteria and plant noise emissions. We also provided a noise assessment report to accompany a planning application and acoustic commissioning testing as it is a requirement of BREEAM.
[note a] The target acoustic performance standards for the scheme are based on the standards set out in the Department of Health’s Health Technical Memorandum 08-01: Acoustics.
[note b] BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 criteria for Healthcare Facilities has been used to assess the building to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’.
HTM 08-01 outlines the importance of acoustic design for quality and wellbeing for all staff and patients, and particularly for those with special listening needs:
“Acoustic design is fundamental to the quality of healthcare buildings. Sound affects us both physiologically and psychologically. Noise, which can be defined as “unwanted sound”, can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate and even blood cholesterol levels.
Pleasant sounds help create a sense of well-being. Music can be used to treat depression, to reach autistic people and to calm and relax tense patients.
Good acoustic conditions improve patient privacy and dignity…such conditions are key to healing. Good acoustic design brings other benefits in terms of patient and staff comfort and morale, as well as improved efficiency and usability of equipment.”
The development was completed utilising Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) ensured modular bays could be pre-constructed off-site away from the hospital, and later delivered to the hospital using ‘just in time’ methods.
What we did
RIBA Stage 3 and Stage 4
We established acoustic criteria with reference to achieving the relevant BREEAM credits and appropriate guidance. We worked with the client and design team to support the development of the project by undertaking reviews of the architectural and mechanical proposals at each design stage and supported in the selection of appropriate measures to ensure that the identified BREEAM credits could be achieved.
Our acoustic consultancy services included defining clear acoustic criteria aligned with BREEAM credits and relevant guidelines. Collaborating closely with the client and design team, we reviewed architectural and mechanical proposals at each design stage which ensured the incorporation of appropriate acoustic measures to meet the required BREEAM credits.
Plant Noise Assessment
We completed a noise impact assessment to evaluate the suitability of the proposed rooftop plant for the new modular ward. An environmental noise survey was performed to inform the environmental break-in noise level assessment and to establish appropriate plant noise emissions criteria.
Our findings, contingent on the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, predicted that the plant noise levels would result in a Low Impact, in accordance with BS 4142 guidance. The noise levels were assessed to ensure they would not exceed the typical background sound levels measured during both daytime and nighttime periods.
Additionally, we assessed the impact of a proposed emergency generator to be installed adjacent to the new building. This assessment involved identifying the proposed plant and its location in relation to the nearest noise-sensitive areas. We conducted outline calculations to evaluate the generator noise levels at the nearest noise-sensitive areas, in accordance with BS 4142 for nearby residential areas and HTM08-01 guidelines for the hospital building itself.
Our team supported the design team by undertaking these outline calculations and demonstrating that the proposed remedial measures would be effective in achieving the assessment criteria. We concluded that, with the proposed mitigation in place and adherence to the set plant limits, the generator noise levels would result in a Low Impact. The proposed acoustic fence was deemed sufficient to suitably mitigate the noise levels.
Project Progress
The new intensive care unit and respiratory ward opened in May 2024.
