34-40 White Church Lane

Background 

Re-Format Architects LLP commissioned Anderson Acoustics to provide acoustic consultancy for a new mixed-use development in Aldgate, London. The project involves demolishing existing buildings and constructing an 18-storey building with commercial spaces on the lower floors and residential units above. 

What we did 

Objectives 

The primary goal was to ensure the new development meets the acoustic requirements set by the Tower Hamlets Council and the Building Regulations Approved Document E (ADE). This includes controlling noise from external sources, ensuring sound insulation between different building areas, and managing noise from building services. 

Site Description 

The site is located at 34-40 White Church Lane and 29-31 Commercial Road. The development will feature commercial spaces on the basement, ground, and first floors, with 39 residential units above. The area is characterized by significant road traffic noise, which needed to be addressed in the acoustic design. 

Challenges and Solutions 

• Road Traffic Noise: The primary challenge was mitigating the high levels of road traffic noise. This can be addressed through the use of high-performance glazing and a well-designed ventilation system. 
• Mixed-Use Nature: Ensuring adequate sound insulation between commercial and residential areas requires careful selection of materials and construction techniques. 
• Building Services: Controlling noise and vibration from building services involves detailed planning and the use of specialized equipment. 

Acoustic Design Approach 

External Building Fabric:

• Glazing and Ventilation: The design includes high-performance glazing and a mechanical ventilation system to minimize noise ingress while maintaining good indoor air quality. 
• Wall Construction: The external walls to be designed to provide sufficient sound insulation to achieve comfortable internal noise levels. 

 Internal Building Fabric: 

• Sound Insulation: The separating walls and floors between residential units to be designed to meet or exceed the sound insulation standards set by ADE. This will ensure privacy and comfort for residents. 
• Reverberation Control: Measures to be taken to control reverberation in common areas, such as corridors and stairwells, to improve acoustic comfort. 

 Building Services Noise and Vibration Control: 

• Plant Noise: Noise from building services, such as air handling units and generators, to be controlled through the use of attenuators and vibration isolators to prevent disturbance to residents and neighboring properties. 
• Vibration Control: All vibrating plant equipment to be mounted on vibration isolators to prevent the transmission of vibrations through the building structure. 

Project Progress 

An amended application incorporating some layout changes including a second staircase was submitted in April 2024 pending a decision by Tower Hamlets Council.