Background
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned by Neilcott Construction to undertake a programme of pre-completion testing to assess compliance with BREEAM 2014 criteria and relevant planning conditions for this scheme in Sidcup, London.
The development comprises a four-storey building providing a 3-screen cinema with an additional studio, a library, a café and bar and 9 residential flats.
The commercial element of the development was seeking BREEAM New Construction 2018 Very Good rating.
Image source Neilcott Construction
What we did
- Internal ambient noise commissioning testing
The Local Authority set criteria for the development related to the level of noise protection to all habitable rooms required to achieve the internal levels specified in British Standard (BS) 8233.
We undertook detailed noise measurements of internal ambient noise levels and reverberation time measurements within selected flats. The results showed compliance with the requirements.
Image source Neilcott Construction
- BREEAM POL05
We conducted testing to determine compliance with planning conditions related to plant noise, and the credit targeted under Pol 05.
Conditions referenced guidance on the rating of noise from fixed installations and sources of an industrial nature provided in British Standard (BS) 4142. This standard provides a procedure for the measurement and rating of noise levels outside dwellings in mixed residential and industrial areas and so has been adopted for this assessment.
The testing showed the development complied with BREEAM Pol 05 requirements and we advised 1 BREEAM credit could be awarded.
- BREEAM HEA05
We conducted testing to determine compliance with the three credits targeted under Hea 05. A programme of sound insulation testing, reverberation time, internal ambient noise level measurements and plant noise measurements was undertaken.
The testing was to show that the finished building achieves the acoustic performance targets developed at design stage in connection with BREEAM Hea 05 credits. We concluded internal ambient noise and reverberation time measurements comfortably achieved design targets. In summary, all three credits sought under BREEAM Hea 05 could be achieved.
- Pre-completion sound insulation testing
Sound insulation tests were carried out between sample rooms of flats within the development. We undertook 2 airborne wall, 2 airborne floor and 2 impact floor tests between units. The purpose of the sound insulation testing was to ascertain whether the construction of separating walls and floors complied with the numerical performance standards stated in Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. The results indicated that all tests complied.
Project Progress
The Sidcup Storyhouse development was completed and fully open by Spring 2023 and continues to gain accolade for its unique architecture and setting it provides for library and movie go-ers alike!
Winner of the LABC Building Excellence Awards for Best Community or Public Building, Winner of the ‘Civic Project’ category, Architects’ Journal Awards 2024, Winner at the Civic Awards Trust 2025 and RIBA London Award 2025.
Image source Really Local Group
