Background
Neilcott Construction Ltd appointed Anderson Acoustics to provide acoustic consultancy for this Surrey Independent Living Development project. The development comprises six self-contained apartments and two five-bedroom townhouses, designed for supported independent living, on the site of the former Manor School in Byfleet.
The project aimed to meet stringent acoustic requirements set out in previous Acoustic Design reports and Building Regulations Approved Document E (ADE), ensuring a high standard of living for future residents.
Challenge
The primary challenge was the site’s proximity to the M25 motorway, approximately 300 metres away, which resulted in a noise climate dominated by consistent motorway noise.
The acoustic design needed to address:
- External noise ingress from the motorway and other sources;
- Sound insulation between dwellings and between noise-generating areas (e.g., plant rooms) and adjacent living spaces;
- Control of reverberation in communal areas;
- Internal noise from building services;
- Compliance with both employer’s requirements and statutory regulations.
What We Did
Comprehensive Acoustic Review:
- External Building Fabric: All façade elements were assessed to ensure they met or exceeded minimum performance requirements. The external wall and roof constructions were designed to provide robust sound reduction;
- Ventilation and Glazing: The ventilation strategy combined trickle vents and openable windows for normal and purge ventilation, with acoustic passive vents for overheating scenarios. Glazing specifications were selected to maintain indoor noise levels within recommended limits;
- Internal Sound Insulation: Separating walls and floors were specified to comply with or surpass ADE standards. Enhanced solutions were proposed for partitions adjacent to plant rooms and stairwells, with careful attention to junction detailing to prevent flanking noise transmission;
- Building Services and Penetrations: Recommendations included resilient anti-vibration mounts for all noise-producing equipment, robust detailing for service penetrations, and acoustic treatment for soil vent and rainwater pipes;
- Reverberation Control: Absorptive finishes such as Class C acoustic ceiling panels and carpets were specified for communal areas, with calculations ensuring compliance with ADE requirements.
Conclusion
The acoustic design for SIL Byfleet addresses the challenges of a noise-sensitive site, delivering solutions that ensure a comfortable and compliant living environment.
Recommendations for further enhancements, such as increased absorption in specific corridors and stairwells, were provided to future-proof the development and maintain high standards for residents.
Project Progress
The Byfleet Supported Independent Living Development opened in the Autumn of 2025.
A similar supported independent living development in Cobham was completed February this year. The first development in Horley opened in October 2025. Across all three sites, 44 people will be supported to live more independently.
We are proud to have worked with Neilcott Construction on all three schemes.
