Background
Anderson Acoustics was appointed by Peldon Rose to provide acoustic design review, site inspection and post completion commissioning for the fitout of the Suntory Global Spirits office at 2 Great Titchfield Street, London. The scheme comprised a high-density commercial workspace including multiple cellular meeting rooms, open plan office areas and shared building services, all subject to bespoke acoustic Employer’s Requirements.
Our role was to manage acoustic risk through construction and to confirm that the completed works met defined criteria for acoustic privacy, internal noise levels and reverberation.
The Challenge
The proposed layout included numerous adjacent meeting rooms with different privacy requirements, exposed soffits and shared ventilation ductwork. These elements increased the likelihood of airborne sound transmission, flanking sound paths and crosstalk via building services if not properly controlled.
In addition, the project adopted a bespoke Acoustic Privacy Index (API), combining measured airborne sound insulation with background noise levels. Meeting this criterion relied on consistent build quality and careful coordination between architectural, fitout and M&E packages.
Our Approach
We provided staged acoustic input, beginning with a detailed review of drawings and specifications to identify potential performance risks. This was followed by a site inspection during construction to assess detailing, workmanship and installation quality before elements were closed up.
On completion of the fitout, we undertook UKAS-accredited commissioning testing. This included airborne sound insulation testing between rooms, background noise measurements and reverberation time assessments, carried out in accordance with the Employer’s Requirements and relevant British and European Standards.
The Solution
Our reviews identified specific risks associated with shared supply air ductwork, incomplete attenuation measures and junction detailing at partitions and services penetrations. We issued clear, targeted recommendations, including the introduction of induct crosstalk attenuators, improved flanking sound control at partition heads and bases, and enhanced sealing of service penetrations.
We also reviewed the proposed moveable wall between larger meeting rooms. Advice was provided on achievable in-situ sound insulation performance and the detailing required to limit flanking transmission through floors, ceilings and adjacent linings. These measures were coordinated with the wider project team to ensure they could be implemented within the construction programme.
The Outcome
Commissioning testing confirmed that the majority of partitions and room fronts achieved the specified acoustic privacy targets. Tested airborne sound insulation between meeting rooms reached up to 48 dB D₍w₎, with corresponding Acoustic Privacy Index values of up to API 95, supporting effective speech privacy in a busy workplace environment.
Where individual results marginally fell below target values, this was clearly reported with supporting data, allowing the client team to make informed acceptance decisions. Reverberation time measurements were undertaken in unfurnished spaces and indicated that performance would improve once finishes, acoustic panels and furniture were installed.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates the importance of early acoustic review, site-based inspection and robust commissioning on complex commercial fitouts. By focusing on practical detailing and measurable performance, we supported the delivery of a workplace that meets defined acoustic requirements in a clear, evidence-led manner.
Project Progress
The fit-out was completed and the space is now in use. See more on the Peldon Rose website here
