Background
We were commissioned by MACE Group to conduct feasibility stage acoustics, noise, and air quality assessments for the existing building at 72 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1LA.
This building is being refurbished to serve as the new teaching facility for Cambridge Maths School. The project involves refurbishing the existing four-storey office space to create teaching spaces and office accommodation.
Our Approach
Acoustic Feasibility Study
We conducted on-site acoustic surveys to evaluate the suitability of the site and building for the new school, ensuring compliance with Building Bulletin 93 indoor ambient noise level requirements and Local Authority noise policies.
An environmental noise survey was performed around the site to establish baseline sound levels. This included simultaneous short-term attended indoor and outdoor measurements at representative locations to benchmark existing indoor ambient noise levels within the proposed rooms.
Our findings indicated that the proposed ventilation strategy and existing facade performance would meet the minimum BB93 indoor ambient noise level standards for refurbishment and the enhanced standards for new builds in many spaces. We concluded that there would be no adverse noise impacts from the development.
Air Quality Assessment
This assessment aimed to evaluate the potential effects of existing air quality on future occupants and the impact of the development on the local environment. Using measures NO2 Concentrations from nearby diffusion tubes, we considered pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
The results indicated that the site is suitable for school use without the need for additional air quality mitigation measures. The impact of the development on local air quality was considered negligible.
Project Progress
In September 2023, Cambridge City Council issued a decision notice stating that Prior Approval would not be required, provided that the noise insulation scheme and mitigation measures we proposed are fully implemented, maintained, and not altered.
