Background
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned by Walters & Cohen Architects to provide acoustic design advice in relation to the 3-storey Godolphin & Latymer School Dining Extension, Library & Sixth Form Refurbishment. The project aimed to address the differing quality offered by the existing spaces and elevations and poor connections with the buildings around it.
What we did
Brought in at RIBA Stage 3 in 2021, we developed the acoustic design strategy establishing the acoustic performance standards for the scheme including for indoor ambient noise, internal sound insulation and reverberation times to ensure compliance with the design criteria set out in the Building bulletin 93 2015 (BB93) and also to demonstrate compliance for Building Control approval.
We were then commissioned by Metis Projects in 2023 to provide ad-hoc acoustic advice during RIBA Stage 5 Construction.
- Building envelope design and ventilation strategy
We set maximum overall indoor ambient noise level targets and the proposed ventilation strategy to control environmental noise ingress. BB93 indoor ambient noise levels criteria exclude noise contribution from school related activity such as playground noise and so we advised the School would need to be manage these activities to avoid noise ingress impacting on the proposed new spaces.
Image credit Jim Stephenson
- Sound insulation between spaces
BB93 specifies targets for in situ insulation from airborne sound and impact (footsteps) sound depending on the use of adjacent rooms, and whether the partition is new or refurbished.
We set the minimum required in-situ sound insulation performance standards for each partition and recommended construction buildups, and the acoustic requirements for doors and glazed screens. We predicted sound insulation performance for bespoke CLT floor buildups and recommended suitable screedboard and acoustic cradle and batten system, to ensure that the airborne and impact sound insulation performance could be achieved between spaces.
Image credit Jim Stephenson
- Building services noise and vibration
Noise within rooms served by mechanical plant needs to be controlled to suitable levels. We set the maximum Noise Rating (NR) criteria for building services noise in spaces and advised cross-talk attenuators to be provided within air distribution systems.
Image credit Jim Stephenson
- Reverberation control
Sound absorption finishes help reduce reverberant noise build-up and increase acoustic comfort within spaces to be used by students. The objective is to provide suitable reverberation times for clear communication of speech between teacher and student, and between students.
It is also important to control build-up of reverberant noise when the class is active, and to maintain sufficient early sound reflections to support and protect the teacher’s voice. Short reverberation times are associated with lower levels of stress, improved attention, speech clarity and communication.
We set the reverberation performance standards and recommended suitable sound absorption finishes for all spaces.
Project Progress
The refurbishment was completed January 2024. For further reading head to the Walters and Cohen website here
Godolphin & Latymer School’s new library and dining building has been Highly Commended at the 2025 Civic Trust Awards.The judges called it a ‘serene learning environment’ that ‘prioritises inclusivity without compromising aesthetics’.
The building has also won the Beyond the Brief award at The American Institute of Architects UK Chapter Excellence in Design Awards 2025. The jury commented ‘This multi-faceted project has not only fulfilled their client’s need for an improved dining hall and library, but through a series of imaginative interventions, has connected and enhanced the school campus as a whole.’
The building has more recently been shortlisted for the London RIBA Awards 2026.
