Background
Kier Construction appointed Anderson Acoustics to provide acoustic design advice for the redevelopment of St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School in Harlow. The scheme includes two new teaching blocks, a four‑court Multi‑Use Games Area (MUGA), and the retention of existing facilities. The development supports a mainstream secondary school for pupils aged 11–18, including SEND provision and a sixth form.
The acoustic strategy was developed to ensure the new facilities meet the Department for Education Output Specification and Building Bulletin 93 (BB93), providing appropriate conditions for teaching and learning, including for pupils with additional hearing and communication needs.
Challenge
The project presented a number of interrelated acoustic challenges:
- Site context: The school is located close to residential areas and major transport routes, with noise from road traffic, air traffic and school activity influencing the design.
- Performance requirements: Compliance with BB93 and DfE criteria was required across a wide range of spaces, including classrooms, music rooms, sports areas and SEND accommodation.
- External noise sources: New rooftop mechanical plant and the proximity of the proposed MUGA to teaching spaces and neighbouring dwellings required careful assessment and mitigation.
- Design constraints: Open‑plan areas, ventilation strategies and building services penetrations required coordinated solutions to control noise transmission without compromising functionality.
What We Did
Acoustic strategy and assessment
We developed a project‑wide acoustic strategy informed by site noise surveys and predictive modelling. Space‑specific performance targets were set with reference to BB93, the DfE Output Specification and the Equality Act 2010, providing a clear basis for design decisions.
Building envelope and ventilation
Advice was provided on glazing and façade constructions to control external noise ingress. We worked closely with the design team to support the use of hybrid ventilation systems, including HVR units and windcatchers, allowing internal noise criteria to be met without reliance on open windows in sensitive spaces such as SEN classrooms and music rooms. Where strict BB93 compliance was not achievable, alternative performance standards were developed, supported by technical justification and agreed with the client.
Internal sound insulation and room acoustics
Wall, floor and ceiling constructions were reviewed and coordinated to achieve the required airborne and impact sound insulation. Room acoustic treatments, including acoustic rafts, suspended ceilings and wall panels, were specified to control reverberation times. Particular attention was given to junction detailing, flanking transmission and vibration control associated with building services.
Plant and MUGA noise
We undertook 3D noise modelling of all proposed external plant and the new MUGA, assessing impacts at the nearest noise‑sensitive receptors. Mitigation measures, including acoustic barriers and attenuation, were recommended where required to ensure compliance with local authority noise limits.
Outcome
The agreed design will meet the relevant acoustic criteria for educational buildings, including BB93 and the DfE Output Specification. Where alternative performance standards were required, these were robustly justified and formally agreed.
The noise modelling demonstrates that, with the proposed mitigation in place, noise from mechanical plant and the MUGA will remain within acceptable limits for both the school and surrounding residential properties. The final scheme provides appropriate acoustic conditions across teaching, specialist and ancillary spaces, supporting clear communication, inclusivity for SEND pupils and flexible use of the facilities. The strategy also allows for future adaptability, with clear guidance for the management of open‑plan areas and building services.
Project Progress
Construction commenced at the start of the Summer holidays in 2025. The steel frame is now up and the project is making great progress.
