Background
The University of Southampton appointed Neilcott Construction to refurbish and repurpose Capital House in Winchester as the new home of the Winchester School of Art. The redevelopment transformed the existing building into a contemporary teaching environment, incorporating laboratories, computer suites, studios, specialist audio facilities, exhibition spaces, offices, social learning areas and welfare facilities.
Anderson Acoustics was appointed to provide acoustic consultancy throughout the design and construction phases, supporting the project team from RIBA Stage 3 through to Stage 6 on-site commissioning. The acoustic strategy was developed to support the University’s aspirations for high-quality learning environments while contributing towards a BREEAM Excellent rating, as well as discharge of planning conditions. The project targeted achievement of BREEAM Hea 05 (Acoustic Performance) and Pol 05 (Reduction of Noise Pollution) credits.
Challenge
Adapting an existing multi-storey commercial building for educational use presented a number of acoustic challenges. The development accommodated a wide range of activities, from collaborative teaching and open-plan learning spaces to specialist facilities requiring enhanced acoustic separation, including computer laboratories and an Audio Lab.
The acoustic design needed to balance several competing requirements:
- Controlling airborne and impact sound transmission between teaching, learning and support spaces;
- Achieving suitable indoor ambient noise levels from building services systems in spaces with exposed ceiling;
- Managing reverberation within open-plan teaching spaces, laboratories and specialist rooms;
- Limiting noise breakout from building services plant, such as multiple air source heat pumps, to nearby residential properties located in a quite secluded area;
- Delivering the required acoustic performance within the constraints of an existing structure.
During construction, site inspections also identified several areas requiring additional acoustic review, including service penetrations through acoustic partitions, ventilation transfer arrangements, plant installations and specialist room construction details.
What We Did
We developed a comprehensive acoustic strategy covering façade design, internal sound insulation, room acoustics, building services noise control and external plant noise. Working alongside the architect, M&E consultants and contractor, we reviewed designs, identified acoustic risks and provided practical recommendations to maintain compliance with project requirements.
Our work included:
- Establishing performance standards for internal sound insulation between teaching spaces, offices, laboratories and specialist facilities;
- Reviewing wall, floor, ceiling and doorset constructions to achieve the required levels of acoustic separation;
- Advising on room acoustic treatments, including sound-absorbing finishes and reverberation control measures;
- Assessing building services installations and ventilation strategies to achieve internal ambient noise targets;
- Reviewing external plant proposals to support compliance with planning conditions and BREEAM noise requirements;
- Undertaking site inspections during construction, providing detailed recommendations regarding service penetrations, ventilation transfer paths, plant installations and specialist teaching spaces.
Prior to completion, we developed the acoustic commissioning methodology and carried out a programme of performance testing, including:
- Airborne sound insulation testing;
- Impact sound insulation testing;
- Indoor ambient noise measurements;
- Reverberation time assessments;
- External plant noise measurements and noise modelling.
Results
Acoustic commissioning demonstrated that the completed development achieved the project acoustic requirements and supported the targeted BREEAM credits. All tested airborne wall and floor constructions met or exceeded the applicable sound insulation criteria, while all tested impact sound insulation results achieved the project performance standards.
Indoor ambient noise measurements confirmed compliance across the tested teaching, learning and office spaces, with building services operating under representative conditions. Reverberation time testing also demonstrated compliance with the acoustic strategy requirements across the assessed areas.
To verify external noise performance, we undertook on-site plant noise measurements and developed a calibrated CadnaA environmental noise model. The assessment confirmed compliance with both daytime and night-time plant noise limits at the nearest noise-sensitive receptors, supporting planning compliance and achievement of the targeted BREEAM Pol 05 credit.
The completed acoustic assessment and commissioning programme provided evidence that Capital House delivers suitable acoustic conditions for teaching, learning and creative activities while supporting the University’s BREEAM Excellent aspirations.
Project Progress
The build is now complete
