Frequently Asked Questions

In this section you can find some common questions and answers related to our services.

We specialize in a wide range of acoustics services, including Building Acoustics (residential, commercial, mixed-use, gyms, restaurants, faith buildings, hospitals and community centres), Education, (Schools, Colleges, Universities), Planning, Construction Noise and Vibration, Dust and Air Quality Assessments, Soundscapes, Aviation, Environmental Assessment, and SIT (Sound Insulation Testing).

Our FAQ is arranged by the sectors in which we work. The Architectural Acoustics section below focuses on just that – Acoustics for Architectural Design purposes. We hope arranging the FAQ in this way helps you navigate to the most relevant information for your purposes. If you have additional questions or require specific information regarding our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us or consult the sector/services web pages which provide more details as to our remit including case studies of relevant projects.

We’re here to assist you in all matters related to acoustics, air quality, vibration and noise control.

Building acoustics focuses on controlling sound within structures to ensure a comfortable and productive environment. It’s essential for reducing noise transmission and enhancing privacy in residential and commercial buildings.

No, dispute work is outside of our core expertise. This applies both to residential and commercial neighbours that may be causing a disturbance. If you are experiencing noise annoyance, any testing or assessment by an acoustic consultant may not in itself progress your objective and we advise working with a consultant that specializes in this area of neighbour noise and disputes. An acoustic consultant cannot say if a nuisance is being caused and/or ensure something is done about it, but can measure noise levels and assess sound insulation in the property.

Yes, we offer noise assessments, soundproofing recommendations/solutions, and acoustic design services to address noise issues in various building types.

Noise reduction can be achieved through better insulation, acoustic panels, and soundproofing materials. Consultation with us can help design specific solutions. We can provide recommendations for acoustic treatments, such as sound-absorbing materials, partition design, and other noise mitigation solutions.

Designing a home theatre with good acoustics involves using sound-absorbing materials on walls, ceilings, and floors, strategically placing speakers, and optimizing the room’s dimensions to minimize standing waves. Acoustic treatments can also be used to control reflections and improve audio quality.

Yes, we do. We provide measurement and monitoring of a workforce’s daily noise exposure, as well as tailored health and safety action plans to reduce noise exposure in the workplace and meet noise at work regulations.

Navigate to our Building Acoustics sector page for more information Note, we do not provide or install products but do the testing, analysis and recommendations for which treatments will provide optimum mitigation and best acoustic performance. Depending on current resourcing at the time of your enquiry we may not be able to take on smaller private residential jobs but do send your enquiry and we will endeavour to help you even if it is referring you onwards to someone that can do the job.

Schools, colleges, and universities are acoustically challenging environments, and noisy classrooms are often cited as an issue. It is vital that teachers and students are able to hear and be heard, and research suggests that acoustic conditions in the classroom can have a significant influence on educational outcomes.

Yes, we provide acoustic consultancy services to optimize classroom and lecture hall acoustics, ensuring a conducive learning environment in accordance with BB93 guidelines. We assess and help design spaces to minimize background noise and maximize speech intelligibility. Our work with schools/colleges and universities includes troubleshooting and benchmark testing for problematic spaces across teaching and administration areas (this might include poor sound insulation of walls and floors, high levels of noise ingress or systems noise, rain noise, and lack of sound absorption resulting in echoey spaces) as well as providing acoustic design advice for refurbishment projects and new build schemes.

Yes, we provide noise assessments for all types of MUGA (multi-use games areas). We have found that the recent increase in popularity of MUGAs across the country has led to a rise of noise-related issues associated with their use be it as part of an educational site or community-based site.

When replacing RAAC roofing slabs, a replacement lightweight roof needs to be checked to ensure environmental noise ingress (for schools near to airports for example), rain noise, and fixed plant noise ingress are not going to be an issue, and sound insulation of walls is not compromised by transmission via the partition head. Replacement ceilings need to include fixed or suspended sound absorption and/or acoustic wall panels in order to achieve good control of reverberation time and hence suitable listening conditions for all students. If your school is affected by the RAAC crisis, or you happen to be involved with the refurbishment of one, we can offer advice as part of our pro bono scheme to check the potential impact of alternative facilities and upgrade schemes on acoustics and listening in schools.

Navigate to our Schools sector page for more information

We offer guidance on acoustic design, noise regulations compliance, and construction materials selection to ensure projects meet noise-related requirements. We also provide monitoring services for the construction phase of your project including noise, vibration and dust monitoring.

Yes, we can. Whether you are submitting a planning application for your residential or commercial development premises, installing a building services plant, building a skate park, a recycling facility or even conducting a formal EIA for a major development, we have the experience, expertise and tools to provide a sustainable solution for environmental noise control that meets your needs.

Yes, we can. If you have received communication from the Local Council itemizing planning conditions related to noise, vibration, and/or air quality requirements, we are able to help you meet these so they are discharged allowing you to proceed with the application.

Yes, we do. Air quality levels are coming under increasing scrutiny from planning authorities and local councils. We can provide expert monitoring, testing and consultative services to ensure you meet the required standards in both indoor and outdoor environments and across numerous emission sources

Navigate to our Planning sector page for more information

Soundscape planning focuses on creating pleasant and sustainable acoustic environments in urban areas, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Yes, we offer soundscaping solutions to reduce noise pollution and improve the acoustic experience in public areas like parks, plazas, and streets.

Aural diversity refers to the variability of human hearing and comprises the spectrum between part to full deafness, as well as disorders such as tinnitus (perception of sound when no sound is present, such as clicking, buzzing, hissing or roaring sounds), hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to sound) and misophonia (negative emotional reactions to certain trigger sounds), amongst many others. Our Soundscape team applies the approach of designing for the user groups with the most pressing needs acoustically, such as persons who have hearing loss, acoustic sensitivity, social emotional and mental health needs or visual impairments, effectively ensuring the result works for the majority, that have more typical hearing

Navigate to our Soundscapes sector page for more information

We provide noise impact assessments for airports, as well as recommendations for noise mitigation/management strategies and land-use planning near aviation facilities. We also provide building acoustics assessments as part of community noise insulation schemes helping airports in their efforts to improve the impact of their operations on the neighbouring affected communities.

Navigate to our Aviation sector page for more information

Where a development of an industrial or commercial nature has the potential to impact on nearby residents by way of noise, a noise impact assessment is normally required.

Our assessments are performed in accordance with the latest guidance, standards, and regulations, including BS4142:2014 when it comes to industrial and commercial noise.

When potential impact on air quality is likely, an air quality assessment may be necessary. We provide air quality and dust impact assessments across all sectors, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process or as required by planning conditions. Our assessments are tailored to your project to identify any sources of emissions and/or local receptors.

Navigate to our Environmental Assessment sector page, BS4142 Assessments and Air Quality Assessments service pages for more information

Sound insulation testing assesses the soundproofing performance of building elements. It’s often required in new residential and commercial developments to meet building code standards.

Yes, we can test sound insulation in both new and existing structures to ensure they meet or exceed relevant acoustic regulations. Our minimum fee is £950 + VAT but this might increase depending on the site-specific requirements. Contact us for a quote.

We are a UKAS Accredited Test body for sound insulation. We conduct testing in full accordance with the test methodology stipulated in Approved Document E of the Building Regulations.

Pre-completion sound testing should be carried out at a stage in the construction process when the building is essentially complete but before the application of decorative finishes.

Rooms which will be tested need to be vacant whilst the test is undertaken, due to the high noise levels generated by the test process. We also require 240v power in each unit to be tested.

Navigate to our Sound Insulation Testing sector page for more information Note, we do not provide or install products but do the testing, analysis and recommendations for which treatments will provide mitigation. Depending on current resourcing at the time of your enquiry we may not be able to take on smaller private residential jobs but do enquire and we will endeavour to help you even if it is referring you onwards to someone that can do the job.

Architectural acoustics is the study of sound in buildings, as well as the design of those structures for the best acoustic performance, which includes sound transmission and sound insulation, room acoustics, speech intelligibility, and sound insulation for speech privacy. It involves designing spaces to enhance or control the way sound behaves, ensuring that the acoustic environment is suitable for its intended purpose.

Architectural acoustics is crucial for creating comfortable, functional, and safe environments. It affects how well we can communicate, work, learn, and enjoy our surroundings. Proper acoustic design is essential for minimizing noise, enhancing sound quality, and creating pleasant spaces to support the range of activities in the space. It is also important to consider universal acoustic design to satisfy the acoustic needs and preferences of everyone who uses the space, to make them accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, social background, or other factors.

Key factors include sound absorption, sound reflection, sound transmission, and the control of noise sources. Architects and engineers use various techniques and materials to address these factors in their designs.

Sound absorption is the ability of materials to reduce sound reflections within a room, while sound insulation refers to the ability of structures to block the transmission of sound transmission from one area to another. Both are crucial for achieving desirable acoustic environments.

Reverberation time is the time it takes for a sound to decay by 60 dB in a closed space. It is an important parameter for assessing the acoustics of a room, affecting how music and speech are heard and perceived.

To reduce echoes and reverberation, you can use sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels, curtains, and carpets. These materials help dampen sound reflections, improving speech clarity and overall acoustic comfort.

Common materials include acoustic panels, diffusers, absorptive ceiling tiles, wall insulation, and acoustic curtains. The choice of material depends on the specific acoustic needs of a space.

Poor acoustic design in workplaces can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress, and difficulties in communication, and a reduction in the perception of psychological safety. It can also contribute to a less comfortable and less efficient work environment.

Schools, colleges, and universities are acoustically challenging environments and noisy classrooms are often cited as an issue. It is vital that teachers and students are able to hear and be heard, and research suggests that acoustic conditions in the classroom can have a significant influence on educational outcomes. Listening is one of the most important activities within an educational setting. If the acoustic environment is poor, pupils struggle to understand and retain information. Its particularly challenging for pupils who have special hearing or communication needs (SHCN), English as an additional language (EAL) or for young children in primary schools.

In urban environments, sound insulation is crucial. This can involve using double-glazed windows, insulating walls, and sealing gaps and cracks to minimize sound transmission. Sound-absorbing materials can also help reduce internal noise. Green infrastructure can also help improve the perception of noise in urban environments.

Yes, architectural acoustics can be applied to existing buildings and structures through retrofitting. This may involve adding sound-absorbing materials, improving insulation, or redesigning interior spaces to enhance acoustic quality.

Yes, various products are available to improve sound insulation and sound absorption whilst meeting other needs for heritage buildings (e.g. breathable materials, vermin proof, minimal fixings, removable and relocatable systems etc).

Remember that architectural acoustics is a specialized field, and it's essential to consult with experts such as us when planning acoustic improvements in your space to ensure the best results. Contact us if you have a project in mind and need our help.

Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 is referred to when an application is made to the local authority for consent to carry out construction/demolition works, which are likely to have a significant impact on the neighborhood due to its generation of noise and vibration. As a developer, the rules are that an application for a section 61 consent should be made within 28 days before the intended works are to take place. If you have carried out any works prior to this date, except for any minor preparation, then a prior consent will not be issued.

We work with you to assess the noise, vibration, and dust impacts of the proposed construction works and provide mitigation solutions. If required we can also develop a Construction Noise, Dust and Vibration Management Plan.

The requirement for noise, vibration, and dust monitoring of demolition and construction sites is becoming the norm around built-up areas. We offer specific solutions for attended and unattended noise, vibration and dust monitoring to meet your specific requirements. A variety of monitoring systems can be offered that can send you an email or text alert on exceedances, or alternatively we can provide “live” systems connected to the internet

Navigate to our Construction , Infrastructure sector pages and Section 61 service page for more information