Acoustics Case Studies
Whether it’s acoustic consultancy, monitoring or vibration mitigation, our case studies are an independent demonstration of successful solutions across a broad range of sectors.
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Big Yellow Storage Facility
Acoustics case study
Big Yellow Storage Facility
Background
Galliford Try were appointed to construct a new Big Yellow Storage facility in Wapping which is in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
The project consists of a multi-phased project from: substructure; superstructure work; and an internal fit-out phase.
SRL were appointed by Galliford Try to prepare and submit to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, S61 (CoPA 1974) applications for the durations of the project.Challenge
The site was very close to sensitive residential receptors which have been subject to noise and vibration issues from a previous contractor carrying out works on the site.
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets had imposed noise and vibration constraints to help protect sensitive receptors and stakeholders from the effects of the construction work.Solution
SRL worked very closely with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets EHO’s to gain agreement on noise and vibration levels for the construction project and produced a comprehensive application with appropriate noise and vibration predictions, construction method statements and appropriate mitigation measures.
The application was consented by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and there have been no complaints of noise and vibration from the construction works to date. Completion of the first phase of works is estimated to be the end of September 2025. -
Avanti Fields School, Leicester
Acoustics case study
Avanti Fields School, Leicester
Background
BAM Construction was appointed to deliver the new Avanti Fields School, a through school consisting of a 6FE secondary school, a 2FE primary school with a 52-place nursery and separate collective worship space. The scheme also included three separate multi-use games areas (MUGAs).
Challenge
The proposed MUGAs were sited close to existing residential receptors. Leicester City Council’s Local Plan states that developments will be permitted, provided that there is no significant adverse effect on the privacy and amenity of nearby residents and occupiers of adjacent buildings, including matters of noise. Careful assessment of noise from the MUGAs was essential to obtain planning permission.
Solution
SRL completed a noise survey at the site to establish the pre-development background noise levels at the residential receptors. We used 3D computer modelling to calculate the likely noise from the proposed MUGAs at the receptors following the guidance given in Sport England’s ‘Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) Acoustics – Planning Implications’. This document refers to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘Guidelines for Community Noise’ which proposes guideline values for noise both inside and outside dwellings. Using the results of noise modelling we advised on mitigation measures to control noise from the worst case scenario of all three MUGAs being used simultaneously and reduce the impact of these pitches on the nearby residential dwellings. We investigated serval options for the extent and height of a close boarded fence, and recommended a 2.4m high solid fence with a minimum mass of 8 kg/m2 to meet the WHO guideline upper limits for noise.
Once planning permission was obtained, SRL also provided a full acoustic design for the school building, including construction stage support and testing. Particular attention was given to the construction of the music rooms during our site inspections to ensure that the detailing was completed correctly so that the high performance in situ sound insulation values were achieved. All walls tested during the commissioning stage achieved the minimum BB93 requirements.
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Beaulieu Park Primary School, Chelmsford
Acoustics case study
Beaulieu Park Primary School, Chelmsford
Background
R G Carter constructed the new-build Beaulieu Park Primary School, part of the greater Beaulieu Park development built by Countryside (now part of the Vistry Group) in Chelmsford, Essex.
Beaulieu Park Primary School provides accommodation for 420 primary school pupils and is Net Zero In Operation (NZIO) – it utilises PV panels and ASHPs in combination with a highly-insulated building envelope to reduce the building’s energy use to meet a target of ≤ 65 kWh/m2 per year.
Challenge
The construction process comprised a range of sustainable practices and technologies to reduce energy usage and maximise renewable energy sources (such as PV panels and ASHPs) – the school was constructed with a timber frame that was fabricated off-site. This off-site aspect presented the risk that elements of the building including acoustic details could potentially be overlooked or missed by the fabricator.
The school is in very close proximity to neighbouring residential dwellings. Plant noise from the school would need to be controlled to prevent any adverse impact on these dwellings.
Solution
SRL guided the acoustic design of the school through the RIBA stages, reviewing acoustic details for compliance with the sound insulation requirements of BB93.
We regularly inspected the building during the construction stage as the works progressed to check that the details were in line with our recommendations so that the building would be compliant with the sound insulation requirements of BB93 with a particular focus on the timber frame elements and complexities that arise relating to this kind of construction.
We also provided an environmental plant noise assessment to give our client peace of mind that the proposed plant would not result in an adverse impact at the nearest noise sensitive receptors.
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Staffordshire Police 50m Firing Range
Acoustics case study
Staffordshire Police 50m Firing Range
Background
SRL Technical Services were appointed by Blue Sky Design Services to support the planning application and acoustic design for a new 50m indoor firing range and training facility at the Staffordshire Police Headquarters in Stafford. The development consisted of a two-storey building with an indoor firing range taking up most of the ground floor and additional classrooms and physical training spaces on the ground and first floors.
Challenge
Due to the high noise levels generated in the firing range, noise break-out was a key consideration of the acoustic design. There was a control room, adjacent to the firing range to regulate entry to and safety within the range where noise levels could potentially exceed the Control of Noise at Work 2005 regulations.
Solution
Using the data obtained during a noise survey and data available for noise generated by gunshots confirmed that the architects’ preferred ballistic walls were capable of controlling noise break-out at the nearest receptors. Walls and floors were specified to minimise the impact that high noise levels in the firing range and physical training suite could have on noise-sensitive spaces such as offices and classrooms. Additionally, SRL specified suitable surface finishes to achieve a desirable acoustic environment in all spaces. This included the range, where we specified localised absorption in the area where firearms officers would stand, to improve speech intelligibility during their training. Using measurements of the noise generated by gunshots at 1m, SRL calculated the expected noise exposure that the range controller would typically experience over a working day. We subsequently advised a suitable glazing specification for the vision panel that would allow the range controller to work without wearing hearing protection whilst not exceeding the exposure limits set out in the Control of Noise at Work 2005 regulations.
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Redevelopment of Neuadd Maldwyn, Powys
Acoustics case study
Redevelopment of Neuadd Maldwyn, Powys
Background
This project involved the redevelopment of the existing former council offices at Welshpool, into an Extracare care home. The neo-Georgian Grade II listed building and was used by Powys County Council until 2021 and before that was the headquarters of Montgomeryshire District and Montgomery County Council. The building dates back to the early 20th Century and the conversion to apartments was to be carried out in a sympathetic manner retaining a wealth of its original features. The proposed refurbishment and a new built building attached to it include 66 care-flats and common areas such as a restaurant, meeting room and multi-purpose room.
Challenge
The council offices were a Grade II listed building, which limited the extent of the works that could be undertaken to achieve the building regulations and BREEAM requirements for residential development. Limitations regarding the retained structures and finishes made it impossible to build some of the required enhancements.
Solution
We worked with the design team to make suitable enhancements to the existing walls and floors to meet ADE, within the constraints of the conservation and heritage requirements in the retained structures and finishes.
We were successful, and our testing demonstrated compliance with Building Regulations. -
Noise Impact Assessment
Acoustics case study
Noise Impact Assessment
Background
The North Wales Police proposed the installation of an outdoor air handling unit (AHU) to provide sufficient ventilation to one of their sites in North Wales. SRL provided a noise impact assessment to support the planning application for the proposed AHU, to be submitted to the local council.
Challenge
The location of the proposed AHU is close to residential housing therefore concerns were raised from the local council regarding the potential noise impact on the neighbouring properties. The planning application was initially refused on the basis that a noise impact assessment was required. SRL were appointed to provide a noise impact assessment to predict the impact of noise from the new AHU on the nearest noise sensitive receptors, and propose any mitigation measures if an adverse impact was likely.
Solution
SRL provided a noise impact assessment in line with the British Standard 4142:2014+A1:2019 ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’ to submit to the local council in support of the planning application. The assessment consisted of an environmental noise survey of the surrounding area to obtain baseline noise levels representative of the nearest sensitive receptors, which in this case are residential properties. Typical background noise levels were measured during the same time of day and night that the AHU is likely to operate. The measured background noise levels were compared to the predicted noise levels from the AHU at the nearest receptors, which were calculated using 3D noise propagation modelling software. The noise model considered the maximum noise levels likely to be produced, the directivity of the AHU’s exhaust and intake louvres, and local topography. We helped the North Wales Police to determine whether attenuators were required on the AHU and whether any additional noise mitigation measures were necessary to prevent adverse impact on the receptors.
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Noise Control from Firing Range
Acoustics case study
Noise Control from Firing Range
Background
SRL have provided noise assessments for multiple firing ranges across the UK, to determine the likely noise levels generated from proposed new ranges, and the impact on the surrounding environment and nearby noise sensitive receptors. SRL were commissioned to provide a noise impact assessment for a new outdoor firing range within the defence sector.
Challenge
Firing ranges are a unique noise source with sporadic and impulsive noise generated by the use of the range. Consideration must be given to the amount of noise generated over the duration that the range is in use, the propagation of noise whether it be an outdoor or indoor range, and the nearest noise sensitive receptors. SRL have worked on the positioning of an outdoor firing range and other noise mitigation measures such as barriers to protect noise sensitive receptors from high levels of noise.
Solution
SRL conducted an environmental noise survey to obtain baseline noise levels of the surrounding area to inform the assessment. SRL provided acoustic modelling to predict the impact from the discrete high noise levels exceeding 120 dBA. Consideration was required into the positioning of the range, so that the back wall of the range could provide some screening of the noise and minimise noise propagating to nearby residential receptors. The assessment included consideration on the number of firing podiums, differing levels of noise generated from various gun types, hours of operation and typical activity. SRL also determined that a risk assessment would be required for occupational noise at work.
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St. Leonard’s Catholic School, Durham
Acoustics case study
St. Leonard’s Catholic School, Durham
Background
BAM is currently designing a new three-storey teaching block on the site of the existing St. Leonard’s Catholic School in Durham.
The main school building dates to the 1970s and is to be demolished because of the presence of RAAC “crumbling concrete”. The school was one of only two secondary schools required to fully close after the DfE’s findings.
The new main building will be built on the site of the existing building. The existing Springwell Hall and Sixth Form buildings will be retained.
Challenge
- The school is sited next to a busy four-lane road on the outskirts of Durham.
- The nearest noise sensitive receptors are close to the school, so noise break-out from school activities as well as building services plant noise must be considered carefully.
- Springwell Hall, a former coal mine owner’s mansion, dates to 1859. The Sixth Form building also dates to the 1970s. Some internal remodelling works will take place in Springwell Hall, so these remodelled spaces must comply with the refurbishment criteria set out in BB93.
Solution
- We did a noise survey at the site to determine the amount of noise break-in to the proposed building, providing an outline building envelope specification and ventilation strategy to meet guideline internal noise levels in accordance with BB93. This noise survey also determined the typical lowest background noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive receptors, from which we established building services plant noise limits to not exceed current levels.
- We are working with the M&E team to meet plant noise limits to result in a low noise impact at the nearest noise sensitive receptors.
- We are working with the design team to provide a BB93-compliant acoustic design in terms of noise transfer between teaching and learning spaces which takes into consideration the wide variety of (often conflicting) uses of a modern school.
- We have done investigative benchmark acoustic testing in Springwell Hall to determine if the existing building fabric can meet the refurbishment requirements set out in BB93 to factor into our design.
- We will do acoustic modelling of large spaces in the school to determine an appropriate amount of acoustic absorption to meet guideline reverberation times.
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The Captain Sir Tom Moore Building, Halton General Hospital – CDC Unit Extension
Acoustics case study
The Captain Sir Tom Moore Building, Halton General Hospital – CDC Unit Extension
Background
Kier is constructing an extension to the existing Captain Sir Tom Moore (CSTM) Building at Halton General Hospital to form a new Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC) Unit. The single-storey CDC Unit extension will house two new scanners and associated ancillary spaces, with plant located on the roof (some in the open air, some within a plant room). The scheme is targeting a BREEAM “Pass” rating.
Challenge
Being a relatively small scheme in terms of hospital developments, there is a high level of focus on pragmatic and cost-effective solutions to keep costs down. Plant noise from the roof of the CDC Unit extension must be controlled to not exceed guideline internal noise levels in the existing CSTM building – some rooms have direct line of sight over the new roof plant. Vibration from construction works for the CDC Unit extension will have an impact on the existing CT and MRI scanners in the CSTM building.
Solution
We are working with Kier and the architect to develop a cost-effective acoustic design strategy for the new building which meets the HTM 08-01 design guidance. This includes:
- building envelope and ventilation strategy to meet the indoor ambient noise level criteria
- internal elements such as partitions, floors, doors, and glazed screens to meet the sound insulation criteria
- room finishes to meet the reverberation time criteria
- testing to satisfy BREEAM credit Hea05 for indoor ambient noise levels, absorption, and sound insulation
- assessment to satisfy BREEAM credit Pol05 for controlling the level of plant noise at the nearest noise sensitive receptors
In addition to this, we have worked very closely with Kier as well as physicians and clinical staff from The Trust to determine the vibration impact of the proposed construction works on the existing CT and MRI scanners in the CSTM building. There was concern over this based on previous projects where construction vibration had caused significant damage to existing scanners.
Kier facilitated the simulation of some construction activities in the site compound using a 5-tonne excavator, and we measured the vibration caused by its various activities in the existing scanner rooms. We compared the measured vibration levels against the design thresholds for the scanners provided to see if they were exceeded. This assessment allows The Trust to more accurately determine the amount of downtime required for the scanners during construction, which in turn will help to determine to what extent they need to utilise mobile scanners or absorb the work elsewhere.
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HS2 Euston Station Development
Acoustics case study
HS2 Euston Station Development
Background
In addition to obvious improvements in connectivity with other cities, the planned arrival of HS2 at Euston is expected to be hugely beneficial in the long term to the local area. However, the findings of the Environmental Statement identified potential for significant adverse impact due to construction works upon local receptors.
This was understandably concerning for a number of charitable organisations located very close to the station, including the Royal College of GP’s, Wellcome Trust and the Magic Circle.
We represented these organisations and gave evidence to the Commons select committee considering the HS2 Bill explaining the importance of giving appropriate consideration to their concerns.
Our representations were successful and resulted in HS2 making various commitments and putting agreements in place to minimise the impact on my clients’ activities.
Challenge
The predicted levels of noise and vibration varied significantly at the 12 different buildings and at different stages of the Station works. The building uses were also highly variable and so the potential acoustic impacts were many and varied. One of the most serious issues was that every future GP in England sits their final exams in the Royal College of GP’s building and the rooms being used were located right in the thick of construction works. The “doomsday scenario”, which had to be avoided at all costs, was insufficient GP’s coming into the NHS. Furthermore, the College directly abuts a building which was due to be demolished.
Solution
Initially, we felt that the best way to convince the Commons Select Committee of our case was to established how “acoustically resilient” each building was in its current state. We estimated the facade sound insulation (by visual inspection) for every noise sensitive space and determined what level of construction noise could be tolerated inside each room, based on both the existing ambient noise level and use of each space. Adding the facade sound insulation to the internal noise limit gave a good indication of how loud construction noise could be outside before the space became unusable.
Comparing these limits to the predicted noise levels in the ES highlighted which rooms would be problematical and from this we were able to ascertain the likely mitigation required. A similar approach was adopted to evaluating construction vibration.
This was successful, as the Select Committee’s report required HS2 to provide the necessary protection from the effects of noise and vibration by way of legally-binding agreements between HS2 and each organisation.
Before works could start, HS2’s acoustic consultant conducted a more detailed study of each building with our assistance so we could agree a reasonable criterion, façade reduction and therefore external noise limit for each sensitive space, whilst on site. This collaborative approach, coupled with our knowledge of the buildings, helped speed the process up significantly and HS2’s acoustician agreed that our pragmatic approach was sensible. The experience of working for “the other side” (i.e. on Crossrail for a contractor) enabled us to take a balanced view to protect my clients whilst avoiding the expense to the taxpayer of unnecessary mitigation.
Although this approach was deemed acceptable for the majority of the hundreds of rooms involved, HS2 agreed to measure the actual façade sound insulation for the most sensitive rooms. We used their results to create auralisations in the actual spaces (ie. by playing recordings of construction noise using a loudspeaker) to allow the building users to experience what the construction would sound like. Very few people can imagine this based on just a decibel level.
These practical demonstrations convinced the RCGP’s Board of Trustees that they did not need to relocate their exam suite which avoided considerable disruption and also saved the HS2 project a vast amount of money.
Trigger Action Plans were drawn up by HS2 as a result and agreed with each group member. These identified any mitigation works needed (mainly secondary glazing). The mitigation was completed prior to construction starting and, to date, all HS2 works have been successfully completed with no adverse impact.
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Lillibrooke, Maidenhead
Acoustics case study
Lillibrooke, Maidenhead
Background
SRL Technical Services were appointed to assist Berkeley Strategic Land Ltd (BSLL) to support the planning application for a residential development at Cox Green, Maidenhead. The development consists of approximately 200 dwellings, community sports pitches, and landscaped public green spaces.
Challenge
The development site is approximately 500m to the east of White Waltham Airfield, which is a busy grass airfield operating three runways, mainly accommodating light to medium propeller aircraft. Due to the proximity and altitude of the flights taking off and landing from this airfield, specific concerns were raised prior to the planning application regarding the potential noise impact aircraft could have on the future residences.
Through discussions with the airfield, it was confirmed that activity at the time of the survey was typical, and over the one month measurement period, more than 500 light aircraft flights took place.
BSLL also proposed casual playing fields on the development site and RBWM were concerned about the impact of the noise that these fields would create, particularly on existing noise sensitive receptors.
Solution
The data SRL gathered at this site demonstrated that noise levels would be sufficiently low that all dwellings could achieve suitable indoor ambient noise levels without acoustically enhanced building envelope specifications (and therefore reducing project costs). As such, we have supported our client through a potentially complex planning application and have alleviated the noise-related concerns raised by Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) from the outset of the project.
As the use of the playing fields is considered to be informal (i.e. they will not be organised sporting events), we were able to demonstrate that these pitches will create a low impact and subsequently avoided the need for a solid barrier around the playing fields.
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Southwark Town Hall
Acoustics case study
Southwark Town Hall
Background
Camberwell Town Hall was built in 1934, taking over the role of headquarters of the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell and continuing to be the local seat of government when the enlarged London Borough of Southwark was formed in 1965. It then became known as ‘Southwark Town Hall’. After the council moved to Tooley Street in March 2009, the building was sold to a developer.
Challenge
The retention of large areas of the building facade presented challenges for controlling the break-in of external noise. SRL assessed the existing building fabric to ensure that acceptable internal noise levels could be met in all areas. The location in a residential area also meant that operational noise break-out from the theatre had to be considered so that local residents were not adversely affected.
Solution
The former Southwark Town Hall was tastefully and sympathetically restored to provide high end student accommodation, artists studios and a new theatre for Theatre Peckham. SRL led the acoustic design of this complex and challenging scheme including supporting the design team with many bespoke acoustic details such as curtain walling elements and the acoustic design of existing structures.
The other challenge was from noise break-in to rooms from the roads outside as people left the venue. To address this, we looked at the acoustic design of the facades facing the roads and the ventilation strategy. A combination of double glazing with trickle ventilation and secondary glazing with mechanical ventilation was proposed frequency absorption properties. This avoided the need for specialist (and expensive) low frequency absorbers and enabled the money saved to be spent elsewhere on the project.
