Architectural acoustic design

Good architectural acoustic design is important to ensure a positive user experience for occupants.

Key design considerations include the mitigation of noise or vibration intrusion, robust sound insulation between rooms, well-controlled reverberation, good speech intelligibility, appropriate building services noise levels and mitigation of perceptible vibration.

The main fields within architectural acoustic design are typically airborne and impact sound insulation of internal and external building elements, indoor ambient noise levels, material finishes to control reverberation, building services noise control and the control of vibration and structure-borne noise.

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What we do

Our team works closely with architects, designers, engineers, contractors and stakeholders at all RIBA design stages of a project, from concept to completion. We understand the importance of producing robust specification information in an easily understood format through well-defined reporting, clear acoustic mark-up drawings and project-specific acoustic detailing.

We can work on the client side for any size of project to help define the brief, provide acoustic design services and monitor contractor compliance and build quality. As part of a client-side design team, we collaborate with architects, interior designers and engineers to ensure a robust and cost-effective acoustic design that is in keeping with the aesthetic requirements of the project.

Our consultants can also form part of the contractor’s design team to help in reviewing the acoustic design brief, suggesting and reviewing alternative constructions, reviewing technical submittals and providing acoustic commissioning services.

We offer detailed diagnostic services to identify shortfalls in acoustic performance and develop remedial measures to improve the acoustic quality of an environment. Where relevant, we can prepare acoustic models and auralisations to demonstrate to stakeholders and designers the extent of improvements from mitigation measures.

Our work

We have extensive experience in the acoustic design of projects of all sizes, including offices, schools, entertainment venues, gyms and leisure centres, cinemas, recording studios and residential, retail, healthcare, education, commercial and industrial facilities.

Matthew White, Associate Director

“Good acoustic design can improve the health and wellbeing of occupants. It facilitates the harmonious coexistence of different uses within a building. It is important that acoustic advice, specifications and detailing are communicated in a clear and robust manner so that the as-built design can meet the client’s expectations.”

 

Explore our services

Acoustic modelling
Structural health monitoring and diagnostics
Soundscape
Mechanical and industrial noise control
Mechanical and industrial noise control
Research and development
Expert witness
Global services
Environmental impact assessments
Environmental acoustic assessments for planning
Architectural acoustic design
Construction noise and vibration
Electroacoustics and audiovisual
Acoustic testing and commissioning
Acoustics and ecology