Acoustic Consultants Limited in Wales

Take a look at some of our projects that the Cardiff office has been involved in:

Subway Road, Barry – Residential Development

We worked with Waterstone Homes and Jehu from the pre-planning stages through to completion at the site for two new residential apartment blocks. 

Our pre-planning assessment considered external noise levels and their impact on the proposed dwellings in accordance with British Standard 8233. Once the client was successful in gaining Planning Permission, we were then appointed to undertake a review and assessment of the proposed internal constructions of the building to aid in achieving the requirements of Approved Document E (ADE) for Building Regulations.

Before ground works could get underway, we were also appointed to undertake noise, dust and vibration (NVD) monitoring for the duration of the build, producing weekly reports providing the week’s data analysis on NVD levels across the site in accordance with British Standards 5228-1:2009 (Construction Noise & Vibration) and BS 6472 (vibration in buildings and human exposure). The NVD levels were monitored through real-time monitoring via our cloud service and alert system, along with weekly reports providing the week’s data analysis. 

James undertook several visits to the site and key stages to walk through with site management to address any queries and to inspect the construction aspects relating to ADE during the build.

At completion, we undertook sound testing within the two blocks to enable sign-off for ADE and Build Regulations for acoustics. The design and construction flew through the testing!

St. David’s College, Cardiff – New College Building

We are working with Andrew Scott to deliver from RIBA Stage 3 onwards at a new college building being constructed at the existing St. David’s College site in Roath, Cardiff.

The new college building will deliver several new classrooms and a large lecture theatre next to the busy A48 road into Cardiff. The client is aiming for BREEAM Hea05 and Pol05 credits in relation to acoustics. We are assisting with internal acoustic advice for BB93, façade and ventilation assessment, along with external plant noise assessment.

Albert Hall, Swansea – Mixed-Use Redevelopment

We were brought onto this mixed-use redevelopment project from RIBA Stage 3 onwards. The disused Grade II listed building is in the heart of Swansea. Our scope of works included to determine an appropriate acoustic performance specification for an entertainment venue (for a food court and cocktail/events bar), a gym and studios, office and meeting room space, and serviced apartments.

We provided a noise impact assessment for Planning, along with design advice for internal sound insulation for all aspects of the development. We developed a criterion uplifted over Building Regulations in terms of sound insulation with the Client and design team that would accommodate the variety of uses proposed for the development.

Along with internal acoustics (reverberation) the scope also addressed Building Services noise (including in-duct noise control details and cross talk requirements) to ensure the internal acoustic environment is suitable for each sensitive area. With a large range of Class Uses within the scheme, external plant noise emission was also considered from rooftop plant units. We undertook noise modelling of the plant to provide our client with insertion loss requirements for 24/7 operating plant units. 

Since project inception, we have also been appointed to carry out noise monitoring during the build. This will be carried out through real-time monitoring via our cloud service along with weekly reports providing the week’s data analysis.

Free Street, Brecon – Residential Care Home

We have been working with Asbri Planning and Wales & West Housing to deliver a full Planning Application for a proposed four-storey residential home on Free Street in Brecon.

We have provided our client with a noise impact assessment to BS8233 and BS4142 for noise ingress and potential noise pollution from associated plant units. Our appointment also addresses Approved Document E advice, with an uplift over Building Regulations that our client wishes to achieve in their sound insulation design and performance. 

Our team has also undertaken research into non-traditional construction techniques of separating walls and floors that the design team wanted to look into.

Our appointment has been from project inception and will continue through to RIBA Stage 5 with planning permission being granted.

Firearms Police Departments – Noise at Work 

James has recently undertaken two noise at work assessments for Tactical Firearms Training Departments for the Police in the South West. James worked closely with H&S management and each site Sergeant to ensure smooth surveys were completed, with no disruption to the staff’s busy schedules.

Survey and assessment of extremely high-pressure sound levels is of high importance to get right from the outset. The surveys were meticulously planned and carried out without a hitch. 

James was able to advise on hearing protection upgrade requirements, along with the maximum number of rounds that can be fired from a large library of weapon systems at each site.

During the site visits, potential noise exposure risks at other locations around each firing range were identified and investigated. James was able to provide further data analysis and advice above and beyond our appointment to ensure staff in all areas of the facilities are protected from potential high-pressure noise exposure.

As a result of our work and good working partnership, we have since been appointed to carry out more noise at work surveys and assessments for Communications Suites for Police Forces around the southwest.