The Cherry Tree Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol

We were appointed as the key Acoustic Consultants for the contractor (Rydon) to advise on the noise and acoustics for HTM 08-01 at the dedicated breast cancer centre and Macmillan well-being centre at The Cherry Tree Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol.

The £3.5 million Healthcare project involved the redevelopment and extension of the historic Beaufort House in the grounds of Southmead Hospital.  The development comprised a refurbishment and new-build extension to the former workhouse on the Southmead site. The works were part of the redevelopment of the whole Southmead Hospital site.

The purpose of good acoustics in health buildings is to ensure the consultants and patients can clearly understand each other and privacy is maintained between rooms. Research indicates that poor acoustics can affect both the care and rehabilitation of patients and also the wellbeing of staff.

The Cherry Tree Centre scheme involved both new build and refurbished elements which were required to achieve the criteria of HTM 08-01. Being a refurbishment, this presented a number of noise and acoustic challenges. We developed a performance specification based on HTM 08-01.

Using our 30 years of experience, in house proprietary software and 3D modelling software, we advised the contractor of the main key noise and acoustic issues and the risks associated with achieving this criteria. We were able to develop advice for the room acoustic, internal sound insulation, external noise, and plant noise control. The advice was developed with the Architect and Contractor to ensure good noise and acoustic conditions could be achieved within the limitations of the scheme.

We were appointed at the construction stage and with careful site investigation of the existing constructions, comprehensive noise and acoustic modelling we successfully assisted the architect in providing appropriate acoustic detailing and a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard building.