Acoustic Consultancy For Schools
Acoustics in schools is a frequent issue for architects, contractors and school managers.
Concerns can range from statutory requirements for new-build schools to noise issues experienced by users of existing school facilities.
The purpose of good acoustics in schools is to enable pupils to concentrate, to provide clear communication for high-quality teaching and generally ensure that noise and reverberation do not adversely affect the wide range of activities that take place within a school.
Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) provides performance standards for new-build and refurbished school buildings. For new school buildings (including public schools, academies and free schools) there is a requirement for them to comply with Approved Document E (Part E) of the Building Regulation, which includes school buildings created by changing the use of an existing building. For existing schools the Schools Premises Act applies.
We can provide a wealth of advice, from early feasibility to assess the suitability of the site, through to advising on room adjacencies to minimise the need for expensive high levels of sound insulation, or providing full detail design advice, construction site visits and acoustic testing on completion. We also provide advice and documentation for design and build tender bids.
We have provided design advice on the St Luke’s C of E Primary School, Wolverhampton which was the winner of the 2010 RIBA Sorrell Foundation Award. St Luke’s was also Britain’s first ‘environmentally excellent’ primary school, according to BREEAM standards.
We also provided design advice on Rednock School in Dursley, Gloucestershire which was also shortlisted for the 2010 RIBA Sorrell Foundation Award.
We are currently working on a number of Education Funding Agency (EFA) schools as part of the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) across the UK, including in London.
