Stroma Built Environment provides specialist consultancy and on-site testing for architectural acoustics across all RIBA stages, supporting regulatory compliance and enhancing acoustic performance in residential, commercial, educational, and healthcare buildings.
Building Acoustics & Noise Control
Room and building acoustics, also referred to as architectural acoustics, are an important consideration in the design, operation, and construction of most buildings in the UK. Poor building acoustics and noise control not only impact occupant health and wellbeing but also property value and environmental performance.
At Stroma, we work closely with architects, designers, and contractors to develop the acoustic design of a build across all RIBA stages. From initial design appraisals to pre-completion testing and post-construction verification, our experienced team ensures client projects meet regulatory and performance requirements through a proactive, informed approach.
Our Building Acoustic Testing & Consultancy Services
We provide expert consultancy and on-site testing to support acoustic design and compliance across a variety of building types, including homes, offices, schools, and hospitals.
Our services include:
- Architectural acoustic design for residential & commercial buildings
- Acoustic design support for schools, hospitals & public buildings
- UKAS-accredited sound insulation testing for Part E compliance
- Noise, dust, and vibration assessments, monitoring & mitigation
- Noise assessment & design input for mechanical services (HVAC)
- Detailed acoustic report for building control
Our building acoustic testing services can also help your project meet BREEAM credits within Hea 05, addressing internal sound insulation, reverberation time, and ambient noise levels to support occupant wellbeing.
Sector-Specific Expertise
Residential Buildings (Approved Document E)
We partner with architects and developers to achieve compliance with Approved Document E. Services include design consultancy for airborne and impact sound insulation and pre-completion testing to verify compliance across all dwelling types.
Educational Buildings (BB93)
Stroma supports schools and other educational buildings in meeting the acoustic performance criteria set out in BB93 (Building Bulletin 93), including reverberation times, indoor ambient noise levels, and sound insulation between teaching and learning spaces.
Healthcare Facilities (HTM08-01)
We provide building acoustics and noise control consultancy from the earliest project stages, supporting HTM08-01 (Health Technical Memorandum 08-01) compliance for hospitals, health centres, care homes, and related facilities.
Comprehensive Acoustic Design & Compliance Support
Engaging Stroma at the outset allows the proactive identification and resolution of potential acoustic challenges, reducing the risk of delays, compliance failures, or costly design changes. Our consultants work alongside your team from the initial design stages to align key building acoustics and noise control strategies with regulatory and performance requirements.
We recognise the impact of pre-completion test failures on project timelines. By involving us early, we can help ensure a first-time pass. If your building does fail an acoustic test, our experts are here to advise on cost-effective and convenient remedial strategies to quickly get your project back on track.
Why Choose Stroma?
- Comprehensive Support: From early-stage acoustic design to final compliance testing, Stroma provides end-to-end support tailored to your building type.
- Specialist Acoustic Expertise: Our team brings deep knowledge of UK building regulations, ensuring your project meets all required acoustic performance targets.
- Nationwide Coverage: Our nationwide service ensures responsive scheduling and fast turnaround times, keeping your project moving without unnecessary delays.
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment for our building acoustics and noise control testing, delivering accurate and reliable results for every environment.
- Client-Focused: We work with you to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions, balancing regulatory compliance with your specific design and performance goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the building regulations acoustic requirements?
In the UK, Approved Document E of the Building Regulations, also known as Building Regulations Part E, sets out the minimum acoustic performance standards for separating walls and floors in residential buildings.
These requirements aim to limit airborne and impact sound transmission between dwellings. Projects must demonstrate compliance through pre-completion sound insulation testing or the use of approved robust details.
What are the tests for acoustics of school buildings?
Educational buildings in England must comply with Building Bulletin 93 (BB93), which sets acoustic performance standards for teaching and learning environments. Testing typically includes reverberation time, ambient noise level, and sound insulation testing.
What are the requirements for office acoustics?
Office acoustics are not governed by a single regulation, but they are guided by standards such as BS ISO 22955, BS 8233, and BS EN ISO 16283. These standards cover the requirements for speech privacy and noise control between rooms, ambient noise levels from HVAC and external sources, and reverberation control in open-plan and meeting spaces.
How do you test for reverberation time?
Reverberation time is the duration it takes for sound to decay after the source has stopped. Testing involves generating a sound signal and using a sound level meter or microphone to record how quickly the sound diminishes in the space. The reverberation test helps assess the room’s acoustic characteristics and is crucial for compliance in schools and healthcare facilities.
Stroma Built Environment and its team of experts are here ready to discuss a range of packages for any new project. Get in touch today!