Increasing regulation and heightened consumer awareness are placing new and ever more stringent demands on the built environment. AWN Consulting has the personnel and technical resources to address all building and architectural acoustic projects. We currently use the following proprietary acoustic modeling software packages:
Bastian
Regulations and Certification
In the domestic situation Part E of the building regulations require that a reasonable degree of sound insualtion is provided for between dwellings. As the move to higher density accommodation brings people closer together there is a requirement for enhanced acoustic separation between dwellings. The requirements for other types of building are many and varied; for example, excellent room acoustics in a performance space, control of reverberant noise build-up in a glazed atrium or speech privacy between offices. Sustainable development is also becoming more important with many developments seeking a building certification such as BREEAM or LEED both of which place acoustical requirements on the building design. In recognition of the need to consider these and many similar issues, AWN offers a comprehensive Building & Architectural Acoustics package that includes assessment of room acoustics and sound insulation to ensure compliance with the certification process.
Performance Spaces
The acoustic environment within performance spaces such as theatres, concert halls and auditoria is a critical aspect of their architectural design. At AWN Consulting state of the art prediction and modeling software is employed to full advantage, permitting us to specify cost effective solutions whilst providing the client with the necessary assurances in relation to performance. We are able to predict noise transfer across both internal separating constructions and external building envelopes, which in turn allows us to specify practicable constructions that offer the required levels of sound insulation performance. Our modeling tools permit us to assess in depth the effects of room geometry, finishes and occupancy on room acoustics in order that we can formulate designs that match both the usage and aesthetic of the space under consideration.
Educational Development
Poor acoustics in educational developments can have a detrimental affect on the concentration of students and teachers. Excellent speech intelligibility is the most critical acoustical parameter when designing classrooms and lecture theatres. To ensure excellent speech intelligibility both the room acoustic environment and ambient noise level need to be considered. AWN Consultings acoustic team can offers practical and cost effective solutions to both existing spaces and new spaces at the early design stage.
Healthcare
Good acoustic design is fundamental to the delivery of quality healthcare buildings. It is essential to ensure patient privacy, to promote suitable conditions for sleeping and in terms of both patient and staff comfort. AWN Consulting can advice clients of all aspects of building acoustics that are relevant to healthcare facilities. These included, sound insulation, room acoustics, noise intrusion and mechanical services noise. It is our objective to provide flexible solutions which are compatable with the building design and use.
Acoustics in the Workplace
When considering the acoustic design of office building the key issues are privacy and comfort. Acoustic privacy is required for many industries but in particula the legal industry where client confidentiality is paramount. inadequate sound insulation between meeting rooms and offices can result in sensitive information being overheard. In addition, the acoustic environment within multi-occupancy office spaces needs to be controlled to ensure that there is not an excessive build-up of background noise and that individual workspaces have a reasonable degree of privacy.