Blog | Noise Control

Noise Control in Buildings

While lighting and temperature considerations can improve a building’s operational efficiency, a good acoustic environment can have a major impact on the comfort levels of a building.  


As a result, noise control can prove a significant factor in occupant wellbeing. For best results, a building’s acoustics should be considered as early on in the design process as possible. 

Noise Control in Buildings

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, people are more aware than ever before about the impact of a building on its occupants’ health. Within the workplace, a poor acoustical environment is not only very distracting for employees but has been associated with a number of health issues including fatigue and stress. With many businesses having invested in improved ventilation systems to prevent the spread of airborne infections within the workplace, it is time for businesses to also consider the damaging affect poor acoustics can have on employees.  

Building noise regulations set out criteria regarding internal and external noise levels that building projects must comply with. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Assessment Method) credits are also awarded to buildings that meet specific acoustic standards. 

Acoustic Comfort

Four key factors are considered to determine the acoustic levels of a building. These are noise, vibration, reverberation and speech intelligibility. 

Noise

Unwanted noise can be caused by the internal elements of a building including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as air source heat pumps. It can also be the product of external sources of noise such as nearby railway tracks and busy roads. 

Vibration

Mechanical and electrical systems within buildings, such as cooling towers and generators, can produce vibrations. These circulate throughout the structure of a building and then emit these from a building’s elements. 

Reverberation

The amount of echo (or the time it takes for a sound to disappear) within an enclosed space is another important element used to determine the acoustic levels of a building. Reverberation can be reduced through implementing absorptive fabrics and materials within a space. 

Speech Intelligibility

Conversations can be difficult to hear in a building with poor acoustics and loud background noise. 

Designing an Acoustic Building

Good building design can minimise the noise levels of a building. If designed well, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems will cause little disturbance to a building’s occupants. It is important to introduce noise control measures as early on as possible during the design process. Addressing acoustical issues as they arise can be much more expensive and complicated. 


While HVAC systems are a major source of noise, noise can also be a product of fans, escalators, grilles, condensers, and more. Weaknesses within building fabric design and window insulation can further reduce the noisiness of a building. 


There is not a one size fits all solution to acoustic issues. Instead, the appropriate measures to implement will vary for each building. Important aspects to consider include: 


  • Designing HVAC systems with good airflow
  • Reverberation control
  • Adequate sound insulation
  • Thought-out space planning to isolate noisy, vibrating elements to minimise disturbance

Summary

Though human safety is the main priority when designing buildings, acoustical considerations make for a much more comfortable indoor environment for occupants. While buildings must legally comply with building noise regulations, meeting these standards can improve employee wellbeing as a result.

 

For best practice, noise control should be integrated into the design process as soon as possible to minimise costs and maximise efficiency. 


At DARe-me Consulting Engineers, our team of experts produce all MEP systems with acoustical considerations in mind. Get in touch today to find out more.  

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