Yavneh College - New School Block

A new teaching block was commissioned at Yavneh College in 2008. The new two-storey block contained a music suite (4 practice rooms, ensemble room and music classroom) and new design & technology workshops as well as general classrooms. The acoustic performances of the constructions forming the music suite were of particular importance.

WBM was initially appointed to advise on the acoustic design of the new teaching block and carried out a desktop noise study to assess whether or not the building complied with the requirements of BB93. The proposed constructions and internal finishes were assessed with regard to the performance requirements for sound insulation and the control of reverberation, and recommendations provided where applicable. Limits for M&E services noise were also provided.

During the construction phase, we provided ongoing advice to the design team, responding to queries and reviewing different options for materials. We also carried out an acoustic assessment of the proposed M&E services design and provided recommendations for attenuation.

Whilst acoustic testing at completion for schools is not yet mandatory, for this project WBM was also retained to carry out acoustic testing in accordance with the guidelines set out in BB93. Indoor ambient noise levels, airborne sound insulation, impact sound insulation and reverberation times were tested and assessed. Troubleshooting was required to investigate some shortfalls in on-site performance. Excessive noise from the ventilation system was found to be due to incorrectly installed attenuators and shortfalls in sound insulation performance were found to be due to penetrations in the separating constructions. Recommendations to ameliorate these shortfalls were provided by WBM in our test report.

Click on the link below to view another project for Educational Buildings.

Meadowbank Adult Learning Centre

Posted Date: 17th Jan 2011