Project brief: WBM was commissioned by Lindum Sturgeon to provide acoustic consultancy advice on the development of a 4-storey block of 45 apartments plus an A3 unit at Jobs Yard in Kettering.

Acoustic aspects: The site is located in central Kettering and is exposed to road traffic and entertainment noise. We provided detailed assessments of noise break-in due to these external noise sources and acoustic implications of mechanical ventilation. Our remit included the preparation of a noise assessment report to assist with discharging one of the planning conditions.

In addition to the control of external noise, WBM also advised on the internal sound insulation of separating walls and floors, both between flats and between the flats and the A3 unit.

Following construction, WBM carried out 24 pre-completion sound insulation tests between the apartments to determine the sound insulation performance of separating walls and floors and compare the results with the values given in Approved Document E 2003 (ADE 2003). The sound insulation tests were also required to show whether or not the sound insulation performance met with the higher performance standards required for the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Outcome: The result was high quality apartments in which all tests demonstrated that the constructions met both the requirement of ADE 2003 and the Code for Sustainable Homes.