Commercial, Offices & Retail
WBM’s varied project portfolio includes offices, court buildings, grandstands, leisure buildings, recording studios, commercial and multi-use developments and this means that you will be supported by a wealth of experience.
Planning and Noise Considerations
For new or expanding retail development the local authority may require a noise impact assessment to support an application where the retail use generates noise or has associated noise sources such as plant and building services. An assessment following BS 4142 is likely though other guidance documents may be relevant.
WBM understand internal and external acoustics. With permitted development rules facilitating conversion of offices to residential use, any remaining office / retail uses generating noise should be suitably separated from residential amenity.
Internal Acoustics and Occupant Experience
For shops, restaurants or other mixed use development internal acoustics may be the focus. Good acoustic design of internal spaces can promote a comfortable environment for both staff and customers. The Lombard Effect is a phenomenon by which people change the level of their voice in response to a change in background noise, for example as a restaurant fills up with people you find yourself talking louder and louder to compensate for the masking level of the background noise. We provide internal sound absorption advice to help control reverberation and create comfortable acoustic environments within buildings.
How Can We Help?
WBM can provide noise assessments to cover any impacts of noise break-out or associated building services and plant noise, to satisfy the requirements of the local authority or in discharging planning conditions. Noise Impact Assessment
We can provide sound insulation advice where commercial / retail space is adjacent to other noise sensitive development. Our knowledge of sound insulation and experience in sound insulation testing means that we can help either at the design stage or in retrofitting to achieve a suitable internal environment that enhances the user experience. Sound Insulation Testing Advice
Expanding for the future? WBM can advise on site feasibility, assessing noise impacts for new sites or changes to existing sites. Expert Advice
Commercial, offices & retail services
Core acoustic services to support your project at every stage.
Other specialist sectors
WBM has long been associated with environmental, architectural and building acoustics both here in the UK and abroad.
FAQs
How do I reduce echo in a small room?
Add soft / absorbent materials or use other materials which have structure / shape to cause the sound to be broken up and dispersed.
Get in touch
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