Educational Buildings
The acoustic performance of new school buildings falls under the Building Regulations with the requirements set out in Building Bulletin 93 (BB93). The School Premises Regulations and Independent School Standards also cover the performance of new and existing schools, including refurbishment work, temporary schools and non-teaching areas.
BB93 Requirements and Acoustic Standards
BB93 covers all schools from infant & nursery up to sixth forms, both new build and conversion / refurbishment work. It sets standards for different teaching spaces including those used for students with special hearing or communication needs. Performance standards are set for indoor ambient noise levels (for example to control for external noise ingress), for sound insulation between spaces and for control of reverberation.
Whilst BB93 does not offer guidance on noise levels in external spaces, guidance published by the Association of Noise Consultants (Acoustics of Schools: a design guide) suggests that noise levels in playing fields and other outdoor areas should not exceed 55dB LAeq,30min and that there should be at least one area that can be used for outdoor teaching activities where noise levels are below 50dB LAeq,30min.
How Can We Help?
WBM has extensive experience with school projects covering feasibility and concept work, baseline surveys, façade design, sound insulation and internal acoustics.
WBM provides high quality BB93 assessments, including BREEAM where necessary, undertake compliance testing and have delivered solutions for school projects that range from single classroom extensions to large new build schools. This comprehensive service extends to further and higher education colleges, universities and adult learning centres, which may use BB93 as a guide. See also our wealth of experience in the sports and leisure sectors.
Our educational 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
What are the acoustic design considerations for hearing-impaired pupils or pupils with SEND?
SEND teaching spaces are required to have lower reverberation times and higher sound insulation between adjacent spaces.
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