The acoustic environment within a building can fundamentally impact on our perception of a space, and on how we interact within it. Expert consideration of the acoustic design of a building ensures that the spaces within it are fit for its purpose.
Our team uses its in-depth knowledge of the building regulations, standards, guidelines and codes of practice to help clients make informed decisions about the acoustic design performance of their building. The team works with clients on concept and outline business case designs, spatial planning, and the technical design of buildings.
We advise our clients on how to deliver the optimal environment for each space by controlling the level of sound transmission from other parts of the building and from the outdoors, controlling noise from mechanical services, and by providing an appropriate room acoustic environment by controlling the amount of reverberation and echoes.
Our acousticians will engage with the multi-disciplinary design team, to influence the mechanical, structural, and architectural design of the building. Our team can offer advice on the latest advancements in acoustic design, such as 3D room acoustic modelling (including electro-acoustics), residential overheating & acoustics ventilation assessment, and soundscape.
Our core areas of expertise
Acoustic assessment of masterplans and design options
Concept design acoustics support
Planning application support
Architectural and building acoustics
Sound propagation modelling
Room acoustic modelling
Wider solutions
Specification of design criteria
BREEAM/WELL/LEED acoustics support
Façade sound insulation
Sound insulation within the building
Sound absorption and room acoustics
Control of noise from building services
Lift noise and vibration control
Control of plant room noise transfer
Control of building services noise
Vibration isolation
Robust Details and Approved Document E
Remedial advice for acoustics
Commissioning testing
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Intelligibility assessment for Public Address or Voice Alarm systems
Speech privacy/speech security assessment within buildings
Assessment of ground-borne re-radiated noise
Noise at Work assessment
Vibration condition monitoring
Our Building Acoustics team is highly regarded by colleagues and clients alike, and works regularly with our MEP, Structures, Mission Critical and other teams to deliver considered, high quality building design solutions.
Ben Freedman Head of Buildings Solutions
Sector expertise
Film studios
Data centres
Performing arts spaces
Residential buildings
Mixed-use settings
Offices
Schools
Commercial settings (restaurants, bars, night clubs)
Research & Development labs
Hotels
Retail settings
Our award-winning Sweco acoustics team are members of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA), and the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC).
Why choose Sweco as your trusted acoustics partner?
End-to-end support
Managing noise and vibration in the urban environment is a considerable challenge. Good acoustic design requires that all relevant aspects of noise and vibration are considered throughout each programme stage. For planning, we will determine the project-specific risks and objectives and deliver a robust consideration of environmental noise and vibration. Within buildings, we pride ourselves on helping you deliver an acoustic environment that is fit for purpose, and that minimises the effects of environmental noise on health. We thrive on communicating design for acoustics in a straightforward and knowledgeable way.
Full lifecycle capability
The acoustics team at Sweco use their in-depth knowledge of legislation, standards, guidelines and codes of practice, to help clients make informed decisions about the acoustic design of their development. We critically assess and communicate the risks, opportunities and solutions at each stage of the project, explaining the technical aspects in a straightforward way, with the ultimate goal of helping you deliver a high-quality, regulation and planning compliant development.
Bespoke collaboration
We will work closely with you, as our customer, to develop a clear understanding of the acoustic engineering needs for each individual project. During the planning stage, we will support the planning application through providing noise impact assessments, site feasibility assessments and supporting the EIA. During detailed design, we will support you with best practice acoustic design, help you achieve the most BREEAM objectives where this is a design aim, and help enhance the design of your development.
Sustainability first
As acousticians, we recognise the influence that our recommendations can have on the sustainability of your development. We listen to our customers and explore all feasible options for reducing the energy use of your development. We will advise you on where natural ventilation can be provided while limiting noise ingress. We will explore the acoustic implications of exploiting the thermal mass of a structure for stability of indoor temperatures. Our priority is to help you develop a bespoke solution tailored to your needs.
Together with our clients and the collective knowledge of our 18,000 engineers, consultants and other specialists, we co-create solutions to address urbanisation, capture the power of digitalisation, and make our societies more sustainable. With international multi-disciplinary teams, we can call on the right insight and technical capability at the right time from across Buildings, Infrastructure, Advisory & Planning and Compliance.
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