Building Acoustics & Vibration Consultancy

Unrivalled building acoustics expertise

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 building acoustics design is therefore crucial in ensuring that the spaces within it are fit for its purpose.

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.

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

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.