The “Essex Study” has shown that the level of reverberation within a teaching space is closely associated with good learning environments and pupil achievement. Therefore, arguably and conversely poor room acoustics could have a detrimental effect on a child’s learning environment. Requirement E4 of ADE states:“Each room or other space in a school building shall be designed and constructed in such a way that it has the acoustic conditions and the insulation against disturbance by noise appropriate to its intended use.”

We help architects, designers and developers deliver great sounding learning spaces, from feasibility through to completion. There are many factors which can assist the design of a school such as:

• External noise ingress and consideration of differing means of ventilation.
• Sound insulation between teaching spaces and other areas.
• Reverberation of teaching spaces rooms for better speech intelligibility between pupil and student.
• Specialist advice for more noise sensitive spaces e.g. multi-use halls, drama and SEN spaces.
• Noise from by mechanical equipment including window actuators.

Through years of experience working on both frameworks for primary and secondary schools we can assist from feasibility through to commissioning, following the test method given in the ANC Good Practice Guide. We have the acoustic capability whether you have a single storey primary school extension or a phased secondary school with temporary buildings.

Finally, to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations we submit a set of plans, construction details, material specifications, and calculations to the Building Control Body. There is no requirement in Building Regulations for acoustic testing although this is normally specified for contractual purposes or to obtain BREEAM credits.

For further education facilities not associated with a school and universities BB93 does not apply. However, for a good learning environment good acoustics is essential. Good acoustics in the learning environment will raise the credibility of the college. Design input from Environoise Consulting achieves this within budget constraints.