Specifying soundproof solutions for new build developments

Designing effective soundproofing for new build developments can be challenging. UK Building Regulations, such as Approved Document E, stipulate that designs have to detail all relevant information. The chosen materials must ensure that build projects are fit for purpose, whilst guaranteeing comfortable conditions for occupiers.

Architects, designers and clients need to understand how nuisance noises will affect a development, with both internal and external sources. Different noise sources can have different impacts on a new build development which, in turn, can affect design, material selection and specification procedure.

Noise in new build developments

Within new build developments, noise is transmitted by airborne and impact sound sources. Airborne sound sources include speech, TV noise, music and general noise. Impact sound sources are sudden sound sources that come through physical constructions like footsteps through floors.

The final sound source that can allow sound to transmit through a construction is flanking transmission, which is where sound is transferred indirectly through adjoining structures e.g. impact sound may be transmitted between adjoining rooms through a timber floor as well as the supporting wall.

Most modern new build developments (in particularly residential buildings) are constructed using a masonry cavity construction or a timber frame construction.  Due to the different construction qualities and materials used, internal and external sound sources will have a differing effect on such developments.

Masonry cavity constructions involve an inner leaf of blockwork which supports floors and helps to create internal and separating walls.  These masonry constructions can be effective in reducing airborne noise sources due to the dense nature of the masonry structures, but unfortunately are very prone to flanking noise issues.

Timber frame constructions consist of load-bearing frames of treated timber which create the floors and the internal and separating walls. Timber frame constructions are effective in reducing impact noise sources and can be a more cost-effective option compared with masonry cavity constructions, however timber frame constructions can be prone to movement and degradation.

UK Building Regulations stipulate important criteria for sound insulation performance for all types of new builds, whether the purpose is residential, commercial, education, healthcare, industrial or leisure.

Designing soundproof solutions

In order to comply with Approved Document E (England & Wales), Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards (Scotland) and Approved Part G (Northern Ireland) of the UK Building Regulations, all internal separating floors and walls in new build developments must be constructed in such a way as to achieve minimum sound insulation values (this also includes change of use and refurbishment projects).

The most effective way to create soundproofing for new build developments that is fit for purpose is to accommodate an acoustic solution into early design plans.  Early acoustic advice is essential and will guarantee that a development complies and exceeds UK Building Regulations, while minimising any chance of failure and need of remedial work later down the line which can be costly and disruptive.

Hush Acoustics offers a wide range of Acoustic Products and Systems (Wall, Ceiling, Concrete and Timber Floor) which comply and exceed the requirements of UK Building Regulations.  The Systems are specialist solutions which comprise of high quality acoustic components  put together by Hush to offer the best soundproofing solutions for masonry and timber floors. 

The HD1057 Masonry Acoustic System offers excellent acoustic performance for new builds with masonry wall construction. It comprises of a thin acoustic wall lining meaning the system has a limited impact upon the design of a building and its internal spaces.

Also used within the HD1057 Masonry Acoustic System are Hush Resilient Bars, which are fitted directly to either side of a masonry wall.  In-between the bars is fitted with Hush Slab 25 Sound Absorber and faced with Hush Wallboard, finally sealed using Hush Heavy Duty Isolation Tape.

For timber frame new build developments, the HD1054 Double Timber Stud Wall System provides effective soundproofing and ensures compliance with UK Building Regulations.  Two stud frames of 50 x 100mm are constructed to create new separating walls, and voids are filled with Hush Slab 100 Sound Absorber.  Each frame is then faced with two layers of 15mm Soundbloc Plasterboards.

Hush offers a wide range of acoustic products and systems which offer an effective and economical solution for new build developments and importantly achieve and exceed compliance with UK Building Regulations.

Hush Acoustics Ltd
Unit 2, Tinsley Industrial Estate
Shepcote Way
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S9 1TH

Tel: 0114 551 8685
Fax: 0151 944 1146

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