In all cases, the location and layout of rooms within dwellings will play an important role in relation to the levels of subsequent ambient or background noise that surrounds the occupants. In most cases much of noise is transmitted through the wall and floor partitions between habitable dwellings, such as flats and terrace houses.
Main ‘habitable’ rooms such as Kitchens or living rooms, which back onto bedrooms of the adjacent dwelling, are more likely to lead to noise complaints. Kitchen cupboards doors may transmit impact noise through to the bedroom next door through the dividing partition; this can lead to annoyance and frustration for the neighbour.
To reduce the chance of noise complaints, wherever possible hallways/corridors should be placed alongside the adjacent property to reduce the chance of noise transference and reduce the risk of sound testing failure. Failing this a kitchen should be places against a kitchen and bedrooms should back onto other bedrooms.
Planning a good acoustically favourable dwelling layout can help to reduce the number of noise problems that will occur even if your building passes the Part E Sound Insulation Testing.
If neighbours have varied working patterns, i.e. they work night shifts and arrive back in the early hours of the morning, i.e. the layout of the rooms use of rooms are particularly important.
APT Sound Testing can advise on all types of acoustic design, whether it’s accomplished during initial construction or during a refurbishment/renovation project. We also undertake UKAS accredited sound testing providing a ‘one stop’ solution for all your acoustic testing and design requirements throughout London and the South East.