Approved Document O (ADO) of the Building Regulations requires consideration of the acoustics implications of overheating in new dwellings.

Specifically, night-time noise levels in bedrooms must be controlled during overheating mitigation.

For quiet sites, it may be possible for the noise criteria to be achieved in bedrooms with the windows open for overheating mitigation. On many sites, however, some or all bedrooms will be exposed to noise levels that are too high to rely on open windows or fully open windows. Where this is the case, other methods of overheating mitigation will need to be investigated.

Noise assessments for ADO include:

• On-site noise surveys;

• Noise modelling of the site;

• Evaluating night-time noise levels outside all bedrooms; and

• Where necesssary, working with the project sustainability consultant to to devise the most suitable form of overheating mitigation.

We have carried out many noise assessments in line with the requirements of ADO for major housebuilders. We are experienced working alongside clients and sustainability consultants to achieve the best.

Whilst ADO-specific noise survey data is always preferable, we are also often able to work with historical noise data already gathered at the site.

Looking for some advice?

Find your nearest office below or call us on 0161 242 7900