Residential

Acoustic consultancy services for the conversion to form a Capsule Hotel in London for Zedwells.

Acoustic Consultancy Services for a Hotel in London

NOVA Acoustics was appointed to provide full acoustic consultancy for the conversion of a central London property into a modern hotel. The project involved transforming the upper floors of a commercial building at 7 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BY, into a vibrant hospitality space, requiring careful acoustic planning to meet both regulatory and operational needs.

Project Overview

The client, Criterion Capital, sought to repurpose the building into a capsule-style hotel under their Zedwell Hotels brand—known for creating sleep-centric, minimalist accommodation in high-density urban locations. This development forms part of a wider initiative by Leicester Place Ltd, a subsidiary of Criterion Capital, to revitalise the upper floors of the property and enhance its utility for both domestic and international travellers.

Given the urban location—surrounded by theatres, nightlife, and heavy foot traffic—acoustic performance was a critical factor in ensuring guest comfort and regulatory compliance. NOVA Acoustics was engaged to support the project through RIBA Design Stages 2 to 6, delivering a comprehensive acoustic strategy that addressed both planning and building regulation requirements.

Scope of Work

Our consultancy covered a wide range of acoustic services, including:

Planning-Stage Noise Impact Assessment
We conducted detailed assessments to evaluate the impact of external noise sources, including traffic, entertainment venues, and pedestrian activity, on the proposed hotel. These assessments supported the planning application and helped shape the design response.
Building Acoustic Design
We developed tailored acoustic solutions to meet the requirements of Approved Document E, focusing on sound insulation between rooms, communal areas, and adjacent properties.
Sound Insulation Testing
As a UKAS-accredited provider, NOVA Acoustics carried out pre-completion sound insulation testing to verify compliance and ensure the acoustic integrity of the finished spaces.
Material & Layout Recommendations
We advised on the selection of acoustic materials and spatial layouts to optimise noise control and enhance guest experience, particularly in shared and sleeping areas.

Design Integration

Our acoustic strategy was closely integrated with the architectural and engineering design teams. We provided early-stage input to avoid costly revisions and ensured that acoustic treatments were practical, cost-effective, and aligned with the overall design intent.

Throughout the construction phase, our consultants remained actively involved, conducting site visits and liaising with contractors to ensure correct implementation of acoustic measures.

Outcome

The completed hotel now offers a quiet, comfortable environment for guests despite its central London location. The acoustic design successfully mitigates external noise and ensures privacy between rooms, contributing to a high-quality hospitality experience.

The project was delivered on schedule, with all acoustic targets met and planning conditions satisfied. The client praised the proactive and collaborative approach of the NOVA Acoustics team, noting the value of our input in achieving both regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

Why NOVA Acoustics?

At NOVA Acoustics, we specialise in delivering acoustic consultancy for complex urban developments, including hotels, hostels, and residential conversions. Our work on this London hotel for Zedwell Hotels exemplifies our ability to balance regulatory requirements with real-world performance.

We offer a full suite of services—from noise impact assessments to reverberation control and sound insulation testing—all delivered by our team of expert acoustic consultants.

Whether you’re planning a new build or converting an existing space, NOVA Acoustics provides tailored acoustic solutions that support planning approval, enhance user experience, and ensure compliance with building regulations.

Explore more of our recent projects to see how we’ve helped clients across hospitality, education, and commercial sectors. If you’re ready to start your next project, contact us today to speak with one of our consultants.