Hospitality

Acoustic consultancy services for the conversion to form a 600+ bed hotel for Zedwell in London.

Acoustic Consultancy Services for a 600-Bed Zedwell Hotel in London

NOVA Acoustics was appointed to deliver full acoustic consultancy services for the transformation of Nobel House, a Grade II listed building in Westminster, into a 600-bed hotel operated under the Zedwell Hotels brand. The project required a sensitive and technically robust acoustic strategy to support the building’s conversion from government offices into a sleep-focused hospitality destination.

Project Overview

The client, Criterion Capital, is leading the redevelopment of Nobel House, formerly the headquarters of Imperial Chemical Industries and most recently occupied by DEFRA. The building had been vacant since mid-2024 and was no longer suitable for modern office use. The new vision is to restore and repurpose the property into a mid-range lifestyle hotel that preserves its heritage while meeting the growing demand for high-quality accommodation in Westminster.

Zedwell Hotels are designed around the concept of sleep wellness, with minimalist, soundproofed rooms called “Cocoons” that eliminate external distractions. This made acoustic performance a central pillar of the design brief. NOVA Acoustics was engaged from RIBA Design Stage 2 through to Stage 6, ensuring acoustic considerations were embedded throughout the lifecycle of the project

Scope of Work

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

Planning-Stage Noise Impact Assessment
We evaluated environmental noise sources such as traffic, pedestrian activity, and nearby entertainment venues. These assessments supported the planning application and informed façade treatments and glazing specifications.
Internal Acoustic Design
We developed bespoke solutions to meet and exceed Approved Document E standards, focusing on sound insulation between rooms, corridors, and communal areas. Given Zedwell’s emphasis on sleep quality, we specified enhanced acoustic partitions and door assemblies.
Building Services Noise Control
We assessed mechanical systems including ventilation and air purification units—key features of Zedwell’s sustainability strategy—to ensure they operated quietly and did not compromise guest comfort.
Sound Insulation Testing
As a UKAS-accredited provider, NOVA Acoustics conducted pre-completion testing to verify compliance and performance across all guestroom types.
Material & Layout Recommendations
We advised on acoustic finishes and spatial layouts to optimise reverberation control and reduce noise transfer, particularly in high-traffic zones such as lobbies and lift cores.

Design Integration

Our acoustic strategy was closely coordinated with architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants. We provided early-stage input to avoid costly revisions and ensured that acoustic treatments aligned with Zedwell’s brand ethos of simplicity, wellness, and environmental responsibility.

Throughout construction, our consultants conducted site inspections and collaborated with contractors to ensure correct implementation of acoustic measures. We also supported value engineering efforts to maintain performance while controlling costs.

Outcome

The completed hotel will offer a quiet, restorative environment for guests in one of London’s busiest districts. The acoustic design supports Zedwell’s mission to deliver sleep-focused hospitality, with rooms engineered to minimise external and internal noise.

The project is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy and tourism sector, offering accommodation for both business professionals and leisure travellers. NOVA Acoustics’ involvement ensured that the building’s transformation respected its heritage while meeting modern acoustic and sustainability standards

Why NOVA Acoustics?

At NOVA Acoustics, we specialise in acoustic consultancy for complex urban developments, including hotels, residential conversions, and heritage buildings. Our work on the Nobel House redevelopment for Zedwell Hotels exemplifies our ability to balance technical performance, regulatory compliance, and brand-specific acoustic goals.

We offer a full suite of services across the UK, delivered by a team of expert acoustic consultants who are members of the Institute of Acoustics. Our services include:

Noise Impact Assessments for planning applications and environmental compliance.
Sound Insulation Testing to meet Approved Document E and Building Regulations.
Noise at Work Assessments to help employers comply with Control of Noise at Work Regulations.
Vibration and Dust Monitoring for construction and infrastructure projects.
Reverberation Control for schools, offices, and public buildings.
Soundproofing Advice and Products for residential and commercial clients.

With headquarters in Leeds and regional engineers based from London to Newcastle, NOVA Acoustics provides fast, responsive service nationwide. We’ve supported over 10,000 projects across all sectors—from large-scale mixed-use developments to small property conversions.

Our mission is to deliver uncompromising quality and technical excellence, solving acoustic challenges with sustainable, efficient, and innovative solutions. Whether you’re planning a new build or converting a listed property, 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.