Healthcare

Acoustic consultancy services to support RIBA design stage 3 and 4 acoustic design of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn.

Acoustic Consultancy for RIBA Design Stage 3 and 4 for Healthcare

NOVA Acoustics Ltd was appointed to provide acoustic consultancy services for a new medical building at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, supporting the design team through RIBA Design Stages 3 and 4. The project required a robust acoustic strategy to meet the demanding standards of healthcare environments, ensuring comfort, privacy, and regulatory compliance across clinical and support spaces.

Project Overview

Working alongside the McAvoy Group, NOVA Acoustics conducted a full environmental noise survey in accordance with BS 7445:2003, establishing ambient and background sound levels across the site and surrounding areas. This data formed the foundation for a comprehensive acoustic design aligned with HTM 08-01: Acoustics (2013)—the Health Technical Memorandum that governs acoustic performance in healthcare buildings 1.

The building was also designed to meet BREEAM sustainability standards, which required careful consideration of noise emissions from mechanical plant and internal sound insulation between spaces.

Scope of Acoustic Work

Our consultancy services included:

Environmental Noise Survey
Conducted to assess baseline sound levels and inform façade design, glazing specifications, and external plant noise mitigation.
Acoustic Design in Accordance with HTM 08-01
We developed solutions for sound insulation between treatment rooms, offices, and circulation spaces, ensuring speech privacy and patient comfort.
Reverberation Control
Materials and layouts were specified to manage reverberation times in clinical areas, waiting rooms, and corridors, improving speech intelligibility and reducing stress.
Internal Ambient Sound Level Assessment
We evaluated background noise levels to ensure compliance with HTM guidance and support restful environments for patients.
Mechanical Plant Noise Emission Control
Acoustic treatments were recommended to reduce noise from HVAC and other building services, supporting both BREEAM and HTM compliance.

Design Integration

Our acoustic strategy was developed in close collaboration with architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants. We provided value-engineered solutions that balanced performance, cost, and buildability—ensuring the project met all required standards without compromising on design intent.

Throughout the design stages, our consultants remained actively involved, offering technical support and design reviews to ensure acoustic goals were embedded across all disciplines.

Outcome

The acoustic design delivered by NOVA Acoustics helped create a healthcare facility that supports patient wellbeing, staff efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The building now offers a quiet, comfortable environment that meets the acoustic expectations of both HTM 08-01 and BREEAM, contributing to the hospital’s long-term sustainability and operational excellence.

Why NOVA Acoustics?

At NOVA Acoustics Ltd, we specialise in acoustic consultancy for healthcare, education, commercial, and residential developments. Our work on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital project demonstrates our ability to deliver tailored acoustic solutions that meet sector-specific standards and enhance user experience.

We offer a full suite of services across the UK, including:

Healthcare Acoustic Consultancy for hospitals, clinics, and care homes
Noise Impact Assessments for planning and environmental compliance
Sound Insulation Testing for Building Regulations Part E
Noise at Work Assessments for occupational health compliance
Reverberation Control for classrooms, treatment rooms, and public spaces
Vibration and Dust Monitoring for construction and infrastructure projects
Acoustic Products including panels and screens for noise control in sensitive environments

Our consultants are members of the Institute of Acoustics and bring deep sector experience in healthcare design, ensuring that acoustic performance supports clinical outcomes, patient recovery, and staff wellbeing.

Explore more of our recent projects or contact us today to discuss how we can support your next healthcare development.