Acoustic Consultancy for Zedwell Hotel, Manchester

Acoustic Design and Testing for a Hotel Refurbishment

Project Overview

NOVA Acoustics Ltd was appointed to provide acoustic consultancy for the transformation of the upper floors of the historic Royal Buildings at 2 Mosley Street, Manchester, into a 206-bedroom Zedwell Hotel. The development, led by Criterion Capital, is part of the brand’s expansion beyond London, bringing its wellness-focused hospitality concept to the heart of Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens.

The hotel is designed to offer a tranquil, technology-free environment, with cocoon-like rooms and nature-inspired interiors aimed at promoting deep rest and wellbeing. The site’s location—surrounded by busy roads, tramlines, and commercial units—presented a complex acoustic environment requiring a robust and integrated design approach.

Scope of Acoustic Works

NOVA Acoustics delivered acoustic consultancy across both Stage 3 and Stage 4 design phases. Our scope included:

Assessment of external noise break-in from surrounding roads and tram infrastructure
Internal sound insulation between hotel rooms and commercial units (including Burger King and Costa Coffee)
Mechanical ventilation noise control and vibration mitigation
Reverberation management in communal areas such as corridors and stairwells
Flanking sound guidance and junction detailing
Review of rooftop plant emissions and façade glazing performance

Design Integration

Working closely with the design team, we developed tailored acoustic solutions that aligned with the architectural and mechanical design of the hotel. Key design elements included:

Façade treatments: Secondary glazing and internal linings were specified to mitigate noise ingress from Piccadilly Gardens and Mosley Street. Broken window panes were identified for replacement, and rooflight designs were revised due to proximity to rooftop plant noise sources
Mechanical systems: Silencer insertion losses and duct lagging were calculated to control HVAC noise and vibration. Anti-vibration mounts and resilient fixings were recommended throughout the building to prevent structure-borne transmission.
Wall and floor constructions: Enhanced wall types were selected to meet sound insulation targets, particularly for rooms adjacent to plant areas and lift shafts. Floor upgrades included mineral wool insulation and resilient matting to meet Approved Document E requirements.
Reverberation control: Communal areas were designed with Class C absorptive finishes, with carpeted corridors preferred. Where carpeting was not feasible, wall panels were advised to maintain acoustic comfort.

Outcome

The acoustic strategy was successfully integrated into the wider design, ensuring compliance with performance standards and supporting Zedwell’s brand ethos of tranquillity and rest. The result is a hotel environment that balances urban vibrancy with acoustic comfort—ready to welcome guests seeking a peaceful stay in the heart of Manchester.

Why NOVA Acoustics?

At NOVA Acoustics Ltd, we specialise in acoustic design for complex urban developments. Our work on the Zedwell Hotel demonstrates our ability to deliver high-performance acoustic environments in challenging city centre locations.

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Whether you’re developing a hotel, residential scheme, or commercial space, NOVA Acoustics Ltd is your trusted partner for acoustic excellence.