BREEAM Acoustic Design for Gateway Island Office Development, Royston

Acoustic Consultancy and Design for Breeam HEA05 and POL05.

BREEAM Acoustic Design for Wilten Construction

NOVA Acoustics was appointed by Wilten Construction Limited to provide acoustic consultancy for a new office and commercial development located at Gateway Island, Durham Way, just off Darlington Road in Royston, Hertfordshire. The site sits within the Royston Gateway Retail Park, a mixed-use area comprising retail, commercial, and industrial units.

The development was assessed under the BREEAM UK 2024 ‘New Construction Version 6.1’ framework, with a focus on achieving compliance with Hea 05 Credit 2 for internal ambient noise levels. NOVA Acoustics was engaged to support the design team in delivering acoustic performance that aligns with BREEAM’s sustainability and wellbeing objectives.

Scope of Acoustic Works

NOVA Acoustics carried out a detailed environmental noise survey to establish baseline sound levels across the site. This data informed the acoustic design strategy, which included:

Assessment of internal ambient noise levels in accordance with BS8233:2014
Evaluation of natural and mechanical ventilation options
Recommendations for glazing and façade performance
Silencer specifications for HVAC systems
Guidance on external envelope construction to maintain acoustic integrity

The assessment focused specifically on the office areas of the development, as these are the spaces relevant to the targeted BREEAM credit.

Baseline environmental noise surveys were carried out, and predictive modelling was used to assess the acoustic implications of the proposed development under various operational scenarios.

Design Integration

The acoustic strategy was developed to ensure compliance with BREEAM Hea 05 Credit 2, which requires indoor ambient noise levels to meet the design ranges set out in BS8233:2014. Key design considerations included:

Natural Ventilation: Due to elevated ambient noise levels from nearby roads and commercial activity, openable windows were deemed unsuitable for the office areas.
Mechanical Ventilation: Noise limits for HVAC systems were defined, and silencer performance requirements were calculated to ensure internal noise levels remained within acceptable thresholds.
Façade Design: Glazing and wall constructions were specified to achieve the necessary sound insulation performance, preventing external noise intrusion.

The acoustic design was tailored to support occupant comfort and productivity, aligning with BREEAM’s emphasis on health and wellbeing.

Outcome

The acoustic assessment demonstrated that the proposed development could meet the requirements of BREEAM Hea 05 Credit 2 through effective design alone, without the need for post-construction verification testing. NOVA Acoustics provided clear criteria and actionable recommendations to guide the project team through implementation.

Why NOVA Acoustics?

NOVA Acoustics is a trusted provider of acoustic consultancy services for BREEAM-accredited developments. Our team combines technical expertise with practical design insight to help clients achieve compliance and enhance building performance.

For this project, NOVA Acoustics delivered a robust and comprehensive assessment that addressed both environmental and internal acoustic conditions. Our collaborative approach ensured that acoustic performance was integrated seamlessly into the wider design strategy, supporting the project’s sustainability and wellbeing goals.

Whether you’re targeting BREEAM credits or seeking to optimise acoustic comfort in your development, NOVA Acoustics offers the experience and support to help you succeed.