BB93 Acoustic Report for Schools and Education Buildings
The acoustic design of any new school must meet the requirements of BB93. We help to make sense of the various sound insulation, reveberation, and internal noise level criteria.
Architectural Acoustic Design for Schools, Colleges and Universities
A BB93 Acoustic Report is an essential part of the design of a new education facility.
BB93, or Building Bulletin 93, is a document published by the Department for Education, including minimum acoustic performance standards for schools. BB93 is used by contractors, architects, and acoustic consultants to design all new and refurbished schools in the UK.
An effective learning environment depends partly on it’s acoustics. Poor acoustics makes it harder for pupils and teachers to communicate and concentrate. To learn without distraction, we need to ensure that external noise ingress is controlled, as well as sound insulating against the classrooms next door. We also need to consider the amount of sound absorption in a room to limit the build up of noise, and to ensure that speech is cleary intelligible.
What is the purpose of a BB93 Acoustic Report?
Minimise external noise ingress
A noisy classroom is neither good for students or teachers.
Achieve high levels of sound insulation from other rooms
Distraction stems from being able to hear other classes. Especially if the room next door is a music room, a sports hall, or a resistant materials workshop!
Reverberation times to allow good speech intelligibility
A low reverberation time is critical to rooms used for spoken word teaching. The voice needs to be clear, without sound reflections from the room blurring syllables together.
Limit disturbance to other developments in the area
A school can be inherently noisy with playgrounds, MUGAs, sports pitches, music rooms, and workshops. We need to minimise disturbance to nearby residents in accordance with BS4142 and WHO guidelines.
How can our Acoustic Consultants help?
Noise Surveys
Our surveyors can get to schools all over the UK and can conduct BB93 noise surveys spanning between a couple of hours to several weeks. Call now and we could be at your site in 2-3 days if it's really last minute!
Internal Acoustic Design
To use one word to describe our approach to building/architectural acoustic reports, they are 'comprehensive'. Our attention to detail leads to a robust BB93 Acoustic Report which covers all bases. But we also take the time to explore value engineering opportunities for our clients.
BB93 Acoustic Design Reports
Our acoustic reports leave no stone unturned. But they are also structured in a way which is easy to follow.
Experts in BB93 Acoustic Design
ParkerJones Acoustic consultants are among the best at providing noise assessment and architectural acoustics support to schools, colleges, and university developments across the UK.
We work on all sizes of education development, from one to two classroom extensions, to mixed age primary and secondary schools, through to large universities. This includes refurbishments/change of use as well as new build.
Chris (Director of ParkerJones Acoustics) has 10 years experience working on BB93 projects with large clients such as Kier Construction, Interserve, Sir Robert Mcalpine, AECOM, AHR, and Stride Treglown. Chris has successfully consulted on over a hundred education buildings.
We’re able to turn around top quality BB93 acoustic reports within a matter of days.
So if you have a school, college, university, or any type of education facility… give ParkerJones Acoustics a call. Our acoustic experts are always on hand to help.
Key Aspects of a BB93 Acoustic Report
Internal Ambient Noise Levels
Is the noise climate acceptable for future occupants? Can we control noise ingress into classrooms and external teaching areas? Key points include:
– The ventilation strategy and whether natural ventilation can be used whlst still meeting BB93 indoor ambient noise level targets.
– The sound reduction requirements for glazing, external walls, and roofs, including to protect against rain impact noise.
– Controlling noise from building services.
Sound Insulation
Can we stop classes from being disturbed by the rooms next door? Key considerations include:
– Airborne sound insulation through walls and floors, choosing the right constructions to mitigate noise to the various Rw and DnTw requirements of BB93.
– Impact sound insulation across floors, specifying floor finishes and underlays which can mitigate impact noise from footsteps, chair scrapes, and objects being dropped.
Reverberation Times
Is the room too reverberant for good speech intelligibility? Does noise build up to uncontrollable levels? Key aspects:
– Providing acoustically absorbent surface materials in rooms which heavily rely on spoken word teaching.
– Flexible acoustic treatments for multi-purpose spaces such as halls and activity studios which may have a range of acoustic requirements.
Guidelines for School Acoustic Assessments
BB93 - Building Bulletin 93 - Acoustic Design of Schools
The mandatory guidelines under the Building Regulations. BB93 is a specific acoustic design standard which applies to schools and higher education facilities. All new and refurbished/change of use schools must follow the internal noise level criteria within.
WHO ‘Guidelines for Community Noise’
Also commonly referenced within local planning policy, the Guidelines for Community Noise sets out guidance as to noise levels at which there will be an unacceptable impact on residential dwellings. This guidance considers many different types of noise sources., including those associated with schools.
BS 4142:2014 ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’
If an education facility has a mechanical ventilation system, then a BS 4142 assessment will be needed 99% of the time. It is intended to be used to assess the potential adverse impact of sound of an industrial and/or commercial nature, at nearby noise-sensitive receptor (NSR) locations within the context of the existing sound environment.
BB93 Acoustic Design throughout the UK
We’re able to offer BB93 acoustic reports across the nation, including cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea, throughout the UK.
Give ParkerJones Acoustics a call. We’ll always give you a fair and honest evaluation at a good price, wherever you’re based.
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BB93 Acoustic Reports from a top rated Consultancy
"ParkerJones Acoustics recently helped us to discharge a planning condition and was very professional and accommodating. Chris (director) worked alongside us to model various window configurations of the property to establish where acoustic mitigation measures were required. This enabled our client to address matters strategically rather than simply blanketing the whole site with the worst-case scenario, in turn saving our client time and money. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics and I look forward to working alongside him soon."
"I have recently used the services of ParkerJones Acoustics to carry out a Noise Impact Assessment as part of a planning condition for an industrial development my company was building in the Scottish Highlands. From their same day quote to their equally prompt site visit and final report I have had a truly excellent service from this company, especially in comparison to some of the larger companies I have used in the past who were considerably more expensive. I am genuinely pleased to say I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris and his team at ParkerJones Acoustics to any business or individual requiring their services."
"Within 48 hours of contacting ParkerJones Acoustics, they were on site and collecting the information he needed. Chris (director) took the time to understand our business proposal; and he was so easy to work with and very friendly and we had a very professional and detailed report in our inbox within a week. A fantastic service that we would not hesitate to recommend, thank you!"
"We approached ParkerJones Acoustics for advice regarding a Noise Impact Assessment for a planning application. We cannot thank him enough for the prompt replies we received, the professional manner of his approach and the knowledge and expertise he had of the technical and planning issues. We would use Chris (director) of ParkerJones Acoustics) again and highly recommend him and his company."
"Chris has provided us with an excellent service, he's swift at responding and very knowledgeable in his area of work. We needed a noise survey undertaken due to an unauthorised installation of extraction fans at a local sports club close to our home. His report, which he turned around in 24 hours for us, was professional, clear to read and interpret. I highly recommend ParkerJones Acoustics Consultants."
"We sourced ParkerJones Acoustics consultants to help us with our planning application for a wedding venue. We found Chris (director) to be incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and professional in helping to produce a fully comprehensive noise assessment which resulted in a positive planning application. Communication was second to none and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his service."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones highly enough. I engaged Chris (director) to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily reccomend them to anyone"
"ParkerJones Acoustics provided our client with a very comprehensive Noise Impact Assessment report in support of a planning application for a micro-bar in the centre of Shifnal. A competitively priced service which was delivered in fast response to the Planning Authority's request. The application was successful. Thank you Chris!"
"Parker Jones Acoustics provides a fantastic, efficient service with excellent attention to detail. Within two days we had noise monitoring taking place capturing data on site - under a week and the report (incredibly informative without being too wordy) had arrived. Highly recommended!!"
"Chris was very knowledgeable and professional. We were seeking planning permission for a cafe and this was granted in part due to the excellent report by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris really listens to the specific detailed requirements set out by his clients. Thanks very much Chris."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones Acoustics highly enough. I engaged Chris to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily recommend them to anyone."
"ParkerJones Acoustics carried out an acoustic survey for us in a planning application for a new home. They were very professional in their approach and both Chris and Tom were very easy to deal with. Their recommendations seemed fair and balanced and we are hoping the council will agree. It was an expense we could have done without, but their fee seemed reasonable and includes any follow up from the planners, so we would have no hesitation in recommending them."
"Used Parker Jones Acoustics on a project in Dundee. Noise assessment was a last minute requirement from local planners and could have severely delayed things. Chris got on board quickly, engaged with the planning team and was able to fast track the assessment. Result = positive planning decision 4 weeks later. ParkerJones Acoustics are now part of our team for future projects"
"Carried out a Noise Assessment report for a listed building which achieved planning permission. Delivered promptly and professionally. Extremely pleased with the service and would happily recommend and use their services in future."
"Excellent speedy response from ParkerJones Acoustics, and high-quality report provided in support of our planning application. Really impressed."
"Chris at Parker Jones Acoustics has been faultless. We had a deadline to hit and he was very proactive around reaching that deadline, even in the current climate of COVID19. I've been very impressed and equally was my planning consultant very impressed"
"ParkerJones Acoustics were pro-active in addressing difficulties in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their experience and endeavour shone through the alternative quotes I obtained, and the finalreport exceeded my expectation; an impressive piece of work delivered in very good time. A happy customer; thank you Chris"
"Chris was most helpful, responding quickly and professionally to our request for a noise survey. He sent the results to us within a day which was much appreciated. I would definately recommend his service, and would also use his company again Thank you"
"Used this company to perform a noise and vibration survey for my air conditioning planning permission. It was handled very professionally, good advice given and quick turnaround. Very happy with the service."
"Great service from ParkerJones Acoustics, clear fast communication, fast turn around on work and competitive prices. I would highly recommend for any acoustic work."
"I needed some guidance in a hurry and Chris was on the end of the line with a very clear no nonsense reply. Very much appreciated"
"I reached out for some support on an acoustic related issue that we see troubleshooting at our plant. The support I got was excellent and very thorough."
"ParkerJones Acoustics helped significantly reduce the echo in our office by recommending acoustic treatment and sound insulation fittings. We’re now finding it much easier to work without disturbance and are able to use our meeting spaces without worrying about confidential conversations being overheard."
"I received an excellent, well informed and quick service. Chris has the expertise expected and is a true professional. Thank you."
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"Very economic and efficient. Helpful and very informative. Definitely use again on future schemes."
"Chris Parker Jones carried out an excellent noise assessment for us, detailed and yet easy to follow. Easy to contact and very helpful follow ups. Very professional."
"Thank you very much for the investigation you performed and the report you wrote which has helped us with a persistent noise problem from a neighbouring business."
"Highly professional and no issues at all. Would recommend to anyone. Answered all our questions. Gave a report which perfectly answered all the councils requirements."
"Joy to work with and went above and beyond for us to satisfy the landlords requirements. Highly recommended and will be using again for the rest of our sites."
"Wow! I messaged Chris on the website at 11am, and by 2pm he'd emailed me with diagrams and examples and an amazing breakdown of solutions. I am so thoroughly impressed."
"Very professional and helped me get through a tricky project. I would definitely recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to my clients. 5 star service!"
"Was very happy with the information provided by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris was very helpful, being clear and thorough with all communications."
"Chris' deep expertise is matched by his focus on giving you only the input you need, instead of everything he could potentially bill you for. I wish other professionals operated on the same footing."
"Fantastic communication and extremely professional. All our questions answered and did an amazing job with the report for the council. Highly recommend if you do not want any hassle get in touch."
"ParkerJones Acoustics exceeded expectations; quick turn around on the report, great communication and a friendly service. We will be using them on our other projects!"
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"Chris (director) really is an expert & knows exactly what he is talking about which is a rarity these days. He replied promptly by email to my initial enquiry and followed up with a phone chat to discuss in greater detail the problem of the noise nuisance I have been experiencing from the flat above. Chris is a great listener and proposed a couple of solutions which he then sent on by email within an hour and which I am now following up. He also wants to know the outcome- a true professional and I would definitely recommend him. I cant thank him enough for his invaluable advice and insight."
"I contacted ParkerJones Acoustics after moving into a noisy 1st floor flat. I had no idea about what solutions were a available and after doing my own research I had become very confused. Chris responded to my email almost immediately, and clearly explained about the available products and offered his professional advice about my best course of action. Because of the information Chris gave me, I now feel much more reassured that there is a solution to my very annoying noise problem. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to anybody who has a noise problem."
We had ParkerJones Acoustics to assist us with a noise problem in a recently purchased residential flat. Chris provided a fantastic service. He was extremely responsive and the work that Chris did was a very high standard. His knowledge of the subject is amazing. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris and ParkerJones Acoustics
"Chris (director) is fantastic. Lovely guy. Friendly efficient and honest. My new music room is superb and I couldn't have got the result I did without his help. I would refer and definitely use again."
Talk to a BB93 Acoustic Consulant
How can one our noise consultants help with your education facility?
- 0800 830 3338
- info@parkerjonesacoustics.com
- 11 Bankside Road, Bristol, BS4 4LB
- 29 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, London, WC2A 3EE
- 126 West Regent Street, Glasgow, G2 2RQ
- parkerjonesacoustics
Acoustics.
Noise.
Vibration.