Approved Document E Acoustic Design Advice

Aran Acoustics can provide design advice to ensure your development achieves compliance with Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. Approved Document E – ‘Resistance to the passage of sound’ requires that acoustic performance standards be complied with when developing a new or refurbished building. The requirements relating to acoustics are listed below:

• Requirement E1 – Protection against sound from other parts of the building and adjoining buildings
• Requirement E2 – Protection against sound within a dwelling.
• Requirement E3 – Reverberation in the common, internal parts of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes
• Requirement E4 – Acoustic conditions in schools (See Schools)

Requirement E1 states:

“Dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes, shall be designed and constructed in such a way that they provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the same building and from adjoining buildings.”

Requirement E2 states:

 “Dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way that:-

(a) Internal walls between a bedroom or a room containing a water closet, and other rooms; and (b) Internal floors; provide reasonable resistance to sound.”

Requirement E3 states:

“The common internal parts of buildings which contain flats or rooms for residential purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent more reverberation around the common parts than is reasonable.”

Further details and Approved Document E can be downloaded at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk

Aran Acoustics offers guidance on meeting the requirements of Approved Document E. We can undertake a detailed review of drawing and construction details to ensure that once complete the development can meet the regulations. An acoustic design report can be provided specifying wall and floor constructions, junction details and internal acoustic treatments. On-going site support can also be provided to ensure details are correct throughout the construction phase.

If you require further information about Approved Document E specifications or require a no obligation free quotation please do not hesitate to contact us.