Assessment & measurement

We listen to your experience, trace sound sources and paths, and choose measurements suited to the space.

The steps, simply

Listen and observe
When and where does the disturbance occur? How does it affect sleep, conversation or work? We also consider welcome sounds and how the space is used.
Trace the source and path
We examine equipment, openings and surfaces to understand whether sound travels through air or vibration in building elements.
Measure under relevant conditions
We use suitable equipment with calibration checks and record the time, location and operating conditions. Depending on the issue, we examine sound levels and frequencies, reverberation time or vibration.

Illustrative example

A bedroom hum at night: where safe and feasible, we compare rooftop pump operation with shutdown and inspect transmission paths before identifying a cause. The presence of a pump alone is not proof.

What do you receive?

A summary of conditions, measurement results and their limitations, likely sources and treatment priorities within the study scope.

Further reading

Noise assessment guidance — Environment Agency

Home

Acoustic design

We set a clear comfort objective and select treatments suited to the problem and use of the space.

The steps, simply

Define what the space needs
A bedroom needs rest; a meeting room needs clear speech and privacy. We relate objectives to use, measurements and project requirements.
Choose the right intervention
We consider reducing noise at its source, then controlling its path. Insulation limits transmission between spaces; absorption reduces reflections within a room; vibration isolation addresses transmission through supports and structures.
Coordinate the details
We balance performance, cost, space and appearance, coordinating with architecture, ventilation and safety. Calculations or modelling are used when the study requires them.

Illustrative example

If pump vibration reaching the structure is confirmed, we assess isolators and flexible connections suited to its load and speed. Absorptive panels on a bedroom wall alone do not treat that path.

What do you receive?

An explanation of options, installation details or specifications and performance objectives as commissioned, with assumptions that may affect the outcome.

Further reading

Acoustic comfort in buildings — GSA

Home

Treatment implementation

We turn the design into installed details, check workmanship and compare the result with the agreed objective.

The steps, simply

Prepare the work
We review dimensions, materials, installation methods and sequencing, agreeing inspection points with the parties involved.
Check installation quality
We check joints, seals, connections and fixings. Small details can allow sound leakage or vibration transmission even when suitable materials are chosen.
Verify and hand over
We repeat relevant measurements under comparable conditions and record differences and limitations. We review performance against agreed objectives and identify any adjustments or maintenance needed.

Illustrative example

After installing pump isolators, we check for rigid connections that could bypass them and transmit vibration. We then review sound and vibration with the pump operating under conditions comparable to the initial assessment.

What do you receive?

Records of work, inspections and verification results, plus use and maintenance guidance within the project scope. Results are measured and reviewed, not assumed from installation alone.

Further reading

Noise control principles — HSE

Home

Knowledge for better choices

Understand the sound. Choose the right response.

Simple concepts for what you hear at home, at work and around the city.

What is sound?

Sound is vibration travelling through a medium such as air, reaching the ear as pressure changes. Equipment vibration can also travel through walls and floors and become audible in another room.

Frequency: low or high pitched?

Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz): vibrations per second. A low hum differs from a high whistle. Frequency describes pitch, not sound level.

When does sound become noise?

When it is unwanted or interferes with an activity. Music can be welcome in one space and disturbing in a bedroom, so context, time and use matter.

How do we measure sound?

Sound pressure level is expressed in decibels (dB). The scale is logarithmic: values are not added like ordinary numbers, and a single reading cannot fully describe a disturbance.

What does dB(A) mean?

It is a frequency-weighted reading that accounts for differences in hearing sensitivity. It does not describe every issue on its own, particularly low-frequency hum or vibration.

Level, duration and location

We consider sound level alongside measurement duration, variation, microphone position and operating conditions. Frequency analysis may also be needed to select a suitable treatment.

Sound insulation or room acoustic treatment?

They serve different purposes, and a project may need both. Room acoustic treatment concerns how sound behaves inside the space.

Sound insulation

Reduce sound transmission from one space to another.

For example: road noise entering a bedroom, or speech heard from the next room.

We assess walls, doors, windows, openings and flanking paths, then design a complete construction suited to the situation.

Room acoustic treatment

Control reflections and reverberation to improve clarity and comfort.

For example: a meeting room where overlapping reflections make speech hard to follow.

We select the placement and area of absorptive or diffusive treatments according to room size, use and relevant frequencies.

A panel that reduces reverberation does not automatically become a barrier to neighbours’ noise. If a machine causes vibration, we also assess isolation at the source and its connections.

Further reading

How is sound measured? — NIDCD Noise control at home — YourHome

Designed with calm.Delivered for comfort.

Assess

Design

Implement

What disturbs your peace?

Noise inside buildings

Noise outdoors

Understand the sound. Deliver the solution.