Bankside Yards Marketing suite
Project summary
Set within two railway arches, the Bankside Yard marketing suite was created to support the wider masterplan development. The key acoustic challenge was the site’s location directly beneath a busy railway, requiring careful and collaborative design to control noise and vibration and create a suitable environment for its intended use.
The marketing suite comprises a show apartment, vision room, model room, reception and cafe.
Detailed design
Sandy Brown was appointed by Native Land to provide acoustic consultancy services throughout the project. Our scope included an initial on-site noise and vibration survey and inspection, acoustic design input at Stages 3 and 4, support during construction, site inspections and acoustic testing to demonstrate compliance with the project’s acoustic criteria.
Following an audio demonstration with the client and design team, which simulated the internal noise levels resulting from different construction approaches, the marketing suite was divided into three areas according to their sensitivity to railway noise. This informed three bespoke acoustic solutions, incorporating box-in-box constructions, to meet the requirements of each space. The aim of the acoustic criteria (and the design) was to minimise railway noise transfer/ingress in the show apartment such that it would be representative of the actual BY2 apartments. This meant that a significant amount of low frequency noise reduction was required.
The complex acoustic detailing required careful coordination throughout the design and construction process to achieve the required internal noise levels. During construction, Sandy Brown carried out site inspections to review the installation and ensure the acoustic design was being delivered as intended.
Guidance was also provided on internal sound insulation to minimise sound transfer between spaces and allow them to be used simultaneously. A sound absorption strategy was developed to create a suitable acoustic environment, while building services noise and vibration, including plant noise egress, were controlled to meet the acoustic criteria.
Post-completion acoustic testing confirmed compliance with the bespoke performance requirements. Close collaboration between Sandy Brown, the wider design team and the contractor was key to successfully delivering the scheme.
