Partners in GBP6m student accommodation project

Builders Bluestone plc chose the Hodgson and Hodgson Group to provide comprehensive acoustic design, assessment and planning services on the scheme.

The Hodgson and Hodgson Group is celebrating another successful project after the completion of a consultancy contract for a GBP6 million new-build development - Victoria Hall in Nottingham.

Situated in Saint Anne's Well Road, close to Nottingham city centre, Victoria Hall is an exclusive new-build development consisting of three cylindrical five-, seven- and nine-storey steel frame blocks for student accommodation.

Hodgson and Hodgson was involved early in the 51-week programme, to determine if the proposed site was suitable in terms of noise-planning regulations and to assess the sound insulation performance of the proposed building shells in relation to their future city noise environment.

The proposed building envelopes were not typical brick/ cavity/ blockwork construction, but instead feature rendered insulation on metsec framing, allowing the building to show off its curves.

Glazing and background ventilation also had to be considered - a challenge, given the urban location close to a roundabout.

Specialist double-glazed window units, together with through-wall acoustic air bricks were specified.

Hodgson and Hodgson provided further acoustic design advice for the separating walls and floors.

For the walls, twin metal stud walls were suggested, with a resilient bar built on one side.

For the separating floors, the density of the concrete floors was reviewed in terms of the level of airborne sound insulation they provided.

Their impact performance was in need of improvement and Hodgson and Hodgson worked in partnership with Building Control to agree that a foam-backed carpet could be considered 'an integral part of the floor' and could be bonded directly to the slab.

Working closely not only with Bluestone but also with the project's architects, The Henry Mein Partnership, Hodgson and Hodgson ensured the acoustic integrity of the building.

All separating walls and floors exceeded the requirements of Approved Document E whilst internal noise levels also met demanding ingress criteria.

Hodgson and Hodgson's Consultancy Division is staffed by a team of highly qualified and experienced acoustic engineers who provide practical help and advice on all aspects of noise and vibration control.

Its comprehensive service covers acoustic testing, analysis, design, problem solving and troubleshooting.

Back to top