Bridgwater Arts Centre, Somerset

We assisted our client to identify works needed to upgrade the fabric of the building to help contain noise and reduce neighbour complaint.

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Bridgwater Town Council wished to undertake a refurbishment of their well-established theatre, including an extension of the premises.  DKN Acoustics was engaged to assess noise breakout from the theatre - it had been the cause of neighbour noise complaints. 

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As well as theatre, the venue hosts live and amplified music events.  The nearest residence is very close by and with significant potential for noise nuisance.

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We inspected the site and undertook a noise survey, and modelled the site to identify the main areas of acoustic weakness of the building envelope.  We showed that the existing building had areas for easy noise escape and that its use would be very likely to result in noise complaint.

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We worked closely with the client and project architect, recommending acoustic upgrade measures for the proposed works.  These included beefing up of some roof areas with suspended acoustic ceilings and providing acoustic grade doors and fire exits to existing and new spaces.

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The proposed measures were remodelled to predict the resultant noise level at the residence.  This showed a significant reduction in noise escape to the extent where complaint would now be unlikely.

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The technical noise report provided the design team with the acoustic overview and specifications for noise control needed for the building works programme.