Robust details certification scheme
Robust Details Limited is a non-profit distributing company that operates the robustdetails® certification scheme which helps new homes developers demonstrate compliance with the minimum sound insulation standards required by building regulations. It is financed by plot registration fees paid by users.
The scheme provides an alternative to pre-completion sound testing, which is otherwise required to satisfying Part E of the building regulations: Resistance to the passage of sound. The scheme is for new, adjoined dwellings. It is not suitable for conversions, home extensions or building refurbishments.
Users choose details from the scheme handbook, register their plots on the scheme website prior to commencement on site, and notify building control. They must then construct the details in accordance with the handbook specification.
Plots are visited on a random basis to check compliance. More than 98% of test results carried out since 2004 have met or exceeded the minimum standards required by building regulations, and no correctly-built detail has failed.
Where tests do fail, the building control body is informed, and may require that remedial work is undertaken and/or pre-completion sound testing.
Due to the number and complexity of potential design solutions, it is not possible to guarantee that details are compatible with other parts of the building regulations or other building standards.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Accredited construction details ACDs.
- Airborne sound.
- Approved Document E.
- Building acoustics.
- Decibel.
- Noise nuisance.
- Pre-completion sound testing.
- Reverberation.
- Sound absorption.
- Sound absorption coefficient.
- Sound frequency.
- Sound insulation in buildings.
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3).
- Sound v noise.
- Structure-borne sound.
Featured articles and news
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description fron the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.