Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3) was written by Gary Timmins and published by BRE on 30 October 2015.
Sound transmission between homes, is a major problem in the UK which requires serious consideration from both architects and builders. Noise nuisance can be a serious cause of stress, and if not remedied it can affect our health and wellbeing as well as influencing our enjoyment of buildings.
Sound insulation in dwellings is a three-part publication which provides practical guidance for designers, construction managers, construction operatives, and property developers about the requirements of the building regulations.
Part 1 sets out the regulatory requirements and general information. Part 2 gives advice on the correct level of sound insulation when constructing new dwellings.
Part 3 offers practical advice and guidance about constructions that provide a reasonable level of sound insulation between dwellings formed by a material change of use. Where new dwellings are formed in a building as a result of a material change of use, they are subject to pre-completion testing to ensure they comply with the building regulations and any site-specific requirements.
The contents of Part 3 of the guide are:
- The noise problem.
- Beginning the process.
- Altering existing walls to form separating walls.
- Altering existing floors to form separating floors.
- Potential conflicts with other regulations and requirements.
- References and further reading.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document E.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Building acoustics.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Noise nuisance.
- Part E compliance.
- Pre-completion sound testing.
- Robust details certification scheme.
- Sound insulation.
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 1: An introduction (GG 83-1).
- Sound insulation in dwellings Part 2: New-build (GG 83-2).
- Sound v noise.
- Structure-borne sound.
Featured articles and news
Designing Buildings reaches 20,000 articles
We take a look back at some of the stranger contributions.
Lessons learned from other industries.
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.