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
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.