Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 1: An introduction (GG 83-1)
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 1: An introduction (GG 83-1) was written by Gary Timmins and Ian West and published by BRE on 24 February 2014.
GG 83-1 is part of a three-part Good Building Guide providing practical guidance for designers, construction managers, construction operatives and property developers to help them understand the requirements of the building regulations concerning the provision of sound insulation in dwellings.
Unwelcome noise in homes, is a major problem in the UK that requires serious consideration from both architects and builders. Noise nuisance can be a cause of stress and, if not remedied, can affect our health and wellbeing as well as influencing our enjoyment of buildings. People have different attitudes to noise; building occupants may be unaware that the noise they are making can be heard by their neighbours and regarded as a nuisance.
Considering the requirements relating to sound insulation at an early stage of any development reduces the likelihood of costly remediation and delays at completion.
Part 1 explains the importance of providing good sound insulation between and within homes, describing:
- The problems associated with neighbour noise.
- How to satisfy the current regulatory requirements in England and Wales.
- Methods of measuring sound transmission in dwellings.
Part 2 explains how to provide a reasonable level of sound insulation between new dwellings, and part 3 gives advice on providing the correct level of sound insulation for converted dwellings.
The contents of part 1 are:
- The noise problem.
- Basic principles.
- Satisfying building regulations.
- Sound insulation testing.
- Enhanced standards of sound insulation between homes.
- References.
[edit] Find out more.
[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.
- BREEAM Acoustic performance
- BREEAM Reduction of noise pollution
- Building acoustics.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Noise nuisance.
- Part E compliance.
- Pre-completion sound testing.
- Robust details certification scheme.
- Room acoustics.
- Sound insulation in dwellings Part 2: New-build (GG 83-2).
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3).
- Sound insulation.
- Sound v noise.
- Structure-borne sound.
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
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 from the experts at Cornish Lime.
























