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.
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