Department for Education Publishes New Acoustic Guide

2015-01-29

Companies and individuals involved in the design, specification, build or refurbishment of school buildings are being advised to read the latest Department of Education publication entitled, ‘Acoustic design of schools: performance standards’, Building Bulletin 93 which was released in December 2014.

The document, which replaces the previous edition from 2003, sets out minimum performance standards for the acoustics of school buildings, and describes the normal means of demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations. It also provides guidance in support of the School Premises Regulations (2012) and the Independent School Standards (2013).

Mike Fine, Style’s director for the Midlands, commented, “As the UK’s leading provider of moveable partitioning walls, we are very focused on the ever-growing demands for acoustic separation in schools.

“When a partitioning wall is in place, it is vital for different classes and activities to run concurrently, and undisturbed, on either side.

“Quite often this can mean that a music lesson is being conducted on one side when, for example, a much quieter English lesson is taking place the other side. In response to this, Style offers some of the best acoustic products available including the new Skyfold Rw59dB which lowers silently into place from a ceiling cavity and offers a virtually soundproofed solution when dividing a room into multiple teaching areas.

“Something we pride ourselves on at Style is offering certificated, tested and compliant products and we will be ensuring that we work to the standards set by the Department for Education, particularly with demand for flexible space growing in schools, colleges and universities at such a dramatic rate.”

For more information, or to discuss the new report, please contact your nearest regional Style office.