October 2024: BB93 Review of SGS Pegasus School, Gloucestershire (Encon Construction)
SGS Pegasus School is located in Patchway, South Gloucestershire and provides a personalised learning experience for pupils with autism spectrum and other enhanced requirements. Aether Acoustics provided an acoustic review of a new-build extension in the context of Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) and other guidance relating to enhanced pupil sensitivity in a SEND context.
September 2024: Newbuild Housing Development, Cardiff (Encon Construction)
Planning stage environmental noise assessment for a large scale new-build housing development (a mix of houses and apartments) on the former St. John’s College site in Cardiff. Recommendations on glazing and other building elements for the new dwellings, along with recommendations on suitable ventilation strategies for each location on the site.
August 2024: Hydro-Electric Scheme Noise Assessment, Swansea (Ellergreen Energy)
An environmental noise assessment of a proposed 11kW hydro-electric scheme on the Clydach River near Swansea. The planning application required assessment of the turbine house, intake structure and outfall pipe in the context of BS4142: 2014.
Client testimonial: “Excellent and straight forward service and resulting report. Professional and tailored to suit our unique environmental project which is a farm scale hydro station in the Welsh hills.“
July 2024: Noise Assessment, National BMX Centre Wales
The National BMX Centre is a large new BMX racing facility in Rumney, Cardiff. The track hosts training meetings as well as competitive racing and has two international standard starting ramps.
Aether Acoustics was asked to provide an assessment of noise sources on the site, including automated amplified sounds associated with the starting gates and the public address system loudspeaker array covering the track area. A 3D noise propagation map of the speaker array was created; noise limits and recommendations were provided including modifying the directivity of speakers away from nearby residences.
July 2024: Planning Noise Assessment, Market Street Hindley (Wigan)
A Planning stage environmental noise assessment for conversion of a historic building in the centre of Hindley, Wigan. The scheme involves conversion of the former commercial property which is located on a busy main road in the centre of Hindley. Recommendations on suitable glazing and ventilation strategies for the new apartments.
June 2024: Hangar, Milford Haven: Acoustics Advice to the Legal Team
Impartial expert assistance for a legal appeal against refusal of a temporary events notice (TEN). Aether Acoustics attended the County Court hearing to provide advice, where refusal of the TEN was made on the grounds of potential noise nuisance. The refusal was successfully overturned and the Hangar venue is now licensed and operating with a robust noise mitigation and management plan developed by Aether Acoustics.
June 2024: District, Cardiff: Rooftop Club Space Noise Assessment
District, a large nightclub in Cardiff required an environmental noise assessment of their rooftop bar and dancefloor. The space is partially open, with a significantly sized PA system – dance music parties held during evening periods had the potential to impact on the nearby hotel and residential apartments. Aether Acoustics provided noise propagation testing and 3D noise modelling of the vicinity to predict the likely noise impact.
Although the space only operates during daytime periods, the context of the location and (lack of) building fabric meant recommendations on reducing noise propagation, along with limits for the PA system to arrive at a receptor level within guidance outcomes.
June 2024: Capestone Organic Poultry, Noise at Work Assessment
Capestone Organic Poultry Ltd. supplies packaged chicken and turkey products to M&S, Waitrose and others. The operation employs around 150 staff in a large factory near Haverfordwest. Aether Acoustics provided worker position noise measurement of machinery and processes inside the plant. A detailed analysis and assessment was carried out re the Control of Noise at Work regulations to ascertain exposure and evaluate risk. Levels inside the factory are very high in some areas and as such detailed review of health and safety policy was required, along with detailed recommendations to enhance protection of the workforce.
May 2024: Extension and Remodelling of Haverhub, Haverfordwest
Haverhub, the vibrant community workspace, hub and live venue is undergoing a facelift and extension. The scheme includes a new outdoor cafe terrace, multi-purpose space and refurbishment of the Depot live music venue.
Aether Acoustics provided planning stage measurement and advice and will be working with Oochitecture to provide input through the detailed design stage. The work will include acoustic design of the refurbished Depot venue space, including sound insulation, reverberation control and PA system specifications.
April 2024: Green Grove Barns Wedding Venue, further work
Further to our original noise assessment, we were pleased to help Green Grove navigate a challenging noise control scenario through to a successful outcome in the planning application. In liaison with Carmarthenshire Council and other stakeholders, Aether Acoustics developed a package of sound insulation upgrades and noise management systems which now enable weddings and other events to take place without significant adverse effect within a highly noise sensitive context. Further noise monitoring successfully confirmed our noise impact predictions.
March 2024: Planning Noise Assessment of an Events Venue: Hangar, Milford Haven, Wales
Hangar is a medium sized events venue on the outskirts of Milford Haven. The venue is situated inside a light industrial unit, with the typical challenges associated with sound insulation in single skin buildings. Aether Acoustics was instructed to carry out a planning and noise assessment – work included baseline noise propagation measurements, 3D software noise modelling and monitoring of a dance music event. From this, a supporting document was produced in support of the application, providing detailed noise predictions, recommended internal noise limits and other noise management strategies.
December 2023: Reverberation Analysis and Room Treatment Installation: Cardiff, Wales
Aether Acoustics was instructed to carry out reverberation testing, analysis and installation of sound absorption for a prominent restaurant and events venue at St. Fagan’s near Cardiff. Issues had been raised by patrons relating to the ‘harshness’ of acoustic conditions and poor speech intelligibility in the three roomed restaurant. Detailed measurement of reverberation time was carried out, from which a scheme of sound absorber panels was developed, to include installation to high ceilings and walls. The installation was managed and carried out from layout design, through procurement of high quality panels and fast, mess-free installation. The client was amazed by the instant improvement to acoustic conditions in the dining areas and plans to carry out more work to other areas in the venue in future.
October 2023: Wind Turbine Noise Complaint Assessment, West Wales
A private client with a long established small wind turbine situated on pasture land had received noise complaints from nearby residents. Aether Acoustics provided an assessment to ascertain the nature of the noise issue, which appeared only to occur during specific wind conditions. Noise monitoring was undertaken over a three week period and the results analysed in the context of ETSU-R-97 and the associated IOA good practice guide.
September 2023: Sound Testing and Assessment, proposed fitness Studio, Cardiff, Wales
Our client was in the process of opening a post-natal fitness gym and wellbeing studio in a ground floor commercial premises on Whitchurch Road, Cardiff. The premises has residential dwellings above as is common in a mixed residential / commercial scenario. Cardiff Building Control stipulated that potential noise and vibration from the studio should be assessed and mitigated as required. Aether Acoustics provided baseline sound insulation testing of the ceiling / 1st floor structure, along with acoustic design advice on improving airborne sound insulation and reducing reverberant noise inside the premises.
July 2023: Environmental Noise Assessment, proposed boxing gymnasium, Narberth
BS 4142 commercial sound assessment in support of a planning application for a proposed gym at a private residence near Narberth. The facility will house 3 gym suites including cross training and boxing, set inside a typical profiled sheet metal barn. Control of noise break-out needed to be considered in the context of nearby residents.
June 2023: Industrial Noise Assessment, new machinery and factory extension at Derw Glass Ltd.
Derw Glass is currently uprating its glass tempering service with a state of the art, highly energy efficient new tempering machine. The machine will be housed in a new extension to the factory and replace an older machine. Aether Acoustics provided a 3D noise model and BS 4142 environmental noise assessment incorporating analysis of the proposed building fabric of the new extension and noise data for the new machine, to predict the potential noise impact on a nearby hotel and wedding venue.
May 2023: Environmental Noise Assessment, proposed dog exercise field, Boncath
Environmental noise assessment of an operational dog exercise field, in support of a retrospective planning application. Quantification of the potential duration and level of dog barking and assessment of the daytime impact on nearby residents.
April 2023: Noise assessment of a proposed container storage facility, Gloucester
Aether Acoustics was appointed by Geraint John Planning Ltd. in Cardiff to carry out a BS 4142 assessment of a proposed 24hr access containerised self-storage facility at Horton Road in Gloucester. The proposal is to be situated on a former gas works in a mixed residential / industrial area of Gloucester. The assessment was required to analyse the potential of container relocation and access noise to cause adverse impact on residents.
March 2023: Environmental and Architectural Acoustics Consultancy, Leckwith Road, Cardiff
We were thrilled to be instructed by Encon Construction to carry out a full suite of noise control and acoustic design services for the new flagship community living development at Leckwith Road, Cardiff. The new building will contain 41 older person flats, communal facilities and community centre. The design review will cover the external building fabric, internal sound insulation (Part E Building Regs), reverberation control in communal spaces and a review of the ventilation strategy.
February 2023: Residential planning application, Moy Road, Taff’s Well Cardiff
Planning stage noise assessment for a new housing estate on a site at Taff’s Well near Cardiff. Aether Acoustics carried out a noise survey of the site, which is in close proximity to light industrial units and railway, and provided recommendations on suitable external building fabric elements to protect future residents from noise.
January 2023: Green Grove Barns Wedding Venue, Llandovery
Noise assessment and acoustic design (external sound insulation) for a proposed wedding venue. This project included provision of a baseline noise survey and sound insulation tests to an existing barn currently being converted into a wedding venue. The site is rural, with very low background sound levels – the nearest noise sensitive receptor has heightened sensitivity, and as such the proposal and design of the barn upgrades needed to effectively control noise propagation. Live bands and DJs are proposed inside the barn, which initially was a typical single skin barn construction. In addition, Aether Acoustics offered design and specification advice for the new multi channel PA system.
December 2022: Acoustic treatments to control reverberation in a school room, Narberth:
Aether Acoustics provided reverberation measurement, specification and installation of acoustic panels with the aim of controlling excessive reverberation in a large basement school room at Bethesda Baptist Church in Narberth. The space contained very little acoustically absorbent surfaces and as such, speech intelligibility was very poor when used by larger groups. A number of suspended ceiling rafts and wall panels were installed, which have dramatically improved the acoustics in the space.
October 2022: MPG11 / BS 4142 assessment, proposed reopening of a slate quarry:
Environmental noise assessment for the proposed reopening of Gilfach Quarry near Efailwen. Detailed noise survey of the area and an assessment in the context of MPG11, BS 4142 and other guidance relevant to minerals extraction. Noise impact predictions for each nearby receptor based on plant noise data contained in BS 5228.
September 2022: Noise complaint assessment, kitchen extract system in Narberth:
Investigation of noise levels from a kitchen extract system fitted to a kebab shop further to complaint from a nearby resident. Night time noise survey, BS 4142 assessment and provision of specifications for a suitable silencer to reduce levels within acceptable limits.
August 2022: Reverberation consultation, Main Hall at Bro Teifi School:
Bro Teifi school in Llandysul specialises in music performance and has an impressive multi-use main hall. While acoustically the space provides good speech intelligibility, the unusually short reverberation time does not lend itself well to music recital; audiences in the hall have complained about lack of projection from front to rear and an overly ‘dead’ acoustic. Aether Acoustics provided measurement, BB93 assessment and detailed acoustic design to provide options for adding liveness back into the space, while maintaining its multi-use capacity.
April 2022: Residential planning assessment, conversion of an office in Haverfordwest:
Planning stage noise assessment for conversion of a Grade II listed office building into a number of apartments. The building on Victoria Place is in close proximity to night time entertainment establishments. The assessment involved an overnight noise survey and acoustic design of the building envelope in the context of TAN11, BS8233 and other recognised guidance.
March 2022: Planning & Noise Assessment, Authentic City Church, Manchester:
A planning stage noise impact assessment for a proposed new Youth Room at Authentic City Church in Levenshulme, Manchester. The project included assessment of potential noise break-out to nearby residences as well as protection of users of the Youth Room from noise on the nearby mainline railway.
December 2021: Sound insulation upgrade to hotel room separating walls, Skanda Hafan:
Acoustic design and installation of a proprietary wall sound insulation system at Skanda Hafan Bed & Breakfast in Pencader, West Wales. Poor sound insulation between rooms was proving problematic, with normal conversation being easily overheard through walls. Limited space meant that the chosen build-up needed to be thin while still providing sufficient reduction. A mineral loaded dead-sheet with acoustic plasterboard glued to the existing wall proved to be an excellent solution given the limitations.
November 2021: Residential building acoustic design review, Brynberian:
A private client in Pembrokeshire required advice on controlling noise break-in from milk lorries and other heavy vehicles along the adjacent road. The house is being updated and remodelled to allow in more light and maximise space efficiency. Rural Office for Architecture provided the design vision, into which Aether Acoustics input recommendations on glazing, roof and other elements to provide a comfortable acoustic environment inside and within gardens.
September 2021: Entertainment noise break-out assessment, The Carlton Club, Manchester:
The Carlton Club in Whalley Range is an emerging community hub which stages live music concerts and regular club nights. The growth of the venue has meant the existing building was falling short in terms of sound insulation given the size of the uprated sound system. Aether Acoustics was commissioned to provide a full licensing noise assessment of the venue, both internally and from users of the beer garden. Sound insulation testing was carried out, along with background noise measurements. Noise limits for the existing scenario were provided along with recommendations on uprating the building envelope (mainly issues with glazing). A report suitable for submission to Manchester City Council was produced. Noise mitigation building works were carried out and have succeeded in reducing noise egress to satisfy nearby complainants.
August 2021: BS 4142 noise assessment of a hotel kitchen air extraction system:
A resident in Narberth required an assessment of a newly installed hotel kitchen air extraction system close to his house. Noise levels from the extractor were significant and also tonal, causing disturbance inside the house. The assessment was required with the aim of approaching the hotel to rectify the situation and for submission to the local authority to support a complaint if necessary. Aether Acoustics provided detailed noise measurement and analysis in accordance with BS 4142:2014 and produced a technical report suitable for submission to the installer (recommendations on rectifying the problem) and local authority environmental health in support of a complaint.
Bear Love is a sound healer specialising in gongs; he manufactures his own special type of beater, a ‘flumie’ which when drawn across the gong gives unique pitched tones. Bear had been commissioned by Brandon Roberts (a renowned American film composer) to provide gong sounds for a new horror film production he was working on. Aether Acoustics recorded Bear’s gong sounds in high quality, adopting a microphone array suitable for surround sound mixing.
February – March 2021: Design and build of an acoustic floor separating a yoga studio and AirBnB apartment:
The client was renovating a ground floor space in an old stone former water mill to use as a yoga studio and meeting space. Above the space is an AirBnB apartment, so sound insulation of the separating floor was of high importance. The old building presented challenges in terms of flanking sound as well as the limited height in the space. Transmission paths in the existing structure were blocked / uprated and a new height-efficient sound insulating timber frame structure incorporating acoustic hangers was devised and built by Aether Acoustics. The result was an insulated independent ceiling providing sufficient sound insulation to allow for yoga teaching, chanting and other small musical gatherings to take place without disturbing residents above.