About Sound of Silence Acoustic and Vibration Solutions Ltd
1. Who are Sound of Silence Acoustic and Vibration Solutions Ltd?
Sound of Silence Acoustic and Vibration Solutions Ltd is an independent acoustic consultancy providing professional services in architectural acoustics, environmental noise, industrial noise, vibration analysis, and specialist acoustic testing. We support architects, developers, contractors, industries, and facility managers with practical, compliant, and cost-effective acoustic solutions.
2. How long have you been working in acoustics?
We have been delivering acoustic and vibration consultancy services since 2010, with experience across residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, hospitality, and infrastructure projects.
3. Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in the UK and provide services across London, Greater London, and nationwide. We also undertake international consultancy assignments depending on project requirements.
4. Are you independent acoustic consultants?
Yes. We are fully independent and do not promote or sell specific acoustic products, ensuring unbiased advice that prioritises performance, compliance, and value engineering.
Architectural Acoustics
5. What is architectural acoustics?
Architectural acoustics focuses on controlling sound within buildings to ensure speech clarity, privacy, comfort, and regulatory compliance. This includes room acoustics, sound insulation, impact noise control, and building services noise.
6. When should an acoustic consultant be appointed for a building project?
An acoustic consultant should ideally be appointed at the early design or planning stage. Early involvement helps avoid costly redesigns, ensures compliance with Building Regulations, and improves overall acoustic performance.
7. What types of buildings do you work on?
We work on residential apartments, high-rise buildings, offices, schools, colleges, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, studios, factories, data centres, and mixed-use developments.
8. Do you provide sound insulation design for walls and floors?
Yes. We design and assess partition walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and façades to meet or exceed requirements for airborne and impact sound insulation.
9. Can you help with acoustic design for high-rise buildings?
Yes. We provide façade noise assessments, internal noise level predictions, plant noise control, and vibration mitigation strategies for high-rise developments.
Environmental Noise & Planning Support
10. What is an environmental noise survey?
An environmental noise survey measures existing noise levels from sources such as road traffic, railways, aircraft, industry, and neighbourhood activities to support planning applications and acoustic design.
11. Do you prepare noise reports for planning permission?
Yes. We prepare Noise Impact Assessments, Noise Assessment Reports, and Acoustic Statements to support planning applications and satisfy local authority requirements.
12. Which standards and guidelines do you follow for noise assessments?
We work in accordance with relevant British Standards and guidance such as BS 4142, BS 8233, ProPG, WHO guidelines, and local authority planning policies.
13. Can you assist with Section 106 or planning conditions related to noise?
Yes. We support clients with discharge of planning conditions, post-completion noise testing, and compliance verification.
Acoustic Testing & Measurements
14. What acoustic testing services do you offer?
We provide airborne and impact sound insulation testing, reverberation time measurement, background noise surveys, environmental noise monitoring, STIPA testing, and vibration measurements.
15. What is airborne sound insulation testing?
Airborne sound insulation testing measures how effectively walls, floors, and partitions reduce sound transmission between rooms, typically expressed as DnT,w or Rw values.
16. What is impact sound testing?
Impact sound testing assesses noise transmission caused by footsteps or dropped objects through floors, reported as L’nT,w values.
17. Do you carry out Part E sound testing?
Yes. We conduct sound insulation testing in accordance with Approved Document E of the Building Regulations for residential developments.
18. What is reverberation time and why is it important?
Reverberation time is the time taken for sound to decay in a room. Proper control is essential for speech intelligibility, comfort, and compliance in spaces such as classrooms, offices, and auditoria.
19. What is STIPA testing?
STIPA (Speech Transmission Index for Public Address Systems) testing evaluates speech intelligibility of voice alarm and public address systems, commonly required in transport hubs, malls, and large venues.
Vibration & Industrial Noise
20. What is vibration analysis?
Vibration analysis identifies, measures, and mitigates vibration from machinery, equipment, railways, and building services that may affect comfort, performance, or structural integrity.
21. Do you assess vibration from plant and machinery?
Yes. We assess vibration and noise from HVAC systems, generators, pumps, compressors, lifts, and industrial equipment.
22. Can you help with vibration isolation design?
Yes. We provide vibration isolation recommendations including mounts, inertia bases, floating floors, and resilient connections.
Design Support & Consultancy
23. Do you review architectural and MEP drawings for acoustic compliance?
Yes. We carry out numerical and analytical reviews of drawings to identify potential acoustic risks and propose practical solutions.
24. Do you provide acoustic construction details and drawings?
Yes. We provide acoustic details, specifications, BOQs, and construction drawings to support contractors and site teams.
25. Can you assist during construction and site supervision?
Yes. We offer site inspections, toolbox talks, and supervision services to ensure acoustic designs are correctly implemented.
Regulations, Standards & Compliance
26. Do you work with UK Building Regulations?
Yes. We work extensively with Approved Documents E, O, and relevant guidance applicable to noise and acoustics.
27. Can you help achieve BREEAM or other sustainability credits?
Yes. We support BREEAM, LEED, and other sustainability schemes by providing compliant acoustic assessments and documentation.
Common Acoustic Problems
28. Why can I hear my neighbours through walls and floors?
This is usually due to insufficient sound insulation, poor detailing, flanking transmission, or construction defects.
29. How can traffic noise be reduced inside buildings?
Traffic noise can be reduced using appropriate façade design, glazing selection, ventilation strategies, and internal acoustic treatments.
30. Why do offices and restaurants feel too noisy?
Excessive reverberation and poor space planning often cause noisy environments. Acoustic absorption and layout optimisation can significantly improve comfort.
Commercial & Industrial Clients
31. Do you work with factories and industrial sites?
Yes. We provide industrial noise surveys, occupational noise assessments, and noise control solutions for factories and plants.
32. Can you help with workplace noise compliance?
Yes. We assist employers in meeting workplace noise regulations and improving acoustic comfort.
Fees, Appointments & Process
33. How do you charge for acoustic consultancy services?
Our fees depend on project scope, complexity, location, and programme. We offer clear, transparent, and competitive fee proposals.
34. Do you offer fixed-fee services?
Yes. Where possible, we provide fixed-fee packages for defined scopes of work.
35. How quickly can you carry out site measurements?
Subject to availability, site surveys can often be arranged within a few working days.
Getting Started
36. How do I appoint Sound of Silence Acoustic and Vibration Solutions Ltd?
You can contact us via our website, email, or phone to discuss your project and receive a tailored proposal.
37. What information do you need to provide a quote?
Project location, building type, drawings (if available), scope of work, and required deadlines help us prepare an accurate proposal.
38. Why should I choose Sound of Silence Acoustic and Vibration Solutions Ltd?
We combine technical expertise, practical experience, and clear communication to deliver reliable acoustic solutions that add real value to your project.
If you require further information or bespoke acoustic advice, please contact Sound of Silence Acoustic and Vibration Solutions Ltd.