How Noise Mapping Can Help Develop an Overheating Strategy

Both acoustics and overheating design should be considered together, and an integrated solution provided.

Noise Maps of a proposed site and surrounding areas can be produced by measuring the long term averaged sound levels. Contour lines can then be used to provide a clear picture depicting how the development will be affected by various noise sources. This allows us to categorise facades into levels of noise risk based on the external noise levels.

The level of risk is then used to determine the most appropriate natural ventilation strategy enabling us to develop an effective overheating strategy.

If noise mapping is carried out early, it can be used to inform development massing in order to maximise facades falling in the ‘low risk’ noise. Where this is not possible we can work together in the design process to create a tailored façade solution.