Room Acoustic

Room acoustics is the design discipline that controls how sound behaves within an enclosed space — managing reverberation, absorption and reflections so that speech remains clear and background noise stays under control. Without proper acoustic treatment, classrooms, offices and meeting rooms become difficult to communicate in, regardless of how good the building's construction is. EMC Acoustics designs the internal acoustic environment of a space to suit its specific use, whether that's a school, an open-plan office or a performance venue.

Standards that shape sound insulation design

Reverberation Control

Reverberation time is measured and managed to suit the function of each space, ensuring speech remains intelligible rather than blurred by excessive echo.

3D Acoustic Modelling

Room geometry, finishes and furnishings are modelled to predict acoustic performance ahead of construction or fit-out, avoiding guesswork on site.

BS EN ISO 3382

Measurement and design follow the international standard for room acoustic parameters, giving clients a recognised benchmark for performance.

Venue & Office Design

Acoustic treatment is specified to suit the space in question, from auditoria and lecture theatres through to open-plan offices and meeting rooms.

Our areas of expertise

3D Room Acoustics Modelling

Calibrated 3D acoustic modelling predicts reverberation time, decay characteristics and room acoustic quality parameters before construction, informing the selection and specification of acoustic treatment for auditoria, classrooms, places of worship, sports halls and other public spaces.

Venue & Auditorium Design

Acoustic design for entertainment venues, performance spaces, theatres, nightclubs and bars addresses both the internal acoustic quality and the noise breakout performance required to satisfy planning conditions, licensing authorities and neighbouring receptors.

Open-Plan Office Design

Open-plan office acoustic design specifies absorption, reverberation control, background noise management and sound masking to achieve the speech privacy and distraction distance required by BS 8233:2014, BREEAM HEA 05 and WELL.

Sound Limiter

Sound limiter specification and commissioning establishes the highest operating level that keeps amplified music within planning conditions and Environmental Health criteria, without making the venue acoustically unworkable for operators and performers.

Classroom Acoustic Design

Acoustic design for classrooms, lecture theatres and seminar rooms addresses reverberation control, sound insulation and background noise management to BB93, supporting effective speech communication in teaching spaces.

Healthcare Room Acoustics

Acoustic design and assessment for NHS and private healthcare facilities addresses patient privacy, speech intelligibility, reverberation control and background noise to HTM 08-01 and BREEAM Healthcare criteria.

Reverberation Surveys

Reverberation surveys in existing buildings measure RT values at octave band frequencies to assess acoustic performance against applicable standards and provide the evidence base for treatment specifications, planning conditions and BREEAM submissions.

Acoustic Treatment Specification

Acoustic treatment specifications for offices, schools, healthcare facilities and commercial spaces identify the absorber types, areas and locations needed to achieve target reverberation times without compromising the interior design intent.

BREEAM Noise Assessments

Design-stage acoustic specification and post-construction measurement form the evidence base for BREEAM HEA 05 Acoustic Performance credits, with reports produced in the format required by BREEAM assessors for new-build and refurbishment projects across the UK.

M&E Noise Control

Noise control specification for mechanical and electrical building services predicts and attenuates ductborne and radiated plant noise to meet BS 8233:2014, BB93, HTM 08-01 and BREEAM HEA 05 criteria on commercial, healthcare, education and residential projects.

Case Studies for

Room Acoustic

We handle the technical work so your space performs as intended. Our team brings decades of combined experience to every project, whether it's a restaurant needing clarity or a building requiring acoustic control. Each solution is engineered with precision and delivered with care. solutions built on precision, delivered with expertise, proven through results.

Tesco Head Office

Performance venue
Reverberation control
Sound isolation

EMC Acoustics was appointed by Project Audio Ltd to assess and improve the room acoustics at Tesco Head Office meeting room facilities. The client had been experiencing ongoing difficulties during online meetings, particularly on platforms such as Zoom. Poor speech clarity, excessive echo, and reverberation were causing communication challenges for staff and external participants.

Questions

Find answers to common questions about our acoustic services and process.

When should I hire an acoustician?

Early in the design phase, before construction decisions are locked in. Acoustic problems are hardest and most expensive to fix after the fact. We help you avoid costly mistakes by addressing sound quality from the start.

What standards do you follow?

We design to relevant British and international standards including BS 8233, ISO 3382, and BS EN 60849. Standards vary by building type and use, and we select the right ones for your project.

How long does a typical project take?

Timeline depends on project scope. A small office assessment might take weeks. A large venue design can span months. We work within your construction schedule and provide clear milestones at each phase.

Can you improve an existing space?

Yes. We assess what's wrong, test solutions, and recommend treatments that fit your budget and constraints. Retrofits are often more complex than new design, but improvements are usually achievable.

Do you handle compliance testing?

We measure and verify that completed spaces meet design targets and regulatory requirements. Post-construction testing confirms the work was done right and gives you documented proof of compliance.

More questions?

Reach out and we'll discuss your acoustic needs.

Make the Right Acoustic Decisions for Your Space

Contact our team today for a consultation tailored
to your specific needs and requirements.