This Space - Mount Anvil

  • RBA Client:Mount Anvil
  • Contractor:Mount Anvil
  • Architect:Paul Johnson Architects
  • Project Value:£85 million
  • Start Date:2007
  • Completion Date:2011

RBA Acoustics were appointed to advise upon the conversion of the former South Bank University building on Wandsworth Road to provide 173 private & affordable residential units and 3650 sq.m of commercial space.

The nature of the development presented many acoustic challenges.  The location of the site on a busy South London thoroughfare required careful design of the window and ventilation measures to ensure satisfactory noise levels within the residential flats.

The internal building fabric design was equally complex.  Not only did the existing building comprise a mixture of construction types (hollow pot and in-situ concrete floors), but steel frame extensions were also to be introduced at higher floor levels.  After testing the existing structures for sound insulation performance, RBA successfully advised upon all separating structures within the development to achieve both basic Building Regulations requirements and enhanced standards as required by the EcoHomes 2006 assessment associated with the affordable units.

The existing university lecture theatre and surrounding space was converted as the new home to the Lost Theatre Company - comprising a 181 seat auditorium, 2 rehearsal studios and ancillary spaces.  The auditorium and rehearsal rooms are located directly adjacent residential units, RBA therefore advised upon all separating structures between these noise generating theatre areas and the noise sensitive adjacent residential units to ensure high levels of acoustic separation were achieved. 

On completion and prior to handover, the development successfully achieved the enhanced levels of sound insulation required by the client. Aptly named 'this space' the development received wide recognition in the press for it's great location, value for money and stylish design.

Photos courtesy of Mount Anvil