Moonraker Alley

  • RBA Client:UNITE Group Plc
  • Contractor:Mansell Construction Services Ltd
  • Architect:DMWR Architects LLP
  • Project Value:£35 million
  • Start Date:Spring 2010
  • Completion Date:Summer 2012

UNITE is currently constructing new student accommodation at Great Suffolk Street in London SE1. On completion the building will be host to a mix of retail units, approximately 670 individual student bedrooms and a range of facilities such as a laundry and common rooms.

The site is affected by many nearby sources of noise including a London Fire Brigade training facility, traffic from the surrounding roads and an elevated section of mainline railway that runs directly adjacent the site.  During the procurement process, RBA Acoustics were commissioned by UNITE to undertake noise surveying around the development site which has led to our appointment as acoustic consultant for the rest of the project.

The initial surveyed noise levels have not only been used to assist in the procurement process, but also during design and construction. This includes providing the acoustic design specifications for the glazing and external building fabric, setting plant noise emission criteria for future mechanical services installations and advising on any potential noise impacts on the surrounding area due demolition and construction works at the site.

RBA are currently assisting the in the design of all internal building fabric elements including walls and floors between bedrooms, cluster flats, studios and also around the commercial units and other ancillary spaces on the ground floor. Future work will include tender reviews and site visits, mechanical services plant assessments to ensure the Local Authority’s criteria are achieved and pre-completion testing of external noise break in and plant noise in line with current planning conditions. RBA have previously undertaken successful commissioning on behalf of the developer at another similar scheme to the satisfaction of the same Local Authority.

Image courtesy of DMWR Architects