Description

Good acoustic design is imperative to maintain harmony between neighbours as housing density increases across our main centres.

The government recently amended the Resource Management Act requiring councils in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Hamilton to change planning rules to enable the construction of more medium-density housing (MDH). The new rules allow three units per site, 11 metre building heights, 1 metre side yards and 50% building site coverage.

This brings people closer together – a household will typically share a wall or floor with another household – and the potential for acoustic issues will increase. Good acoustic design principles are important to ensure the amenity of the occupants is protected.

Here, we provide designers with high-level guidance for improving acoustic outcomes for MDH.

Scope

This article includes:

• What is required acoustically
• Ensuring acoustic quality
• Flanking sound
• Designing for impact sound
• Internal noise levels
  • Plumbing noise
• Acoustical benefits of MDH