Residential development, Iona Street, Edinburgh

Air Tightness testing and Acoustic services – Iona Street residential development

Client: Watkins Jones Group on behalf of VITA Student

Contractor: Watkins Jones Group

Project team: Gareth Henderson, Russell Macdonald, Danny Robinson

Located on the site of a former builders merchants, in the lively neighbourhood of Leith, this new development comprises 250 student bedspaces, 60 BTR flats, and 20 affordable homes spread over three new build residential blocks.

RMP was commissioned from pre-planning to completion stage. Initially, we undertook a noise impact assessment for the proposed mixed residential development and offer acoustical advice to ensure compliance with the acoustic planning guidelines. Road traffic noise being the main noise source for the location, RMP consultants provided glazing and ventilation design advice in order to meet the anticipated internal target criteria for the properties overlooking the street. Noise from the developments air source heat pumps was also considered and mitigated for BREEAM Pol 05 compliance.

Thereafter RMP provided acoustic design advice to the BREEAM Hea 05 acoustic requirements including on separating walls and floors, internal flanking sound and reverberation time. Prior to completion, RMP provided test evidence to demonstrate compliance with ambient noise and sound insulation standards for Building Control and BREEAM Pol 05 and Hea 05 requirements.

RMP combined these completion test services with air tightness testing, providing a “one stop shop” for all acoustic and air tightness compliance, and full acoustic design services.

Awards: Student Accommodation of the Year at the 2024 Scottish Property Awards