Royal Meadows, Edinburgh

Client: Rillbank Development LLP c/o Square and Crescent

Architect: Fletcher Joseph Architects

Contractor: Square and Crescent

Project team: Gareth Henderson, Richard Mackenzie

Developed on the site of the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children, the Royal Meadows development by Square and Crescent restores seven beautiful Victorian listed buildings into elegant townhouses and apartments. At the heart of the development is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks dating back to the late Nineteenth Century. The former Main Hospital Building, a B-listed sandstone structure has been renamed Sciennes Apartments central and comprises 36 unique apartment properties.

RMP was instructed by Fletcher Joseph Associates Architects on behalf of Square and Crescent to undertake pre-conversion sound insulation testing of the existing wall and floor constructions. Sound insulation measurements were performed across a sample of the existing wall and floor sections. Ambient noise measurements were also taken following a range of acoustic standards indicated by BS 8233:2014 ‘Sound Insulation and noise reduction for buildings’ appropriate for a residential assessment relative to urban noise including road traffic noise.

In addition, to determine an adequate level of acoustic protection within the proposed properties, façade calculations have been performed to determine the internal levels of road and noise and provide glazing specifications for the development.

RMP also undertook the acoustic design review of the proposed separating floor and walls details and associated flanking details for the different buildings. We provided specific construction recommendations for each construction type. RMP provided further consultancy work on the project including desktop assessments of noise emissions from the proposed air source heat pumps and offer acoustical advice necessary to facilitate compliance with the acoustic planning guidelines.

As each building is completed, we are now proceeding with the final sound insulation testing to confirm that the construction is in compliance with the requirement of Section 5 Noise of the Scottish Domestic Technical Handbook to the Building (Scotland) Regulation 2004. The project consultant also undertook the completion Air Tightness Testing for the dwellings in the renovated former Main Hospital Building.