Building Project: Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge

We were proud to be selected as providers of acoustics advice for the creation of a new block at the internationally acclaimed Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Our acoustics team were involved from the contractor’s tender stage through the detailed design phase of a new two-storey 60 bed ward block, offering advice on internal and external sound insulation, internal room acoustics and internal and external plant noise.

The project was a modular construction and our work centred on compliance with Health Technical Memorandum 08-01: Acoustics as well as BREEAM requirements for acoustics.

When HTM 08-01 was introduced, NHS England said: ‘Acoustic design is fundamental to the quality of healthcare buildings as sound affects us both physiologically and psychologically. Unwanted noise can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate and even blood cholesterol levels, whereas pleasant sounds help create a sense of well-being.’

Guidance on the regulation itself states: ‘Good acoustic conditions improve patient privacy and dignity, and promote essential sleep patterns. Such conditions are key to healing. Good acoustic design brings other benefits in terms of patient and staff comfort and morale, as well as improved efficiency and usability of equipment.’

Syntegra’s Director of Acoustics, David Yates, said: ‘It was a privilege for us to work on a project of this nature at such a prestigious site. It is clear how important it is for acoustics to be perfect in healthcare surroundings and we were delighted to be able to showcase our expertise in this area for such a worthwhile venture.’