Getting it right: Acoustic standards and design

When designing spaces for work, learning or healing, acoustics play a vital role. They determine not just how loud a room is, but how comfortable, calm and productive it feels. Acoustic design should never be an afterthought – it needs to be considered from the very beginning of any project.

The foundational standards

Before diving into sector-specific requirements, it’s important to understand the key documents that govern measurement and classification in the UK:

• BS EN ISO 3382 – defines how to measure key room acoustic parameters such as reverberation time (RT60).
• BS EN ISO 11654 – classifies sound absorbers (Classes A–E).
• BS EN ISO 354 – outlines laboratory methods for measuring sound absorption.
• BS EN ISO 717 – provides a rating system for sound insulation between rooms or buildings.

These standards form the technical basis for acoustic design, providing the “how” behind measurement and assessment.

Sector-specific guidance

Workplaces and offices

Although there is no statutory acoustic standard specifically for offices in the UK, best practice frameworks are widely used.

• BS EN ISO 22955:2021 sets guidance for acoustic quality in open-plan offices, addressing reverberation time, speech intelligibility and the balance between privacy and collaboration.
• WELL Building Standard and BREEAM include acoustic criteria alongside sustainability and wellbeing goals.
• Guidance from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) provides recommendations on background noise and building services.

Good acoustic design in offices enhances concentration, minimises distractions and supports employee wellbeing.

Schools

Educational environments have strict acoustic requirements because sound quality directly affects learning outcomes.

• BB93 (Acoustic Design of Schools) sets specific limits, such as a maximum reverberation time of 0.6 seconds for classrooms.
• Sports halls may allow up to 2.0 seconds (1.5 seconds in smaller spaces), while music rooms require tailored reverberation control to ensure clarity and performance quality.

These requirements are mandatory under Building Regulations for schools, so compliance is essential.

Healthcare settings

In hospitals and clinical environments, acoustics impact comfort, recovery and staff performance.

• HTM 08-01 (Acoustics in Healthcare Premises) outlines targets such as reverberation times of ≤ 1.0 second in treatment rooms, alongside standards for speech privacy and noise control.

Well-designed healthcare acoustics help patients rest, support recovery and promote calm, confidential communication.

Specialist spaces

Performance venues, concert halls and cultural centres demand bespoke acoustic solutions. Standards such as BS EN 12354 and ISO 23591 provide prediction and design guidance, but each space must be engineered to achieve optimal sound quality and listener experience.

Turning standards into inspiring spaces

While the strictest regulations apply to schools and healthcare, every environment benefits from thoughtful acoustic design. Standards provide the framework - but it’s creative design, material selection and spatial planning that transform technical compliance into spaces that feel calm, balanced and inspiring.

We’re all about creating people, inspired spaces, so if you’re planning a new project — whether it’s an office fit-out, school build or healthcare refurbishment - ensure acoustic design is a core consideration from the start.

To discuss this further, please get in touch with the team.