dBx Acoustics worked with Purcell on the acoustic design of the new Cathedral Court development in Blackburn. Our involvement in the project began in 2013 during concept design and continued to the scheme’s completion in July 2016.

Situated adjacent to the Cathedral, the new mixed use building includes townhouses and apartments for the Clergy, rooms for choral scholars, a refectory, library, and Cathedral offices. The acoustic design was required to significantly exceed the basic standard required by Approved Document E, and also to use modern building techniques and materials such as glulam timber frames as well as incorporating natural and reclaimed materials.

As well as achieving a high standard of acoustic privacy between the residences, dBx Acoustics worked to control noise transfer between office and residential units and worked with the M&E consultants to specify noise control for building services both within and external to the building. We also worked with the Architect to develop facade and glazing configurations appropriate to control noise intrusion into the residences such that occupants would have appropriate acoustic conditions for both rest and sleep.

It is believed to be the first group of new domestic buildings at any English cathedral for over 500 years. The cathedral itself was built in 1826 and was granted cathedral status in 1926, but stands on a foundation that is believed to date back to 596.

Canon Andrew Hindley, Canon Sacrist, commented: “This building has been delivered by the determination of many, many people. It has had a number of false dawns and almost didn’t happen. It has already been and will continue to be life changing and life-giving in so many ways to the Cathedral Community, the people of Blackburn and the County and beyond.”

dBx Acoustics was thrilled to be part of the team behind the Beehive in York. A purpose-built centre, the Beehive is thought to be the first of kind in the country and it provides short breaks for children and young people with complex disabilities.

dBx Acoustics provided acoustic design advice as well as a planning noise impact assessment. The project was especially dear to Susan, dBx Acoustics director as both she and her daughter are autistic. Susan is also a member of the Institute of Acoustics Diversity and Inclusion committee.

The facilities at the Beehive include:

• a safe and accessible space for play and interaction with family members and with staff
• apartments for children and parents to stay in during longer term assessment of their support needs
• access to a range of professionals who can help to support families in meeting the children’s needs
• spacious bedrooms with state-of-the-art hoist and bathing facilities for children who have complex health needs and wheelchair users
• a larger, open-spaced area and bedrooms for children with learning disabilities or autism
• quieter self-contained areas that can be used for children who may struggle in a more open, busier environment and where their parents can accompany them so that their needs can be fully assessed
• an activity area, sensory room and quiet rooms
• a large outdoor play space with a variety of equipment suitable for children of all abilities.

Find out more about the Beehive here.