The Archbishop’s Palace, Maidestone is a Grade-I listed building dating back to the 14th century. Part of a group of historic buildings, it stands in picturesque grounds on the banks of the River Medway and is owned by Maidestone Borough Council.
The Halls Norwich are a complex of historic buildings. Recent essential repairs were completed, restoring the fabric and enhancing the spaces available for concerts and other events.
Back in 2023 we started working on an exciting regeneration project in North Norfolk. Field study centre Holt Hall is a former field study centre which had declined in use. The cost of repair and maintenance was deemed too high by the owners, Norfolk County Council, so the site was sold to Gresham’s School. The … Read more
The new school term has started, and we turn our focus to the acoustic design of educational buildings. Since the earliest days of the company, we have worked on a wide range of schools, colleges and universities. Our input ranges from optimising the acoustics of school extensions to advice on exterior spaces, such as multi-use … Read more
We were approached to advise on reported problems with the sound system in Peterborough Cathedral. This beautiful building was completed in 1237. Sound system Like most cathedrals, it is a vast reverberant space. It relies entirely on a complex sound system so that the congregation can understand what is being said during services and other events. … Read more
What do Elton John, The Lord of the Rings and the BBC have in common? The answer is they are both part of the history of Watford Colosseum and Town Hall. Elton John performed there in 1972, and 30 years later the London Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the original soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings. … Read more
A popular Norwich church has risen from the ashes, following a devastating fire in 2006. Soul Church Soul Church was based at a former MFI warehouse for years, but there was an ambition to build a larger church on the original site. Now the church has returned to its roots in time for Easter 2024. … Read more
For more than 50 years, Wimbledon’s Somerset Road Covered Courts served as an invaluable asset for The All England Lawn Tennis Club. Located opposite the famous main estate, home of The Championships, they were originally constructed from concrete and comprised of five practice courts within the two domed structures. In 2017, a planning application was … Read more
AJA’s specialist Theatre Consultant Ian Rees recently returned from Athens, where he presented a paper for the Institute of Acoustics. As part of the 11th International Conference on Building Acoustics, Ian took as his subject the famous amphitheatre at Epidaurus. Often cited for its outstanding acoustics, Ian analysed the true picture behind this legendary Greek … Read more
We have just picked up a “Highly Commended” award from the Association of Noise Consultants. Recognised in the category of Building Acoustics, Ian Rees and George Moore worked on the careful renovation of The Orangery at Kew Gardens. It is a pleasure to receive praise for how well the project worked out. The Royal Botanic … Read more
When new-build and converted residences are close to completion, there are some important tests which sometimes get left to the last minute. Compliance with fire regulations may be an obvious necessity. But other building standards must be met by carrying out assessments, such as sound testing and air testing. Sound tests are often referred to … Read more
Community halls are valuable meeting places, especially in the rural county of Norfolk. Such halls attract loyal and appreciative users, but sometimes the acoustics may need improvement. A recent example was the Community Hall in Lyng which lies 15 miles northwest of Norwich. This hall had problems with reverberation in the foyer – an area … Read more
Important new regulations have just come into force. Overheating has long been overlooked as a potential noise risk in residential developments. At last, new regulations should help to address the problem. The requirements are specified in Approved Document O of the Building Regulations. They state that overheating risk must be considered in the planning and … Read more
The Norwich Forum for the Construction Industry held a special celebration on 22nd June. Marking 30 years since the organisation was founded, the event took place at the Royal Norwich golf club. Food and drinks were served to the sounds of a steel band while members enjoyed a sunny evening, overlooking the golf course. The … Read more
Hot off the press, our new company brochure is now available. This 12-page printed A4 publication provides a comprehensive guide to our services. It’s an ideal reference for architects, builders, contractors and anyone who may need our experience now or in the future. Please email us if you would like a free printed copy of … Read more
Congratulations to Hawkins Brown and the team behind the Central Surgery, Sawbridgeworth. RIBA East has recently announced an award for this general practice building, which is based in Hertfordshire. We are pleased to have been involved in the process of change and improvement. The surgery has been expanded over a number of years, so this … Read more
Looking back on 2021, here are five of our highlights of the year. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we have completed multiple projects, as well as taking on a raft of new assignments. We also celebrated three of our staff completing their diplomas this year. Congratulations to George and Martyn, who become Associate Members of the … Read more
Since 2004 Adrian James Acoustics has been carrying out official accredited tests under the Robust Details scheme. But who, or what are “Robust Details” and why is it important to understand their role in the construction industry? Robust Details is an organisation which provides an alternative to sound insulation testing between new-build residential properties. If … Read more
As pandemic restrictions have eased, we have noticed two significant trends. On the one hand there has been an increased demand for better acoustic treatment in restaurants, particularly new fit-outs. At the same time, we are offering more advice about acoustics in prestige residences – both new-build and refurbishments. Increasingly, new owners appreciate that acoustics … Read more
We recently visited Kent College Canterbury – an independent school dating from 1885. Founded by Wesleyan Methodists with an initial intake of just five pupils, the campus has grown to cover an impressive 70-acre semi-rural site. In 2016 a second school was opened in Dubai and there are future plans for a presence in Hong … Read more
What is Part E Compliance? Part E Compliance is a requirement under the government’s Building Regulations. Also known as a sound insulation test or a PCT, the aim is to ensure reasonable standards of sound insulation in residential buildings. Tests are carried out on separating walls or floors to prove that they meet the regulations. … Read more
Choosing the right acoustic consultant can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with specialist sound testing and design services. Why not just choose the cheapest quote and hope for the best? What makes Adrian James Acoustics different? EXPERIENCE AJA was established over 25 years ago and has built up an enviable reputation. In 2003, … Read more
Ipswich Hospital is part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust which serves a population of almost one million. Just before the pandemic, we were appointed to assist with the design of a new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC). This was part of a £35 million scheme. The architects, KLH had worked on … Read more
The Leyton Green Partnership is an innovative project, located in the London borough of Waltham Forest. It was conceived as a mixed development incorporating buildings for social care, therapy, education and residential. RESPITE CENTRE We were appointed by HMY Architects to deliver acoustic design services for Phase One. The centrepiece of this phase is a … Read more
During the pandemic, many parents grappled with home schooling. This also allowed us to reflect on better acoustic design for classrooms – in particular spaces well suited for pupils with special needs. SEND According to published lists, over 5% of school children are classified with special hearing and communication needs. This includes not just children … Read more
We are pleased to announce our friends at Ecophon UK recently released an excellent new CPD resource. Created by Ecophon’s Concept Developer for Education Shane Cryer, it’s an ideal solution for architects and other professionals who need to keep up with their CPD whilst working from home. The 25-minutes online video seminar is entitled “Designing … Read more
“We’ve received numerous comments from visitors that they are gobsmacked by how well designed the new building is.” This remark came from Steve Smith, CEO of Havens Hospices, upon completion of the Fair Havens Hospice in Southend-on-Sea. The architects behind Fair Havens were LSI – a practice renowned for its award-winning design of the Arthur … Read more
Fingringhoe C of E Primary School in Colchester is typical of many schools built in the Victorian era. During its 150 year history the school has undergone a number of changes to its physical fabric. More recently, environmental conditions within classrooms have also come under scrutiny. The groundbreaking Essex Study into school acoustics pointed to … Read more
Dragon Hall is one of Norwich’s finest medieval buildings, built between 1427 and 1430. It is thought to be unique in Europe as the only trading hall to have been owned by one man – entrepreneur Robert Toppes. The hall fell into decline after Toppes’ death, but it was magnificently restored in the 20th century. … Read more
120-121 High Street, Oxford is a neo-Gothic listed building in the heart of the city. During the nineteenth century it was home to businesses such as a saddler’s, a bootmaker’s store and “James Russell’s Pianoforte Saloon”. It was also the location of Oxford’s first ever bank, with various banks occupying the building for over 150 … Read more
You may not expect to watch the latest Oscar-winning film in a medieval merchant’s house, but the success of Norwich’s Cinema City is a tribute to how the city keeps its history alive. The building known as Suckling House was named after the family who owned it in the sixteenth century. With some areas dating … Read more
Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) is a set of guidelines first published by the Department for Education in 2003. It was last updated in 2015. The document sets out minimum performance standards for the acoustics of school buildings. Company director Adrian James was one of the two original authors of BB93. As a recognised expert he … Read more
St George’s Hall, Liverpool is a magnificent Grade I listed building dating from 1854. It stands next to a smaller Concert Room which was opened two years later. Located on Lime Street in the city centre, this area is part of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site. The Hall was described by Nikolaus Pevsner as one of … Read more
Hammerton Court is an outstanding dementia care unit built adjacent to the Julian Hospital in Norwich. Architects Ingleton Wood appointed Adrian James Acoustics to carry out a comprehensive acoustic assessment of the scheme. The design is based around three attractive courtyards, with 36 bedrooms, a coffee shop and lounge areas offering a long term home … Read more
We are delighted to announce that the 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize has been won by a project where AJA carried out both the acoustic design and sound testing. This is the first time ever that the Stirling Prize has been awarded to a social housing design. Goldsmith Street is a major social housing development consisting … Read more
The Atrium is a government-funded “co-location” project to improve arts facilities for students during school hours, along with making these amenities available for use by the wider community at other times. The project transformed an existing site at North Walsham High School by adding a new space, including a 170-seat auditorium. This cinema / theatre … Read more
There is a particular challenge in working with sound in an ancient building. When that building is Chichester Cathedral – famous for its 277-foot spire, double aisles and unique free-standing bell tower – it is essential that the job is done well. In 2004 Adrian James Acoustics was appointed to design and commission a new … Read more
The Association of Noise Consultants has just announced its annual awards for the very best in the field of acoustics, and this year Adrian James Acoustics is delighted to have won two prestigious accolades. Manchester’s Crowne Plaza Hotel was the venue for the ceremony, rounding off a day devoted to conference meetings and presentations. At the evening … Read more
Hampton School was founded in 1557 and lies close to one of England’s greatest historical sites – Hampton Court Palace, residence of Henry VIII. When the school decided to build a new Sixth Form Centre they needed something ready for the demands of the 21st century. Now that this project is almost complete, we look … Read more
Pipers Corner School for girls is nestled in a rural setting overlooking High Wycombe. When the decision was taken to build a new Performing Arts Centre, we were called in to provide both acoustic consultancy and as theatre consultants. The aim was to create a theatre, dance studio and rehearsal rooms as well as a … Read more
AJA Founder Adrian James was extensively involved in theatre and concert hall design even before he created Adrian James Acoustics in 1994. He had worked closely with leading theatre consultants in the UK, the Middle East and Hong Kong, as well as other auditoria such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Opera House … Read more
Back in 2013 we were awarded the first-ever UK prize for architectural acoustic design. This was for our work alongside Hopkins Architects and contractors Galliford Try at the UEL Stratford Campus Library. Five years later, and as part of a group led again by Hopkins, we have received another accolade – a Highly Commended award from the … Read more
We are delighted to announce that Adrian James Acoustics has won two awards at the Association of Noise Consultants 2018 conference. Our work on the Nur Alem Pavilion for Expo 2017 was Highly Commended in the Building Acoustics category, and Principal Acoustics and Theatre Consultant Ian Rees won the Best Presentation award for his entertaining presentation … Read more
Our Principal Acoustics & Theatre Consultant Ian Rees has worked on numerous projects, but the historic Dragon Hall, Norwich is particularly exciting. This merchant’s hall dates from 1430 and is part of the “Norwich Twelve” – recognised as one of the city’s most important medieval buildings. Now a Writers’ Centre is being established at the … Read more
Adrian was delighted to be invited to the SEN Legal Annual Conference at the Tower of London Conference Centre, previously the New Armouries*. In between the many excellent presentations and discussions, this gave him the opportunity to re-visit the venue for which he was the acoustics consultant when it was converted in the Nineties. He … Read more
£120 million development Fletton Quays is part of a £120 million development in the heart of Peterborough. This ambitious council-backed venture was launched in 2017 as the initial project for the Peterborough Investment Partnership. The goal was to regenerate an area adjacent to the River Nene, creating an attractive space featuring apartments and restaurants, a … Read more
We are sometimes asked to provide courses for companies which do not employ qualified acousticians. Adrian James explains why we don’t do this.
Pipers Corner School hosted a gala performance of its inaugural production ‘We Will Rock You’ to celebrate the opening of the new theatre. The gala on Saturday 26 November ended a hugely successful four-night run of the production. Michael Holden and Ian Rees dusted off their black tie garb to attend the event.
AJA were delighted to win the 2016 ANC Award in the Architectural Acoustics: Education category for Boardman House. This is our second ANC Award, having previously won the award for Architectural Acoustics at the first ANC Awards in 2013 for the UEL Stratford Library. Project acoustician Ian Rees was presented with the award by physicist and TV presenter Helen Czerski and Ecophon’s Shane Cryer at the ANC Conference in Birmingham in June.
AJA were commended in the Architectural Acoustics: Education category at the ANC Awards for our work on the UEA Bob Champion Building at the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital. Project acoustician Andy Oldridge was presented with the commendation by physicist and TV presenter Helen Czerski and Ecophon’s Shane Cryer at the ANC Conference in Birmingham in June.
The UEA Crome Court Student Residences building has won the National Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Award for Design Through Innovation.
We worked on the acoustic design of the new George Green library at the University of Nottingham for three years, and are pleased to announce that the building is now well established, and continues to win a number of awards.
