Rackheath Masterplan
The village of Rackheath lies to the north of Norwich and is part of Broadland District Council’s “growth triangle”. In 2009 it was identified as one of a dozen proposed sites to create new carbon-neutral eco-communities. The government subsequently withdrew this particular programme, but in 2016 a new masterplan was published. The three interested parties…
Hospice acoustics
“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…
Outdoor cinema
A side effect of coronavirus has been a huge change in how we enjoy our entertainment. The hospitality industry has been creative in its response and as restrictions have eased, there has been a rise in outdoor events. Throughout the UK, drive-ins have made a comeback and outdoor screens are seeing a surge in demand.…
Hot off the press
A new authoratitive text book has just been published featuring a chapter by our Director, Adrian James. Entitled “Uncertainty in Acoustics: Measurement, Prediction and Assessment”, this scholarly publication is aimed at acoustic specialists, mechanical and building service engineers, environmental health officers, architects and building professionals. The book was compiled and edited by the late Bob…
SEN and the Wherry School
Summer is upon us and teachers are planning for September, when all pupils will be leaving the virtual classroom behind and returning to their schools. For many education establishments, including the Wherry School in Norwich, they have continued to nurture their special educational needs students throughout the lockdown. Opened in 2017, the Wherry School was…
Healthy acoustics
Can good acoustics really contribute to better health? Although a significant proportion of our business is devoted to educational and environmental work, we believe our work in the healthcare sector is equally important. Good acoustic design is vital in healthcare buildings, and we are proud to have been involved in projects ranging from small doctors’…
Inspired by a Spitfire
The Isle of Sheppey is known as the UK’s cradle of aviation. A few years after Orville and Wilbur Wright made their historic inaugural biplane flight in North Carolina, the brothers visited Sheppey. Balloon manufacturing was already well established in the area, but aeroplane construction soon took over. By the Second World War, the local…
Residents and Festivals
King’s Lynn is a typical North Norfolk market town. For over 500 years the Tuesday Market Place has been its trading centre. This site also serves as a car park and for three weekends every year hosts the spectacular Festival Too music festival. Large crowds flock to the Market Place to hear a wide variety…
Victorian school acoustics
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…
Blackhorse Mills
Blackhorse Mills is a new flagship development overlooking the scenic Walthamstow Wetlands. Comprising 479 homes, 11 commercial units and community spaces, it includes a gym, sun lounge area, outdoor pool and private dining rooms. Developed by Legal and General, it has become the first build-to-rent scheme to achieve the prestigious new Home Quality Mark. This…