The long-awaited Acoustics Ventilation and Overheating: Residential Design Guide (AVO Guide) was officially launched at the end of January 2020. It sets out three significant advances to consider at planning for new residential developments. This guidance will have significant implications for residential development on noisy sites. The AVO Guide has been produced by working group members from the Institute of Acoustics (IOA), the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) member companies, with input from other specialists in the field.
The AVO Guide provides a resource for practitioners and designers to balance the interdependence of noise, ventilation, and overheating in the acoustic assessment of new residential developments.
Jack Harvie-Clark of Apex Acoustics was one of the major authors and promoters of the AVO Guide. Since the launch event at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, London, on 30th January, he has been briefing developers, planning consultants and local planning authorities about the new guide, including:
• Acoustic constraints to reliance on opening windows to mitigate overheating
• Façade sound insulation and ventilation strategy
• Mechanical services noise – new considerations
