Beech Court Pavilion, Abingdon School
Working closely with the Estates Team at Abingdon School, David Morley Architects (DMA) and QODA Consulting, we provided a full scope of work from RIBA Stage 2 to Stage 4 with monitoring at Stage 5.
Our scope included the assessment of internal sound insulation and noise emissions from internal and external building services. The design needed to meet the requirements of
Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) for schools. However, the largest item for us was the assessment of the reverberation time.
Aside from the primary dining hall use, the brief included the following intended uses:
- Café area.
- Breakout spaces for groups of pupils.
- Weekly science conferencing.
- Evening use for drinks receptions prior to performances in the connected Amey Theatre.
Investigation
The school had a poor acoustic experience with another space that they had been using for dining. We visited the existing dining room to inspect the space and carry out some measurements, and found that noise levels were high in the space at peak times, due to:
- Noise from the servery and kitchen, with plate and cutlery clatter being the main cause.
- Noise from chatter, which lead to the Lombard Effect and increasing noise levels.
The ceiling heights in the room were also very low, with reflective surfaces directly above tables and very little acoustic absorption. The school’s concerns were considered in the design of the new space and the interconnecting kitchen and servery. We were therefore able to address any similar potential disruptive features in the new building.
Reverberation Time Modelling
The assessment of reverberation time proved a challenge. This was due to three main factors:
- A stringent BB93 requirement.
- Large volume of the space.
- Large expanses of glazing.
This meant providing advice in to the construction of the beautiful, angular timber ceiling to provide the best possible acoustic performance. We constructed a 3D model of the space to assess this aspect.
The model meant that we could tailor our advice and rationalise aspects through the design process. This included reviewing alternative products suggested by DMA. We were also able to review our earlier assumptions and make changes to the acoustic strategy in construction, which provided savings on both budget and programme.
The images below are shots from the 3D reverberation time modelling package used in the design.
Outcomes
The scheme has had positive comments back from the users and Director of Estates, Martin McKenna, and he commented that:
“We have received numerous compliments regarding the Pavilion building for the intricate lattice glulam roof framework and the sedum roof surface with its daily changing moorland heath like colour scheme.
I especially like the internal acoustics performance as this was a particularly challenging design aspect which DMA were able to overcome with contemporary triangular shaped battened panels which really add to the internal visual impact of the space especially with nighttime events.”
In further recognition of the standard of the design, the project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2025 Education Property Awards.
Architect: David Morley Architects
Services Engineer: QODA Consulting