Acoustics

Specialist acoustic engineering services that address noise at every stage of your data centre project.

What is acoustic engineering?

Acoustic engineering is the specialist discipline of predicting, assessing and controlling noise within and around buildings and infrastructure. In complex, high-capacity environments such as data centres, getting acoustics right is both a regulatory requirement and an operational necessity.
Our team provides acoustic support across the full project lifecycle, from concept design through to commissioning and live operations. Using advanced modelling tools, we make noise behaviour predictable and manageable, before a single piece of equipment is installed.

What we deliver

Our approach includes:

  • Specialist acoustic engineering consultancy from concept design to commissioning, working closely with mechanical engineers throughout
  • Advanced 3D acoustic simulation and environmental noise prediction modelling using CadnaA to accurately predict noise behaviour
  • Ray-tracing acoustic modelling to determine noise levels at the closest sensitive receptors, ensuring regulatory and community compliance
  • Integration with CFD analysis to align airflow, equipment layout and mechanical behaviour with noise propagation predictions
  • Assessment of mechanical equipment noise, building services performance and compliance with relevant standards
  • Practical, cost-effective mitigation strategies tailored to the specific project, layout and performance requirements
  • Clear guidance on equipment selection, material specification and noise control measures to support confident design decisions

Key benefits

Avoid costly surprises

Identify noise issues through detailed early-stage modelling — before they become expensive or disruptive to resolve.

Ensure compliant designs

Validate acoustic performance from the outset, with clear requirements that guide all disciplines throughout the project.

Reduce project risk

Address acoustics proactively to prevent late-stage conflicts, redesigns and programme delays.

Eliminate overengineering

Use targeted, data-driven solutions so clients invest only in the mitigation they genuinely need.

Deliver better outcomes

Achieve quieter, more compliant environments and a smoother, more predictable project delivery.

“Most acoustic problems don’t come from complex physics, they come from being involved too late. The industry is shifting toward early-stage noise modelling because clients now recognise that acoustics isn’t a bolt-on fix, it’s a design driver. When we model noise from the outset, we prevent issues that would otherwise only appear once systems are running, when they’re far more expensive and disruptive to solve.”

Francesca Remigi, Acoustics Lead

Service applications

Concept & design

Predict noise early and set clear acoustic requirements before layouts are fixed.

Design optimisaton

Refine equipment choices, layouts and mitigation strategies to achieve compliance efficiently.

Retrofit projects

Diagnose and resolve noise issues in existing facilities using detailed modelling.

Capacity upgrades

Assess the acoustic impact of new plant or increased mechanical load before implementation.

Live operations

Troubleshoot noise problems in operating environments and validate performance against criteria.

Our credentials

  • Over 20 years of expertise in environmental, industrial and maritime acoustics
  • Team led by a PhD-qualified Chartered Civil Engineer and IOA specialist
  • Advanced acoustic modelling using CadnaA, with detailed octave band analysis and 3D simulation techniques
  • Work carried out in compliance with BS 4142, BS 8233, ISO 9613 and other relevant acoustic standards
  • Global project experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia
  • Proven delivery across mission-critical facilities, large-scale infrastructure and complex industrial environments

Talk to our team about your project needs

Our acoustic engineering specialists work across the full project lifecycle to ensure noise performance is designed in from the start. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your project.

Let’s talk