Timber is a lightweight structural material, which means acoustic performance depends heavily on the design of the full wall or floor build-up. The good news is that timber frame offers excellent flexibility in this area. With the right approach, timber frame walls and floors can deliver high levels of sound insulation. Common acoustic strategies include:
- Twin or staggered stud walls to reduce direct transmission
- Mineral wool insulation in cavities to absorb airborne noise
- Resilient bars or isolation strips to decouple boards
- Multiple layers of acoustic plasterboard for added mass
- Floating floor systems or dense underlays for impact sound control
These techniques are standard in timber frame construction, making it straightforward to meet or exceed regulatory targets.
- FrameCo timber frame systems are designed to meet the acoustic performance requirements set out in current UK Building Regulations and supporting British Standards. These include:
- Approved Document E (England and Wales)
- Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards
- Technical Booklet G (Northern Ireland)
- BS EN ISO 140-3:1995
- BS EN ISO 717-1:2013
Designing for Real-World Acoustic Performance
Timber frame acoustic detailing is all about managing how sound travels through, around, and between building elements. In practice, this means getting the full build-up right, not just the wall or floor, but the junctions, penetrations and surrounding materials as well.
Key areas to consider in live projects include:
Wall and floor junctions
Sound can bypass even a well-insulated wall through floor voids or connected elements. Isolating junctions with resilient layers or stopping flanking paths is essential for achieving test results on-site.
Penetrations and services
Pipes, switches, sockets and downlighters can all reduce the effectiveness of a wall or floor. Detailing these carefully, with acoustic gaskets, offset outlets and proper sealing, protects overall performance.
Flanking transmission
In timber frame buildings, sound can travel via lightweight floors, ceiling voids or continuous wall plates. Using breaks in construction, acoustic isolators, and dedicated sound breaks between dwellings can prevent this.
Mixed build-ups
Where timber frame is combined with blockwork (for example, in stairwells, lift shafts or structural cores), acoustic treatment must account for the different densities and resonances of materials.
Floor treatments
Separating floors requires both airborne and impact sound insulation. Typical solutions include mineral wool between joists, acoustic battens or cradle systems, and dense boards or underlays on the floor surface.
FrameCo supports these challenges with proven detailing, helping builders avoid common pitfalls and confidently pass Part E sound tests. Our in-house team can advise on compliant wall and floor assemblies for single dwellings, flats, hotels or schools, including options to meet Robust Details or project-specific acoustic specifications.
Whether you’re working to meet minimum regulations or aiming for enhanced acoustic comfort, timber frame offers the design flexibility to get it right, and FrameCo is here to help you do it.
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