Sound control
| Site: | Wintec Learning |
| Course: | NZ Cert. Carpentry Level 4 - Learning |
| Book: | Sound control |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 1:06 PM |
Building acoustics
Noise impacts our quality of life. Sound control is an invisible, but essential aspect of good building design and construction.
Unwanted noise comes from:
- room or dwelling through the wall
- outside environment
- services in the building like air conditions or plumbing.
Watch the video animation on how sound interacts with building materials.
Ermann, M. (2014, September 17). Architectural Acoustics 1 of 4: Sound and building materials.[Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bFXogDTwQA
Sound control
Read this short article Designing for quiet by Trevor Pringle:
- Health impacts of noise
- Three main types of sound transmission
- Why ‘acoustic comfort’ is difficult to achieve
- Tips on how buildings can reduce the negative impacts of external and internal sources of noise
Link to Designing for Quiet: Designing for quiet
Pringle, T. (2019). Designing for quiet. Retrieved from https://www.buildmagazine.org.nz/articles/show/designing-for-quiet
Acoustic insulation
To help with the transfer of noise there are different materials and techniques.
Building code
Clause G6 Airborne and impact sound
Read this article. It gives you an overview of the types of sound installation, and how this impacts on wall assembly construction.
Building Performance Reducing noise transmission: Reducing noise transmission
Become familiar with clause G6 Airborne and impact sound. In particular, make sure you understand the acceptable solution G6/AS1.
Building Performance G6 Airborne and impact sound: G6 Airborne and impact sound
Regulations
In New Zealand, noise and vibration impacts are controlled through regulation and insurance requirements. This applies to the elements of the completed building and to the construction process.
Legislation (RMA) and district plans
Councils manage the impacts of noise through their district plans. Noise zones are set up, and anything outside the rules for a particular zone must has consent.
A 'noisy' activity like a childcare centre may get consent to occur in a 'quiet' zone so long as it has adequate soundproofing and operates within certain hours of the day. Also, a residential building may be allowed in a 'noisy' zone provided it has the right level of insulation and soundproofing.
Read this general overview of how New Zealand legislation and regulation relates to sound control in New Zealand.
Regulatorynoise.nz Environmental Noise: Environmental noise
Standards (commonly used in New Zealand)
- NZS 6801:2008 Acoustics – Measurement of Environmental Sound
- NZS 6802:2008 Acoustics – Environmental noise
- NZS 6803:1999 Acoustics – Construction Noise
- DIN 4150-3:1999 Structural vibration – Effects of vibration on structures
District plan (example)
Look at how noise and vibration is dealt with in your local district plan. It will apply to both the construction process and the design, materials, etc. of the actual building.
Go to the Hamilton District Plan: Hamilton District Plan website
- Find Chapter 25.8 Noise and vibration.
- Have a quick look at how noise and vibration are addressed with a city’s district plan.
In 25.8.3 you will find specific rules, especially those that relate to acceptable noise levels (at different times) for different zones of the city.
Installation
Medium-density housing
- Find and select MDH Fact sheet 5 Acoustic performance: BRANZ Medium-density housing fact sheet
Manufacture information
- GIB Noise Control Systems: GIB Noise Control Systems
Install noise control wall (video)
How to install a noise control wall
This video shows you how to soundproof an interior wall with timber framing using Pink Batts Silencer.