TGD-E Common Space Requirements

Technical Guidance Document E 2014 Regulation E2 requires that the common internal part of a building which provides direct access to a dwelling shall be designed and constructed as so to limit reverberation in the common part to a reasonable level.

This common space is limited to the space contained by walls and doors (including fire doors) immediately outside the dwelling entrance. The purpose of Regulation E2 is to provide residents with protection from noise generated in the common spaces. There are two methods of compliance:

• Method A is intended for corridors, hallways and stairwells. This method requires all common spaces leading onto an apartment to be provided with a class C ceiling equal to the area of the floor.
• Method B is for corridors hallways and entrance halls. This requires theoretical calculations of the sound absorption based on the finishes and volume of the space. The Method B requirements are as follows:
• • for entrance halls, provide a minimum of 0.2 m² total absorption area per cubic metre of the volume.
  • For corridors and hallways, provide a minimum of 0.25 m² total absorption area per cubic metre of the volume.

The performance of the common space ceiling is dependent on the tested arrangement of the proposed ceiling. This includes consideration of the plenum depth (ceiling cavity) and if insulation is specifically required.

For more information or to request a quotation to undertake a Regulation E2 assessment drop us a mail at info@wdacoustics.com