Question 1

What are the Better Apartments acoustic standards?

Accepted Answer

Victoria's Better Apartments Design Standards (BADS), incorporated into Clause 58 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme, require: minimum sound insulation ratings for walls, floors, and building services, noise limits for habitable rooms meeting AS/NZS 2107, and acoustic treatment for apartments near noise sources. The standards apply to all residential apartment buildings of 5+ storeys in Metropolitan Melbourne.

Question 2

Is acoustic testing required in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Acoustic testing is required as a condition of occupancy permits for many Melbourne apartment developments, particularly those under Clause 58. Green Star certified buildings require post-completion acoustic testing. Melbourne City Council may also require testing as a planning permit condition for developments near entertainment precincts (e.g., Chapel Street, CBD laneways) or major transport corridors.

Question 3

What acoustic challenges are specific to Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne-specific acoustic challenges include: entertainment noise from the city's extensive bar and live music scene (especially in inner suburbs like Fitzroy and Collingwood), tram noise affecting buildings along the extensive tram network, aircraft noise from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) affecting northern suburbs, and the rapid densification of middle-ring suburbs introducing apartment towers into established residential areas.

Room Type	RT60 Target	Standard
Open-plan office	≤ 0.8s	AS/NZS 2107
Classroom	≤ 0.5s	AS/NZS 2107
Apartment bedroom	≤ 0.6s	WELL v2

Acoustic Design Requirements in Melbourne

RT60 Targets for Melbourne

Common Building Types in Melbourne Requiring Acoustic Design

Acoustic Consultants in Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions: Melbourne Acoustics

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