Control of Residential Noise: Principles of Building Acoustics, Design Approaches, and Current Developments

Residential noise is an important environmental and architectural concern affecting occupants’ acoustic comfort, privacy, health, and quality of life. This chapter examines residential noise control through a literature- and standards-based methodological approach comprising four stages: classification of residential noise sources, review of relevant national and international standards and regulations, analysis of sound transmission mechanisms and acoustic performance criteria, and synthesis of findings into a design-oriented framework. The chapter addresses airborne and impact sound insulation, sound transmission between dwellings, façade and window performance, and noise from building services and external sources. Architectural strategies, including spatial zoning, material selection, construction detailing, and the reduction of structural and service-related sound transmission, are discussed alongside contemporary developments in acoustic materials, sustainable solutions, and performance-based design. Rather than establishing new performance values through experimental measurements, the chapter synthesizes existing scientific knowledge and regulatory requirements using the source–path–receiver model. The resulting framework supports architects in identifying potential noise problems and selecting appropriate control measures during early design stages.