freddymercurystwin said:
I’ve not met a developer yet who’s improved on the minimum standard though.
I've met plenty, and helped some specify much greater than "minimum", because keeping noise down between units turns out to be a surprisingly effective way to increase tenant satisfaction, reduce churn and - ultimately - allow rents to be increased. And, yes, I've seen empirical research done over years between otherwise identical units with more/less sound isolation.
freddymercurystwin said:
You may wish to have a browse through this:
http://www.british-gypsum.com/literature/white_book.aspx although about 95% won't apply
As above, as much or as little of all of that will apply as you want to.
Also be very aware about the requirements of Building Control. You can use - and pay heavily for - the "Robust Details", which will exempt you from on-site testing if you've used them exclusively. It is a complete racket, however, as you must pay a license to use the "details" in order to qualify for the exemption. Otherwise the BCO should test - or witness a test - of the actual performance of your built wall. Failure (which tends to be through details such as flanking transmission in refurb / conversion works) can be expensive - basically unpick and start again.
The
big advantage of the White Book stuff linked above is that, broadly, if you follow the "menu" BG lay down to the letter, they're prepared to guarantee that the particular construction will behave as per their tables. So if you need, say, a 60dB reducing wall, and follow their how-to, you will get (at least) a 60dB reducing wall.
If at all possible, use steel studs rather than timber. It is far easier to work with, you can tailor the characteristics (mechanical and acoustic) to your needs, and you have no worries about fire.
Oh, finally: if you're just sitting the partition on an existing floor, there is little chance it will meet either fire or noise regs.