Testing labs in Gateshead

Apex Acoustics is a UK-based independent acoustics consultancy established in 2006, delivering expert advice across acoustics, air tightness, and air quality to clients locally, nationally, and internationally. The firm is award-winning, having received industry recognition for excellence in building acoustics, environmental acoustics, architectural acoustics design, soundscape innovation, and broader technical innovation. Operating with a philosophy that the right answers emerge only from asking the right questions, Apex Acoustics combines deep technical knowledge with a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to deliver practical, project-specific solutions across nearly every segment of the built environment. The firm's building acoustics services encompass full architectural acoustics consultancy, supporting the creation of well-performing acoustic spaces that integrate seamlessly with contemporary design. Assessments and design advice are provided against Building Regulations Part E, enhanced performance benchmarks such as BREEAM acoustic credits, Passivhaus requirements, and bespoke client specifications. The team draws on a rigorous understanding of acoustic physics and the practical constraints of modern construction technology, advising on both new-build and refurbishment schemes ranging from large residential estates to single-dwelling conversions, and from complex mixed-use developments to sensitive cultural or heritage buildings. Environmental acoustics represents a core area of expertise, with Apex Acoustics providing comprehensive noise surveys and assessments for planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and environmental permit submissions. The firm advises on noise from industrial, commercial, and mixed-use sources, producing impact assessments that address both BS 4142 industrial noise character assessments and WHO and national planning policy noise guidance frameworks. A distinctive specialisation is the 'soundscape' methodology — an emerging, internationally recognised approach to evaluating acoustic environments as subjectively experienced by occupants and communities, rather than relying solely on conventional sound-pressure-level metrics. Apex Acoustics is considered a UK pioneer in applying the soundscape approach to real-world planning and design contexts. Apex Acoustics operates a dedicated testing services division delivering responsive, efficient on-site testing and diagnostic surveys. Acoustic testing services cover field sound insulation testing of walls, floors, and façades to the requirements of BS EN ISO 16283, Part E of the Building Regulations, and enhanced BREEAM and developer standards. Air tightness testing is conducted in accordance with BS EN ISO 9972 and ATTMA Technical Standards, supporting compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, BREEAM, Passivhaus, and other air permeability targets. All testing services are delivered under UKAS accreditation, ensuring results are produced to internationally recognised standards of quality, impartiality, and technical competence. The team continuously develops more efficient measurement methods to reduce on-site time and lower client costs. Building physics services extend the firm's capabilities into thermographic surveys and overheating risk assessments — both areas of growing priority as UK building regulations tighten and climate change increases summer cooling demand. Thermographic surveys using infrared imaging are used to identify thermal bridging, air leakage pathways, and construction defects that cause heat loss or moisture risk. Overheating assessments are conducted in accordance with CIBSE TM59, providing dynamic thermal modelling to demonstrate compliance for residential buildings. Apex Acoustics is also recognised as a leader in developing integrated guidance for the combined assessment of noise, ventilation, and thermal comfort — a holistic building physics approach that addresses the interdependencies between these three critical design parameters. Air quality assessment services are provided for planning validation requirements and as specialist technical input to Environmental Impact Assessments. The team works with clients to determine the specific monitoring and assessment requirements for their scheme, liaises with local planning authorities on their behalf, and guides projects through the air quality consenting process. These services complement the firm's broader environmental consultancy capabilities and are frequently packaged alongside noise and acoustic assessments for planning submissions. Apex Acoustics serves an exceptionally broad range of sectors. The residential team works on projects from large-scale housing estates to individual home conversions. In education, the firm has contributed to acoustic design for more than 100 school and educational buildings, with particular expertise in acoustic conditions for pupils with enhanced communication needs and the integration of acoustic and ventilation design. Healthcare clients receive advice to HTM 08-01 standards, addressing patient privacy, dignity, and wellbeing. Industrial clients benefit from detailed noise impact assessments covering manufacturing, processing, waste transfer, and mineral extraction operations. Hotels, leisure facilities, libraries, offices, and entertainment and hospitality venues round out a diverse client base. With nearly two decades of continuous practice, a portfolio of award-recognised projects, UKAS-accredited testing capabilities, and a position at the forefront of emerging methodologies such as soundscape assessment and integrated building physics, Apex Acoustics offers clients a highly credible and technically sophisticated partner for acoustics, air tightness, air quality, and building physics challenges across the UK and beyond.

ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by UKAS (No. 8920) testing laboratory (accreditation status: active). Accredited test areas include: Fire Flammability. Located at NE9 5BF, Gateshead, United Kingdom.

ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by UKAS (No. 9133) testing laboratory (accreditation status: active). Located at NE9 6SX, Gateshead, United Kingdom.

ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by UKAS (No. 7858) testing laboratory (accreditation status: active). Accredited test areas include: Calibration Electrical; Calibration Temperature Pressure; Chemical Elemental Analysis; Env Corrosion Salt Spray; Mechanical; Mechanical Hardness; Mechanical Impact; Mechanical Tensile Compression Flexural; Ndt. Located at NE11 0ZF, Gateshead, United Kingdom.

ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by UKAS (No. 0292) testing laboratory (accreditation status: active). Accredited test areas include: Env Noise Acoustics. Located at NE8 3AH, Gateshead, United Kingdom.