The Arles

The Arles is a new residential complex located in the industrial area of Fo Tan, comprising four towers of 39 to 41 storeys high. The 1335-unit development is completed and in operation. Ramboll provided environmental advice across the entire project from early planning, to design, construction, testing and commissioning, over a period of 8 years.

One of the main constraints of the development site was its exposure to surrounding environmental noise. Ramboll conducted a comprehensive quantitative environmental noise impact assessment to evaluate road traffic, railway and industrial noise and propose mitigation measures to attenuate impacts to the acceptable level. Our team then recommended a range of award-winning measures to not only meet the statutory noise requirements but also to ensure minimal impacts to residents so that their quality of life will be maintained.

The development is close to a railway line, noisy plant and equipment of industrial premises, and a very busy road. Noise mitigation measures, including baffle type acoustic windows, baffle type enhanced acoustic balconies, and vertical architectural fins capable of mitigating railway noise impact by up to 10 decibels were incorporated into the design.

Ramboll conducted a series of tasks remotely and on-site, including a full-scale mockup test to gauge the performance of the innovative noise mitigation design and field measurement, demonstrating that these measures would allow the building to meet the required standards.

The innovative solutions were recognised in 2023 by the Hong Kong Institute of Acoustics (HKIOA), which promotes the knowledge and practice of acoustics, playing a pivotal role in advancing the field of acoustics in Hong Kong and beyond.

Other services provided by Ramboll:

• quantitative air ventilation assessment to support the planning application and building plan submissions for approval,
• qualitative air quality impact assessment,
• noise and reverberation time assessment during the design stage of the new public transport interchange, and
• noise and air quality monitoring upon during operational phase.

Awards

• 2023 Hong Kong Institute of Acoustics Bronze Award for Environmental noise