The relation among noise mapping values, Façade sound insulation of dwellings and annoyance due to noise from neighbours or traffic

Protection against noise (external or from neighbours) is one of the main comfort demands of residents. Concerned about this problem, governments introduce building regulations as the way to enforce minimum comfort levels. In addition, some countries establish classification schemes in order to offer higher levels of comfort and intimacy. The acoustical quality of dwellings in Spain is guaranteed up to date with the compliance of the Building Regulation NBE-CA88, which establish laboratory requirements to each construction element. However, the new Spanish Building Regulation (CTE) will consider the whole building as a product itself, with 'in situ' requirements. This paper shows a research about the results of 'in situ' sound insulation in current State Subsidized Housings of Basque Country (Spain) and their residents perception obtained by means of surveys. The aim is not only to know the acoustical quality in current dwellings from the point of view of present and future Regulations, but also to analyze the possible necessity of new requirements in accordance with the annoyance of dwellers. The aim is not only to fulfil the Standards, but also to protect the residents under a comfort point of view.