New Housing Development uses acoustic barriers to reduce road and industrial noise

Solution

Originally the site was part of the industrial side of the town and housed a manufacturing and storage plant with chain link fencing. When the site was closed and new residential development started, the site was enveloped by temporary board fencing which was neither secure nor attractive. This new development located next to a main busy B road in Sittingbourne needed a permanent fencing solution which had good aesthetics, reduced noise, improved privacy, and increased security as specified in planning documents. A large run of Jakoustic Commercial and Highway Reflective acoustic fencing was installed on the perimeter next to the road to mitigate as much noise as possible. This was also opposite a number of noise sources such as an industrial estate (electronics recycling facility and other services), an elevated railway line, and close to and leading up to a large roundabout with junctions as well as the main road itself.

The barrier itself provided segregation between the main road and the smaller development roads, as the houses were built outward facing towards the main road. This allows the barriers to reflect the noise back into the open area, reducing the noise by as much as 28dB. While the natural timber façade not only complements the design of the many varieties of new builds aesthetically, it also provides an additional means of security and privacy. The sectioning off of the development also cuts down on pollution from traffic, by means of a large physical barrier, and can reduce congestion from cars on the main road taking shortcuts as visibility to the small roads within the development is impaired.

Due to the nature of the interlocking V tongue and groove boards, gaps in the acoustic barrier are practically eliminated which is what makes them so effective at noise reduction but also provides a robust, durable structure as this fencing is a lot denser than a normal timber fence. With an anti-climb, solid construction and the overall height being taller than your average garden fence, it is also a secure and safe perimeter solution which keeps young children and pets from wandering into danger.

When looking at specifying acoustic barriers for a site we always suggest a noise engineer or acoustic consultant surveys the area and if possible, choose fencing with a long guarantee such as our 25-year guarantee. You may also want to check our blog: Secured by Design Requirements for New Homes which covers how housebuilders can 'design out crime” and the guidelines that should be followed to improve the safety of buildings and their surroundings.