Preventive noise protection in urban architecture

Successful construction projects in cities are a tightrope walk: the central location is not only the bestselling benefit, but also the cause of many problems in later utilisation. High levels of external noise, vibrations and structure-borne noise in the building, noise conflicts due to mixed use. A sustainable vibration protection is the basis for preventive noise protection here, especially when redesigning city buildings or developing vibration prone areas.

What architects and planners should know

Vibrations lead to structure-borne sound and noise in the building.
In this case conventional sound insulation (e.g. noise-proof windows) remains ineffective
Vibrations are mainly caused by rail traffic, commercial businesses or technical equipment

Facade of the Troger Höfe in Munich at twilight with a streetcar and light trails.

With Getzner's integrated solutions, the highest level of active vibration insulation and noise protection can be realised without being restricted in design or use. The application range of our elastomers extends from the targeted damping of single noise sources to the elastic bearing of entire buildings. This gives urban planners and architects additional leeway in object planning and more reliability towards clients, owners and investors.

Your benefits at a glance

Integrated vibration protection: highly effective, durable, sustainable
Greatest possible design freedom due to seamless integration into the building
Materials approved by building authorities and sustainable production in Austria

What needs to be done now

It is worth clarifying at an early stage whether vibration problems and structure-borne noise are to be expected in your project, e.g. by taking measurements on site. However, our experts can also make a well-founded estimate regarding labour, costs and results in advance, based on only a few parameters. It is key to get in touch with us in good time for a quick consultation during your early planning.

Modern city view, tall buildings with green terraces, lively squares, bubbles in the sky.

Why is vibration protection relevant in early project phases?

It has a direct impact on the use, exploitation and profitability of properties
It is not a question of later building equipment, as the structure itself must be protected
It affects the entire building, the greatest effect being achieved in the foundation
Preventive noise protection offers the greatest possible freedom for design and usage

Identify the hidden causes of noise

A frequently underestimated problem in urban development is noise caused by vibrations and shocks. Vibrations can impact from the outside as well as from the inside of a building and lead to disruptive noises. Not only traffic noise, trams or underground trains, but also technical equipment in the building, such as air conditioning units or lifts, can have a negative impact in the form of noise. The good news is that as a rule, structure-borne sound can be anticipated and noise is therefore preventable. This is exactly where Getzner comes into play. As an expert in vibration insulation and acoustic separation, we provide profound concepts for preventive noise protection.

Modern building with large glass windows, people in offices and in a courtyard, during the day.

An orange shape, vaguely resembling a 'G', on a black background.

An orange shape, vaguely resembling an arrow, on a black background.

Orange silhouette showing an air duct and blower on a black background.

What is now important in urban development?

The strong pull of cities persists worldwide and living space is scarce. At the same time, digitalisation is causing structural change at an unprecedented pace. The task now is to make cities liveable, sustainable and future-proof, to strengthen so-called urban resilience.

This means that buildings are flexibly designed for mixed use and adaption to the respective needs. This also includes well-developed public transport, commercial business within the neighbourhood and daily needs e.g. supermarkets within close proximity. And flats that can also be used as home offices during the day without restrictions.

All these urban development trends inevitably lead to noise conflicts. High noise pollution is already one of the downsides of urbanisation. It affects the quality of life, leads to stress and becomes a danger to human health. Noise is a recognised form of environmental pollution, and experts are calling for the requirements to be tightened accordingly. With our customised solutions from Getzner, you can make your building project fit for the future - for healthy living, successful working and liveable cities.