Acoustic Blinds and Curtains (ABC) has been engaged by the main contractors working on the WestConnex project in Sydney to install acoustic curtains as a noise reduction mechanism for homes in the vicinity.
Considered Australia’s largest road infrastructure development, the WestConnex project is a continuous 33km-long road network that will connect Sydney’s southwest and west with the CBD and airport once it opens in 2023. The Rozelle Interchange project forms an important part of this network and will link the M4 and M5 motorways.
ABC was approached by the main contractors on the project, JHCPB (John Holland CPB Contractors Joint Venture) to install their acoustic curtains as part of an integrated acoustic treatment solution designed to reduce construction noise for the residents in the area.
One among a select group of companies chosen to provide acoustic treatments for homes affected by the project, ABC is working in partnership with Tier 1 builders in Sydney to reduce the effects of noise created by the road construction project.
Acoustic engineers working on the project identified acoustic curtains as one of the primary solutions to help homes deal with the noise emanating from tunnelling worksites, ABC co-founder Cameron West said.
“We took John Holland through our range of products and also showed them the results of our recent acoustic test results, which proved beyond doubt that acoustic curtains installed in the bedroom, living room and other habitable spaces can substantially reduce the amount of noise being heard,” he says.
ABC has treated approximately 150 homes since coming onboard as a supplier to the project.
“The project kicked off in January 2020, which was roughly the time we started doing check measures at affected homes, and it has run for most of the remainder of the year,” West said.
“We were very excited to partner with a Tier 1 builder on such a large project, particularly after the success we’ve had working with individual customers on noise issues affecting their homes. It’s been great to see the product being used so successfully in a large-scale setting,” he added.
Several hundred homes in Annandale, Lilyfield, Leichhardt and Rozelle have been impacted by the effects of round-the-clock airborne and ground-borne construction noise caused by tunnelling works for the WestConnex project.
Noise from tunnelling can affect homes differently, and is influenced by a number of factors. According to WestConnex’s M4–M5 Link Environmental Impact Statement, these factors can include tunnel depths and location, ground conditions, the materials used to build the home and existing background noise levels among others.
All of these factors were taken into consideration by the acoustic engineers who assessed homes for noise (and vibration) impacts.
“Essentially, the engineers assign ratings to each home depending on their level of impact and then they specify the noise reduction products that are available to them,” West explained.
“These could be secondary windows, door jamb fixes, mechanical ventilation – or, in our case, acoustic curtains.”
ABC has offered two main acoustic curtain fabrics to homes affected by the WestConnex tunnelling works:
Lachlan Wool, ABC’s most popular acoustic curtain fabric is a 100 per cent wool product that offers sound improvements up to 8.9dB when used with a blockout lining.
Wellington Texture is a more affordable acoustic solution that offers a sound improvement up to 8.3dB when used with a lining.
Both fabrics are available in a range of colours.
Acoustic curtains – part of an integrated solution
Acoustics is a complex subject and acoustic treatments are devised based on individual environmental factors. Though it’s not often that a single treatment can solve a noise issue, but acoustic curtains can play just as important a role in noise mitigation as traditional solutions such as double-glazed windows.
“Our acoustic product can be used in conjunction with other acoustic treatments to help homeowners who are struggling with noise issues,” West said.
“We look forward to working on future phases of the WestConnex project. But we’re just as keen to help other homeowners affected by roadworks or other unwanted noise.
“If you’re on a busy road, I encourage you to reach out to your local roads authority – or to us directly – to find out what can be done to help.”
Acoustic Blinds and Curtains is a provider of quality sound absorbent products that can reduce noise levels and improve acoustics in classrooms and other open plan spaces.
