An Echo Barrier noise reduction system has been implemented in a recent project by Westfield Design and Construction to mitigate noise pollution in the neighbourhood.
Working on their project at the Macquarie Centre in North Ryde, NSW, the company implemented the cutting-edge system by Echo Barrier, drastically reducing noise complaints from shops, customers and nearby residents even during night works.
Simon Lyster, Westfield Design and Construction’s Risk Manager for the Macquarie Centre explains that the heavy demolition and new build project involves extensive noisy works such as piling, concrete cutting and running generators in close proximity to shops, offices and residential areas. Since they were obliged to allow the existing shopping centre to continue trading without affecting customers, tenants and their employees, the company took appropriate measures as a priority to eliminate or minimise disruption.
To mitigate the noise and reduce disruption, Simon took a two-pronged approach, adopting new, smarter work methods and using the Echo Barrier noise reduction system. Simon explains that the results have been extremely positive.
Initially, the extensive works were creating a lot of noise and disrupting day-to-day operations in the centre, especially for one shop whose wall backed up to the work site; however, since installing the Echo barriers, there have been no complaints.
Temporary noise barrier systems such as Echo barriers offer two-fold benefits. In addition to providing a versatile and simple solution to protect the surrounding community from noise disruption, the system also helps demonstrate corporate responsibility, which Simon and Westfield Design and Construction feel is a very important aspect.
Simon also points out the multiple use advantage of the Echo noise barrier panels. Since they are easy to put up and pull down, the company has been using the same 40 panels in various locations across the site, such as on hoardings and windows to decrease the effect on shops, and on temporary rooftop fences where glass covered boardrooms and offices are located.
Additionally, to protect the surrounding residents from noise coming from night works, he placed the noise barriers in a transportable horseshoe around plant and equipment every night. Simon added that they wouldn’t have been able complete work on the same timetable without the Echo barriers.
