Hello everyone,
we are looking at a very spacious penthouse apartment on the third floor of a multi-family building, which we can almost completely customize thanks to the early stage of the project. However, we have a concern where we hope to rely on your extensive experience: The building is located directly on a busy village street. The architect doesn’t see this as a problem, for the following reasons:
In theory, these are all good points. But does anyone have concrete experience with such a situation? We are worried that when we dine or relax on this spacious terrace, we will constantly be surrounded by street noise. Of course, you will hear a motorcycle now and then, but what about regular street traffic?
Thank you very much for your help! Regards, Stefan
we are looking at a very spacious penthouse apartment on the third floor of a multi-family building, which we can almost completely customize thanks to the early stage of the project. However, we have a concern where we hope to rely on your extensive experience: The building is located directly on a busy village street. The architect doesn’t see this as a problem, for the following reasons:
- As part of the renovation of the nearby village square, the street will be resurfaced with a noise-reducing pavement. This should absorb most of the tire noise.
- The street will be downgraded from a cantonal road to a local road and converted into a 30 km/h (about 20 mph) zone.
- He further argues based on the sound cone. Since the building is so close to the street, the sound from the cars goes straight upward. We practically only hear something if we lean over the railing.
In theory, these are all good points. But does anyone have concrete experience with such a situation? We are worried that when we dine or relax on this spacious terrace, we will constantly be surrounded by street noise. Of course, you will hear a motorcycle now and then, but what about regular street traffic?
Thank you very much for your help! Regards, Stefan
S
stefanurech10 Jun 2021 18:34Hello everyone,
thank you very much for your numerous replies! What I take from this is that noise perception varies greatly and, accordingly, whether people are bothered by it or not. We should also not overestimate the effect of the future low-noise surface.
A few days ago, the four of us stood at the future site, of course directly by the road and not 12 meters (39 feet) above it. The noise from the cars was so loud that we could hardly talk to each other. That made us somewhat doubtful.
I understand that sound spreads in a straight line. Around us there are only buildings significantly lower than our future one. Therefore, reflected sound should be limited. Additionally, our terrace will be very large, and we won’t have to sit right next to the parapet. These are all factors that should reduce the road noise to a reasonable level. "Should." What it will actually be like is difficult to say. This will be a really tough decision for us. Because the layout and the architectural firm are great.
thank you very much for your numerous replies! What I take from this is that noise perception varies greatly and, accordingly, whether people are bothered by it or not. We should also not overestimate the effect of the future low-noise surface.
A few days ago, the four of us stood at the future site, of course directly by the road and not 12 meters (39 feet) above it. The noise from the cars was so loud that we could hardly talk to each other. That made us somewhat doubtful.
I understand that sound spreads in a straight line. Around us there are only buildings significantly lower than our future one. Therefore, reflected sound should be limited. Additionally, our terrace will be very large, and we won’t have to sit right next to the parapet. These are all factors that should reduce the road noise to a reasonable level. "Should." What it will actually be like is difficult to say. This will be a really tough decision for us. Because the layout and the architectural firm are great.
H
hanghaus200010 Jun 2021 22:35stefanurech schrieb:
This will be a really tough decision for us. Because the floor plan and the architectural firm are great.I can empathize with that. It’s really difficult. You could share your excitement with us and upload the floor plan.
HausiKlausi10 Jun 2021 23:17About the "sound cone": It may be true that a lot of the noise disperses upwards. However, from direct experience, I can say that the sounds transmitted through the mass—meaning the street—into and onto the house are the bigger problem. Nothing is decoupled there, and even an electric vehicle produces noticeable noise. On the other hand, this issue will become much less relevant on the third floor, because mainly the ground floor and mezzanine are affected.
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Alessandro11 Jun 2021 08:23Buy a data logger and measure for a few days on the terrace, if that is possible.
Is the shell of the building already constructed?
Large plants on the terrace can also help reduce noise.
Is the shell of the building already constructed?
Large plants on the terrace can also help reduce noise.
It is difficult (almost impossible) to determine the noise level upstairs based on the street level. Sound waves behave in complex ways. Due to reflection, it can be quieter or louder, and this cannot be assessed just by looking or from the street.
The only option is to spend time on the terrace during a weekday and a weekend day to get a proper impression...
The only option is to spend time on the terrace during a weekday and a weekend day to get a proper impression...
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GeradeSchräg11 Jun 2021 08:45If the terrace really offers enough space, appropriate planting can also make the area more pleasant.
Are the bedrooms also facing the street, or are they located on the side away from the street? That would be more important to me personally if you sleep with the windows open.
Noise on the terrace will be less of an issue due to its location and the fact that people tend to be more active there, which means they are usually occupied with other impressions. As already mentioned, there are also other options to reduce sound if it should become too loud.
If you like the apartment and it is otherwise attractive to you, I would go for it.
Are the bedrooms also facing the street, or are they located on the side away from the street? That would be more important to me personally if you sleep with the windows open.
Noise on the terrace will be less of an issue due to its location and the fact that people tend to be more active there, which means they are usually occupied with other impressions. As already mentioned, there are also other options to reduce sound if it should become too loud.
If you like the apartment and it is otherwise attractive to you, I would go for it.
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