ᐅ Noise Level Category IV – Bungalow

Hello,

we are planning a bungalow and have identified a plot of land that meets all our requirements except for one factor we are uncertain about. Directly behind the property there is a railway track. Currently, it is used very infrequently, but you never know what might happen in the future. The house would fall into noise protection level IV, and there is a 3-meter (10-foot) high embankment in front of the railway tracks.

Is there anyone living in a similar situation who can share how they perceive the noise?

The neighboring plot has noise protection level III, but we cannot imagine that this makes such a big difference (the decibel scale shows the values, but does it actually make a noticeable difference in what you hear?).

Seldom used and then a 3-meter (10 feet) embankment?

schubert79 schrieb:

Rarely used road and then a 3-meter (10 feet) embankment?

Yes, that's the current situation. The residential buildings on the left and right that are already there do not have any embankment or wall. But for the new section, it was apparently arranged that way.

Maurice_Grim schrieb:

Directly behind

Maurice_Grim schrieb:

Currently really rare

Can you be more specific?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to accurately assess the actual noise disturbance. For example, we are building on a plot classified under noise protection level IV. There is a highway located more than 100 meters (330 feet) to the east, with a tall noise barrier. Additionally, another noise barrier is likely to be constructed directly adjacent to the residential area. Since we almost always have westerly winds, the noise from the highway is usually not audible because typical urban sounds tend to mask it. Nevertheless, we are required to install soundproof windows, which adds a five-figure cost for us. Whether the noise is directly bothersome is, in my opinion, something one should check on-site themselves.

The usual advice is probably the best: just bring a camping chair and sit on the plot for a day or two to observe. If the neighbors ask what you’re doing, it’s a good opportunity to start a conversation with them. 😉

While doing this, I would definitely pay attention to the following:
- Is there a railway switch nearby (you might hear clicking)?
- How fast do the trains pass by?
- What kind of trains pass by? Electrified commuter trains or freight trains?