ᐅ Soundproofing Against Road Traffic Noise – What Are the Options?

Hello collective knowledge,

We need your advice! By now, the developer and the house design have been finalized, and we are focusing on the exterior landscaping. We purchased a corner lot in the village, just under 700 sqm (about 7,535 sq ft). The property is bordered by a not very busy main road on one side and a small cobblestone side street on the other — and this is where our concern lies. While the house is completely shielded towards the main road side with only a guest toilet, utility room, and guest bedroom located there, the backyard faces southwest and contains the garden. To enjoy the garden in peace, we want to enclose this side of the property to reduce noise as much as possible.

These options have been suggested to us:
1.) Concrete fence with ivy or conifers planted behind it
2.) Gabion wall filled with lava stones
3.) Very dense conifer hedge

What do you think about these options?

It is not that the street is heavily trafficked, but if it can be further dampened, that would be great. There is already a foundation there, which might be used further.

Would you fence the entire property like this?

We look forward to your tips!

I wouldn’t do anything unless there is a real problem.

Exactly, first we need to wait and see how loud it actually is.
I won’t say anything more about gabions and conifers; both are unsightly.
To completely eliminate noise, the whole barrier would have to be taller than allowed. I’m just thinking of corner lots and visibility triangles.

Well, that always depends on personal perspective. From the outside, I don’t really care how it looks. When I look at the greenery from the inside, I find it acceptable.

Müllerin schrieb:
Exactly, let’s wait and see how loud it really is.
I won’t comment further on gabions and conifers, both are ugly.
To completely block noise, the barrier would have to be taller than permitted; I’m just thinking about corner lots and visibility triangles.

Could you explain that to me again? And did you mean privacy hedges or visibility triangles?

Finding a plot of land in a quiet area within an urban region is like hitting the jackpot here. We had to make some compromises, and the corner doesn’t really bother us. We’re just happy it worked out and want to make the most of the potential with a timeless urban villa.

Of course, what looks good is different for everyone – for me, at least, I’m glad that gabion structures are not allowed here.
Anyway, I just mean that you wouldn’t be able to build them high enough to really have privacy.

And yes, I’m referring to visual corners, specifically those for drivers, where there are often regulations that limit the height of fences or plants.

Is there a development plan / zoning plan?

No, there is no building plan / development plan, and the street is a one-way street with a 30 km/h (20 mph) speed limit zone. So, drivers have nothing to worry about there. Usually, the street is lined with gates about 2 m (6.5 ft) high on all sides – so you mean that 2 m (6.5 ft) height is generally not enough to reduce the noise?