But, thanks to new technology and an absolute commitment to maintaining noise suppression – contractors and commissioning councils are now recognising that it really can be fulfilled, to everyone’s advantage.
When FM Conway were appointed for the important completion of a central London project to upgrade footpaths in the high footfall area of Farringdon Station, they recognised the potential for disruption to nearby office workers.
Their answer was to make the innovative Echo Barrier system part of their noise suppression solution. Recognised by the Noise Abatement Society, the technology involved in the barriers ensures up to 30dB in sound reduction and creates an aesthetically acceptable solution where construction and development is taking place in heavily populated areas. T
ony McPolin, Contracts Manager for Camden and Islington at FM Conway, said: “We knew from the outset that local businesses were going to be concerned about the noise impact of this particular renovation project. Not only are there lots of offices in the area, but things like an art gallery – which would be concerned their visitors would be put off during a period of construction work. “For us, Echo Barrier was absolutely the right solution. While there are other noise suppression options out there, this one is really set apart by the fact that it can carry company branding, and information for the public about what it is there for and how it is minimising noise.”
Tony is no stranger to having had to consider such facets of construction work. FM Conway is used to operating in a variety of environments where the impact on residents and nearby workers must be a number one priority. He said: “Noise is a very big issue on many of our schemes, so this is why new technology of the like of Echo Barrier is well worth our investment.
Whether we’re doing something in the grounds of a school, a college, hospitals or care homes, the ability for us to reduce the disruption we cause makes us a more conscientious contractor. “I think as much as being able to say ‘yes, this technology definitely reduces noise at the site of construction work’ it’s also about psychologically reaching the minds of the public to enable them to see that you care enough to put steps in place to reduce the effect on them. “The informative aspect of the barriers makes that achievable, and it’s why we now feature the use of the technology in all sorts of developments we’re doing – from residential Mews to a hospital to a college.
It means we can work longer hours, complete our projects on time, and keep all parties happy in the process.” Echo Barrier offers high tech, market leading solutions for controlling excessive noise.
Echo Barrier systems make noise management simple, fast and highly effective. Barriers are flexible, provide exceptional acoustic performance, are easy to store, transport and fit.
They were recently recognised by the Institute of Acoustics and Noise Abatement Society at their annual awards. Echo Barrier has already successfully helped reduce the noise impact at sites such as Victoria underground station and Crossrail at Tottenham Court Road.
The commercial benefits of noise reduction are enormous, including extending site operating hours (and so reducing operational costs), minimising noise complaints, enhancing company reputation and providing for an improved working environment.