Functional and visually appealing

New noise barrier construction eliminates the need for mesh netting

Over the last decade, there has been increasing demand for soundproofing around air handling systems, heat pumps and air conditioners. Logical, since a maximum of 40dB of noise should be audible at the property boundary. "We offer the right solution for every situation, which is now also a lot nicer," says Arjan Kick, project manager of Modubar.

Modubar's noise screens have always done what they were designed to do, improve acoustics, block out noise, and hide installations from view. For use in businesses, often on roofs, the Noise-Reducer sound barrier is suitable. The modular system has a sound-absorbing layer of mineral wool on one side, finished with a wind cloth and a plastic PE net. The back side of the panels are made with a coated steel sheet. These screens offer high sound absorption of 8 to 17dB and sound insulation of 30dB.

Sleek appearance due to internal reinforcement

"This system is very practical, but was not aesthetically pleasing on roofs," Kick admits. "Indeed, until now the appearance was determined by a mesh net. This stabilized the structure and plants could grow against it. This is useful in the ground level, but not on the roof of a building. We have therefore now achieved a sleek finish." Here Modubar succeeded by making structural modifications to the panel. No more wire mesh is used; internal reinforcement now gives the screen a sleek look. "The coated steel sheet that defines the look is available in many variations, such as a coated flat sheet, coated corrugated sheet, galvanized standing seam sheet or sheet piling. This allows an architect to choose a matching plate for each building."

The new system is the standard and is currently already being used for several projects. For example, for the roof of body DUO in Arnhem (for contractor Giesbers) and the Sint-Janscollege in Hoensbroek. "In both cases we installed the sound screens around the installations on the roof. Because we make the screens in our own factory and management, we can move quickly in terms of product development. The steel comes in a standard color palette of about 21 colors, but we can coat in any RAL color if necessary." 

The old system with the wire mesh does not disappear completely, but is only used at ground level. "People accepted the mesh on the roof, but it was not attractive. So our customers really like the new look, which also allows for more creative applications."