Acoustics
The silence that allows us to recover.
We feel good in an apartment that provides peace, privacy and protection from disturbing noise both from the building itself and from the surroundings. It's about everyday life, rest and sleep not being constantly disrupted by sounds the occupant has no control over. The apartment should be well separated from internal noise sources such as the stairwell, lift, corridor, garage ramp or technical rooms. Equally important is protection from external noise — from streets, trams, railway lines or an airport — through appropriate location, apartment layout and solutions that limit sound penetration into the interior.
What exactly do we analyse?
Noise in the immediate surroundings
we check the apartment's position relative to the stairwell, lift, garage ramp, etc.
Environmental noise
we analyse potential exposure to noise from nearby roads, railway lines or a nearby airport
Impact on our well-being
Apartment acoustics have a direct impact on stress levels and the body's ability to recover. Constant or unpredictable noise activates the nervous system and makes it harder to calm down. Proximity to the stairwell and lift increases the risk of sleep disturbance and a lack of privacy. Noise coming from garage ramps can be especially burdensome because of its low frequencies. Long-term exposure to background noise reduces concentration and increases irritability. Acoustic disturbances affect the quality of rest even when the noise is only 'barely audible.' Good acoustics support a sense of safety and control over space. Silence in private zones promotes deep sleep and psychological recovery. Apartments exposed to external noise lead more quickly to fatigue and emotional tension. As a result, acoustics are one of the key, though often underestimated, factors of well-being in an apartment.
What to watch out for
A bedroom sharing a wall with the building entrance, lift or stairwell
Building located in the aircraft landing approach zone