BSW Timber’s Soundshield™ panels have been highly commended, having significantly reduced the noise transmission that enters a new build near Edinburgh.

The domestic acoustic fence panel system was erected in Newton, west of Edinburgh, and reduced noise transmission by at least 20dB.

Noise levels at the site, located alongside the A904, sat at around 80-85dB before installation and around 60-65dB after installation.

This is equivalent to the noise levels of a dustbin van being reduced to that of a conversation – and independent laboratory tests showed an even bigger reduction of 22dB.

Scott McAllister, Principal Architect at LSM Architecture in Edinburgh, led the project. He said: “The main reason for choosing the Soundshield™ panels was due to the noise levels from the busy A road adjacent to the site.

“Part of the planning application required us to undertake a noise test, which in turn required us to erect a two-metre-high fence so we could meet council guidelines for amenity.”

He added: “The aesthetics of Soundshield™ also suited the domestic nature of our development.”

Introduced alongside a range of standard, non-acoustic fence panels, Soundshield™ panels are for domestic applications – but the product is a development of BSW’s noise barriers for motorways.

Soundshield™ combines sound damping technology within its core with a robust surface which reduces noise pollution levels from sources such as traffic and neighbours.

Scott said: “The pre-fabricated panels also appealed due to the speed of erection. This is especially important when working near a busy road as the quicker they’re up, the quicker the site is safe and secure.”

Soundshield™ has been independently tested in a laboratory to BSEN1793- 2 (2012) and achieved an average decibel r eduction of 22 dB (DLr). This performance classes the system as a category B2-rated noise barrier in accordance with Highways Agency specifications for motorways.