Noise from the European Parliament building

Project Overview

The European Parliament building in Sofia is located in a busy central area, surrounded by residential buildings. The air-conditioning chamber on the roof operates continuously, ensuring air circulation throughout the day, while a diesel generator in the courtyard operates from the sixth floor. This setup has led to frequent noise complaints from residents of neighbouring buildings, who have expressed concerns over the disruptive sounds from the air-conditioning unit and the generator.

Challenge

The European Parliament faced growing frustration from residents due to the excessive noise levels, prompting them to seek a solution that would address both the continuous noise from the air-conditioning chamber and the diesel generator. Given the location’s proximity to residential buildings, an effective soundproofing solution was urgently needed.

Scope of Work

• Install soundproofing around the air-conditioning chamber on the roof
• Design and install noise barriers around the diesel generator in the courtyard
• Ensure minimal disruption to building operations and surrounding areas during installation

Solution

DECIBEL was contracted to provide a comprehensive soundproofing solution. The project was divided into two key stages:

1. Air-conditioning Chamber:
• Silencers were installed to reduce noise from the air outlets, with special weather-resistant structures attached to withstand outdoor conditions.
• A noise barrier was built around the air-conditioning chamber, featuring PZP panels with a combination of perforated sheet metal on the front and solid sheet metal on the rear, designed to absorb and block excess noise.
2. Diesel Generator:
• Similar to the air-conditioning chamber, soundproofing walls were installed around the diesel generator. Additionally, a roof was constructed to fully enclose the generator, minimizing noise exposure to nearby residents.

Given the building's location, the logistical challenge of moving large materials to the rooftop was addressed by designing structural elements no larger than 2.40 meters. These elements were transported using the building’s elevators to avoid disrupting the surrounding area.

Results

The installation, which took 30 days to complete, effectively reduced the noise from both the air-conditioning chamber and the diesel generator. Residents immediately noticed a significant decrease in noise levels, and positive feedback followed soon after. The European Parliament’s collaboration with DECIBEL successfully resolved a long-standing issue, improving the quality of life for the neighbouring community.

Importance of Soundproofing in Urban Areas

As demonstrated in this project, soundproofing is essential for maintaining harmony in busy urban environments, particularly where commercial or public buildings operate in close proximity to residential areas. Effective noise control not only improves the quality of life for residents but also helps institutions like the European Parliament maintain good relations with the community.

DECIBEL’s customized solutions, such as the installation of PZP panels and silencers, show how modern soundproofing techniques can address even the most challenging noise issues in dense urban settings.