Good Neighbours: How to Stop Your Outdoor Noise Travelling
From rugs and awnings to screens, here are some noise-dampening ideas to keep you in your neighbours' good books
Julia Fairley
20 October 2017
Houzz editorial team. I love design and architecture that is thoughtful, sophisticated and champions an element of the unexpected. Before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW and becoming a journalist, I studied interior architecture. For over a decade I have interviewed inspiring creative minds from around the world to write about design in its many different forms. Recently, I have also become an accidental gardener, to everyone's surprise.
Houzz editorial team. I love design and architecture that is thoughtful, sophisticated... More
Have you ever struggled to sleep while the noise from your neighbour’s party drifted through your windows? Or, perhaps worse, has an irate neighbour ever knocked on your door in the wee hours and asked you to please take your garden party inside? With more Aussies living in apartments and closer together than ever before, exterior acoustics have become a big issue. Though thanks to these stylish sound-absorbing solutions, they no longer have to be.
Wondering how to tackle noise inside your home? Check out the first story in this two-part series: Stylish Ways to Improve Your Interior Acoustics
Wondering how to tackle noise inside your home? Check out the first story in this two-part series: Stylish Ways to Improve Your Interior Acoustics
Timber decking
As a general rule, sound waves reflect off hard, smooth materials and are absorbed or diffused by porous, pliable surfaces. This is why concrete stairwells are akin to echo chambers, while a recording studio of the same size – with foam-clad walls – absorbs sound and reduces reverberations.
Of all the natural building materials we use, timber is one of the best at absorbing and diffusing sound waves. Decking helps turn down the volume more than concrete, tiles or bricks, which is the case in this Mill Hill Terrace in Sydney by Anna Carin Design.
Tip: Slatted timber furniture can also marginally improve exterior acoustics – every little detail helps.
As a general rule, sound waves reflect off hard, smooth materials and are absorbed or diffused by porous, pliable surfaces. This is why concrete stairwells are akin to echo chambers, while a recording studio of the same size – with foam-clad walls – absorbs sound and reduces reverberations.
Of all the natural building materials we use, timber is one of the best at absorbing and diffusing sound waves. Decking helps turn down the volume more than concrete, tiles or bricks, which is the case in this Mill Hill Terrace in Sydney by Anna Carin Design.
Tip: Slatted timber furniture can also marginally improve exterior acoustics – every little detail helps.
Decking tiles
Renting or reluctant to build a deck? Try using timber deck tiles instead – they are removable so you can take them with you to your next home. These clever designs go by many names – timber tiles, decking tiles, wooden pavers and deck squares to name a few – and they come in a variety of woods and finishes.
Timber tiles sit on top of your existing outdoor flooring, so are great for concealing old stained pavers and unattractive areas. They can usually be used to cover a small-sized balcony in a single afternoon.
Find a landscape architect or designer on Houzz near you to improve your exterior acoustics
Renting or reluctant to build a deck? Try using timber deck tiles instead – they are removable so you can take them with you to your next home. These clever designs go by many names – timber tiles, decking tiles, wooden pavers and deck squares to name a few – and they come in a variety of woods and finishes.
Timber tiles sit on top of your existing outdoor flooring, so are great for concealing old stained pavers and unattractive areas. They can usually be used to cover a small-sized balcony in a single afternoon.
Find a landscape architect or designer on Houzz near you to improve your exterior acoustics
Timber battens and screens
Timber battens pack a powerful punch when it comes to noise reduction as well as making a strong statement. Battens can be used to create privacy screens or space dividers, to clad garden bed walls, or add texture to balcony ceilings and exterior walls.
If you have an undercover alfresco area that could benefit from some timber battens, it may even be possible to use a noise-absorbing material backing, such as gauze or scrim, which will further soak up the sound.
This entertaining deck in Melbourne by Goodmanors Pool + Garden uses a dark contrasting backing, the colour of which can be customised to your taste.
Timber battens pack a powerful punch when it comes to noise reduction as well as making a strong statement. Battens can be used to create privacy screens or space dividers, to clad garden bed walls, or add texture to balcony ceilings and exterior walls.
If you have an undercover alfresco area that could benefit from some timber battens, it may even be possible to use a noise-absorbing material backing, such as gauze or scrim, which will further soak up the sound.
This entertaining deck in Melbourne by Goodmanors Pool + Garden uses a dark contrasting backing, the colour of which can be customised to your taste.
Plantation shutters
With some strategic planning, plantation shutters can be designed to have similar sound-diffusing properties as timber battens and decking. These white louvred exterior shutters help insulate this Gold Coast home from heat and weather, as well as noise pollution. As with all things acoustic, the more area you cover, the more sound you will diffuse.
With some strategic planning, plantation shutters can be designed to have similar sound-diffusing properties as timber battens and decking. These white louvred exterior shutters help insulate this Gold Coast home from heat and weather, as well as noise pollution. As with all things acoustic, the more area you cover, the more sound you will diffuse.
External louvres
While shutters usually sit in an external wall, louvres can sometimes be placed further towards the boundary of your property, which is the case with this residence in Melbourne designed by Chan Architecture.
The owners wanted to eliminate the problem of overlooking and overshadowing while maximising light, but providing shade from the west. The solution? Exterior angled shutters on the facade, which also offer a degree of sound insulation.
While shutters usually sit in an external wall, louvres can sometimes be placed further towards the boundary of your property, which is the case with this residence in Melbourne designed by Chan Architecture.
The owners wanted to eliminate the problem of overlooking and overshadowing while maximising light, but providing shade from the west. The solution? Exterior angled shutters on the facade, which also offer a degree of sound insulation.
Acoustic fencing
Need to bring some hush to your house and garden? We hear you. Acoustic panels harness innovative technology to help soundproof interiors, and now these noise-cancelling designs are moving outdoors and quietly taking traditional fences and walls by storm.
The ModularWalls system combines sound-absorbing composite fibre cement and EPS sandwich panels with the structural strength of a high-tensile post system. The result is noise-insulating boundaries in a range of colours and designs.
Need to bring some hush to your house and garden? We hear you. Acoustic panels harness innovative technology to help soundproof interiors, and now these noise-cancelling designs are moving outdoors and quietly taking traditional fences and walls by storm.
The ModularWalls system combines sound-absorbing composite fibre cement and EPS sandwich panels with the structural strength of a high-tensile post system. The result is noise-insulating boundaries in a range of colours and designs.
Acoustic feature panels
As well as using sound-absorbing panels as exterior walls or fencing, you can also employ them as screening panels to offer privacy and textural accents. Acoustic landscaping solutions in panel form use the same technology as exterior sound-absorbing walls and fencing, and can usually be affixed to existing substrates. Most acoustic feature walls can be mounted in just a few hours.
Tip: Sound-cancelling panels can be used as freestanding screens as well as mounted to walls – highlight them with exterior lighting to show them off.
As well as using sound-absorbing panels as exterior walls or fencing, you can also employ them as screening panels to offer privacy and textural accents. Acoustic landscaping solutions in panel form use the same technology as exterior sound-absorbing walls and fencing, and can usually be affixed to existing substrates. Most acoustic feature walls can be mounted in just a few hours.
Tip: Sound-cancelling panels can be used as freestanding screens as well as mounted to walls – highlight them with exterior lighting to show them off.
Artificial turf
Artificial turf has been basking in the spotlight lately and for good reason. Added to its significant sound-diffusing qualities, new designs have a lush appearance, it boasts zero maintenance and is cushioned enough to comfortably recline on. It is easy to cut faux grass to fit the dimensions of your balcony or lot, and you can roll it up and take it with you if you move. Drainage is rarely an issue too, so most body corporates and strata plans approve of it as an external floor covering.
Artificial turf has been basking in the spotlight lately and for good reason. Added to its significant sound-diffusing qualities, new designs have a lush appearance, it boasts zero maintenance and is cushioned enough to comfortably recline on. It is easy to cut faux grass to fit the dimensions of your balcony or lot, and you can roll it up and take it with you if you move. Drainage is rarely an issue too, so most body corporates and strata plans approve of it as an external floor covering.
Outdoor rugs
The same way carpet acts as an interior sound-soaker, so too do outdoor rugs. Both are a richly textured material with an expansive surface area, which is key in sound diffusion.
Exterior rugs are usually made from water-resistant synthetic fibres so are slightly less efficient at absorbing sound than indoor rugs made from natural fibres, though they nevertheless will help improve your exterior acoustics.
The same way carpet acts as an interior sound-soaker, so too do outdoor rugs. Both are a richly textured material with an expansive surface area, which is key in sound diffusion.
Exterior rugs are usually made from water-resistant synthetic fibres so are slightly less efficient at absorbing sound than indoor rugs made from natural fibres, though they nevertheless will help improve your exterior acoustics.
Fabric awnings
Although different textiles are not created equal in terms of sound absorption, any fabric is better than no fabric when it comes to reducing outdoor noise levels. Thicker, highly textured weaves and natural fibres are usually better at absorbing sound, so if you’ve received some noise complaints and are thinking of installing an awning, try opting for these types of exterior-grade textiles.
Although different textiles are not created equal in terms of sound absorption, any fabric is better than no fabric when it comes to reducing outdoor noise levels. Thicker, highly textured weaves and natural fibres are usually better at absorbing sound, so if you’ve received some noise complaints and are thinking of installing an awning, try opting for these types of exterior-grade textiles.
Outside curtains
The sheer romance alone of outdoor curtains is enough of a reason to hang some whimsical drapes from your balcony, pergola or outdoor entertaining space.
Next, simply sit back and enjoy an alfresco evening with friends while basking amid these billowing beauties, which will help dampen the sound.
Tip: Fabric umbrellas can diffuse sound outdoors, especially if you position them over your main entertaining area.
The sheer romance alone of outdoor curtains is enough of a reason to hang some whimsical drapes from your balcony, pergola or outdoor entertaining space.
Next, simply sit back and enjoy an alfresco evening with friends while basking amid these billowing beauties, which will help dampen the sound.
Tip: Fabric umbrellas can diffuse sound outdoors, especially if you position them over your main entertaining area.
Soft furnishings
We all know that soft furnishings are the first step to improving acoustics inside, and the same rule applies outside the home. Scatter some outdoor cushions, throw a cosy blanket on a chair, hang a hammock and, if you are entertaining, unfurl a table runner and napkins to help bring the decibels down a notch.
Soft furnishings are just a small piece of the puzzle, but with acoustics, most things result in only a slight noise reduction. It’s when you combine multiple details within a single space that you’ll notice a significant drop in noise… and your neighbours should too.
Supercharge Your Compact Outdoor Room
We all know that soft furnishings are the first step to improving acoustics inside, and the same rule applies outside the home. Scatter some outdoor cushions, throw a cosy blanket on a chair, hang a hammock and, if you are entertaining, unfurl a table runner and napkins to help bring the decibels down a notch.
Soft furnishings are just a small piece of the puzzle, but with acoustics, most things result in only a slight noise reduction. It’s when you combine multiple details within a single space that you’ll notice a significant drop in noise… and your neighbours should too.
Supercharge Your Compact Outdoor Room
Overgrown gardens
If you’ve been looking for an excuse not to mow the lawn or prune the garden, here it is: just like fabric and soft furnishings, the leaves, flowers and trunks of trees and plants can help dampen and diffuse sound when grown en masse. So go on, be a good neighbour – put down the secateurs and invite the people next door over for lunch instead. Did we mention that healthy neighbourly relations are another great tool in solving exterior acoustic issues?
Your turn
How have you combated poor acoustics? Share your tips and tricks in the Comments below. And if you found this story helpful, like it, save it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Keen to redo your garden or outdoor area? Read up on Why You Should Plant a Sustainable Garden (and How)
If you’ve been looking for an excuse not to mow the lawn or prune the garden, here it is: just like fabric and soft furnishings, the leaves, flowers and trunks of trees and plants can help dampen and diffuse sound when grown en masse. So go on, be a good neighbour – put down the secateurs and invite the people next door over for lunch instead. Did we mention that healthy neighbourly relations are another great tool in solving exterior acoustic issues?
Your turn
How have you combated poor acoustics? Share your tips and tricks in the Comments below. And if you found this story helpful, like it, save it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Keen to redo your garden or outdoor area? Read up on Why You Should Plant a Sustainable Garden (and How)
Related Stories
Gardening
8 Indoor Plants That Will Help Keep Your Home Cool
Don't go for good looks alone, choose plants that help cool the air inside your house this summer
Full Story
Gardening
Five Plants for Fighting Mosquitoes
By Karla Rey
These plants do more than just photosynthesise, they also repel uninvited guests
Full Story
Lifestyle
Screen Time: Stylish Ways to Keep the Mozzies Out This Season
From outdoor curtains and mosquito nets to retractable flyscreens on windows and doors, Houzz has you covered
Full Story
Trending Now
Pro Panel: 8 Reno Blunders and How to Avoid Them
A panel of experts reveals some of the most common mistakes rookie renovators make, and how you can steer clear of them
Full Story
Trending Now
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Kitchen Storage
Walk-In vs Cabinet Pantries: What Will Work Best in Your Kitchen?
By Sam Ferris
We explore the pros and cons of these popular kitchen storage options
Full Story
Laundry Renovations
10 Top Design Tips for an Ergonomic Laundry
How to design a high-functioning laundry that's space smart, stylish and easy on your back
Full Story
Small Spaces
15 Productive Garden Ideas That Won't Eat Up Your Backyard
No room for a vegie patch? No problem. Here are 15 stylish and space-smart ways to grow fruit and vegetables at home
Full Story
Trending Now
Bathroom Essentials: Right Heights for Vanities, Mirrors & More
By Yanic Simard
Making some bathroom upgrades? Here’s how to place all your main features for the most comfortable, personalised fit
Full Story
Hi markmac42, maybe a DIY like this one, freezer walls, you could spray paint it? just add a
couple of air vents, available cheaply from Bunnings OR if you want asthetics one like this one made out of slatted fence panels, just add either some blueboard or solid walls either side or your unit OR buy a ready to go fibreglass model as is here
http://www.serviceexperienced.com/professional-services/why-you-should-choose-fiberglass-for-your-electrical-enclosures.html
markmac42
https://www.brisbanehomeshow.com.au/exhibitor/the-pool-filter-cover/
:ove plantation shutters idea and outdoor curtains as cheaper solution... both inspiring me to mask open end of large balcony that neighbours look onto. And muffle the noise we make! Lovely article.