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Project Overview
Client
Energy Supplier
Location
Hove, Sussex
Date Complete
2025
Sector
Energy
Background
In many commercial and industrial environments, managing noise and protecting valuable equipment are two key challenges. Outdoor plant and equipment such as generators, air handling units, or refrigeration systems often produce unwanted noise that can impact surrounding areas, particularly when located near residential, educational, healthcare, or office spaces. At the same time, such installations demand reliable protection against environmental elements, vandalism, and accidental damage.
Traditional solutions such as masonry walls or metal enclosures can provide a level of acoustic and physical protection, but they often come with limitations. Masonry walls require extensive groundwork and may not be practical where underground electrical or service cables are present. Metal enclosures can resonate or amplify certain frequencies, reducing their acoustic performance, while also being visually intrusive or prone to corrosion over time. In addition, acoustic enclosures need gates to provide access to the machinery or equipment inside, for troubleshooting and maintenance. This becomes complicated when using brick and metal enclosures.
To address these challenges at their headquarters, a leading energy supplier approached us for a custom-built acoustic enclosure to protect external machinery adjacent to an office building. The site presented several constraints: a confined footprint, nearby sensitive receptors, and underground electrical cables that would affect groundwork. The client needed a solution that offered strong acoustic performance, long -term durability, and high visual appeal.
The Challenge
The machinery in question generated a persistent low-frequency hum that exceeded acceptable noise levels at the property boundary. The equipment also needed to remain easily accessible for maintenance purposes, requiring gates that allowed for safe entry while maintaining acoustic integrity. Furthermore, the enclosure had to be aesthetically sympathetic to the adjacent building façade.
In addition to noise control, privacy and security were essential. The machinery had to be concealed from view and protected from unauthorised access, tampering, or accidental damage. Being a sustainable energy company, the client wanted a solution that aligned with its ethos and values.
Boards raised to allow airflow around equipment
Solution
The chosen solution was a timber acoustic enclosure constructed using Jakoustic® Absorptive acoustic barriers, supplied and installed to fit the site’s specific dimensions. Jakoustic Absorptive is a high performance, kit form timber acoustic system designed to reduce noise levels while maintaining an attractive natural timber finish on the external side. The acoustic barrier system is constructed from planed tongue and groove boards that interlock deeply to create a solid barrier, with a layer of sound absorbing mineral and protective membrane on the side facing the noise source, reducing noise by up to 32dB (as tested to BS EN 1793-2 standards). To ensure airflow around the equipment in this installation, the boards were slightly raised off the ground. In a run of acoustic fencing, the boards should touch the ground in order to reduce gaps that sound can travel through and maximise noise reduction performance.
Design and Construction
The enclosure was installed to the side of the office building around the machinery. Its modular, kit-based construction allowed for precise on-site assembly, ensuring a tight fit even in restricted areas, which is crucial to sound attenuation.
To facilitate maintenance and equipment access, the design incorporated two sets of double-leaf acoustic gates, each engineered to the same specification as the surrounding fencing. The gates were fitted with heavy duty adjustable hinges and secure locking mechanisms to maintain both acoustic integrity and site security. The reflective timber finish provided an appealing visual match to the surrounding environment, blending seamlessly with the existing architecture.
The entire 2.4m high structure benefits from a 25 year Jakcure® timber treatment guarantee, offering long-term protection against rot and insect attack. This durability is a key feature in installations of this type, where access for future repairs can be restricted and machinery downtime must be avoided. The long guarantee period ensures peace of mind for the client, minimising the risk of future replacements and operational disruption.
In addition to its acoustic performance, the enclosure delivers substantial privacy and security benefits. It shields the enclosed machinery from view, deters unauthorised access, and prevents climbing or tampering thanks to its solid, flat façade. The timber construction also provides a more visually appealing and sustainable alternative to metal or concrete barriers or the equipment itself.
For similar applications, we always recommend consulting a qualified acoustic consultant to assess site-specific conditions and ensure optimal performance.
Read our related case studies below.
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Or find out more about acoustic enclosures for air source heat pumps in our blog post.
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