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Along the A28 near Ermelo, Kokosystems recently installed a Kokowall® noise barrier measuring 518 meters in length and 4.5 meters in height. The barrier is an essential part of the Horsterhoeve area development, where a new residential neighborhood is being built right next to the A28 highway. Without adequate noise mitigation measures, residential construction at this location would not be possible.
New residential developments are increasingly being built in areas with high noise levels, such as along highways, railroad tracks, or industrial sites. “Acoustic studies are conducted in advance for these types of projects,” says Arjan Kick of Kokosystems. “If the noise levels on the building facade are too high, measures must first be taken before construction can even begin.”
In the case of Horsterhoeve, this meant that the noise barrier was a prerequisite for the further development of the residential area and thus essential to the quality of life. The barrier was installed between the A28 and Spijkweg and ensures that future residents can count on a pleasant and quiet living environment.
When selecting the type of noise barrier, landscape integration played an important role alongside noise reduction. “The Kokowall® noise barrier was chosen because of its high sound insulation and absorption properties, but also because it blends naturally into the landscape. The screen can be made green because the coconut-fiber-wrapped tubes provide the ideal surface for various types of climbing plants to attach to,” explains Kick. “Here, we chose ivy, which stays green year-round, and wild grapevine, which adds color variation in the fall. This not only enhances the seasonal experience but also contributes to biodiversity.”
The Kokowall® noise barrier is the ideal combination of aesthetics and high sound-insulating and sound-absorbing properties. “In addition, the system offers advantages in terms of sustainability, with favorable LCA and MKI scores and opportunities for circular use. This makes it widely applicable in a variety of infrastructure and area development projects,” said Kick.
Given the size of the screen along a provincial road, efficient implementation was of the utmost importance. “The project was completed in a relatively short time. The modular design allows for quick installation, which helps ensure smooth progress in the area’s development,” explains Kick.
In addition to noise reduction, the screen offers another benefit: it largely screens the A28 from view in the future residential neighborhood. In doing so, it not only improves acoustic quality but also enhances the spatial experience of the area. This project demonstrates how technical solutions play a crucial role in enabling housing development in complex locations. At a time when pressure on space is increasing, the demand for these types of integrated solutions will only continue to grow.
