As noise pollution emerges as a growing public health concern, REHAU is urging architects to consider frame quality and glazing choice as key elements in residential design and retrofit projects
A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) has underlined the importance of specifying high-performance windows in residential projects, with REHAU calling on architects to pay closer attention to acoustic performance at the design stage.
The Environmental noise in Europe 2025 report found that more than 20% of Europeans are exposed to harmful transport noise levels, primarily from road traffic. Long-term exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance and reduced cognitive function in children, raising the issue beyond planning and into public health.
REHAU UK’s chief executive officer, Martin Hitchin, said windows are often the “make-or-break” factor in tackling noise ingress. “Factors such as the type of glazing specified, the quality of the frame and how well it has been fitted can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a restless one,” he explained.
Recent schemes demonstrate the role of specification in achieving acoustic targets. In County Durham, acoustic glazing and sound-attenuated trickle vents reduced internal noise levels by up to 40dB in homes near a main road and industrial estate. Elsewhere, a commercial-to-residential conversion close to Heathrow Airport met a strict 41dB rating through close collaboration between developers and suppliers.
With retrofit and decarbonisation programmes driving demand, Hitchin said architects have an opportunity to integrate noise mitigation into projects alongside thermal performance. “With informed specification practices, architects can identify cost-effective solutions that improve both energy efficiency and acoustic outcomes,” he added.
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