Schoolyards, all-day programs, and school sports extend the periods during which school grounds are audible—and at the same time, residential areas and schools are moving closer together in growing communities. Renovations and expansions therefore regularly trigger noise abatement requirements that school districts must address through structural measures. We install green, highly absorbent noise barriers in schoolyards, recess areas, and school athletic facilities that absorb noise before it reaches the neighborhood, while also framing the school grounds with greenery. The low-maintenance, extensive greening requires no irrigation—a key benefit for school districts with tight maintenance budgets. We provide planning, bid documents, installation, and maintenance as a one-stop service from our location in Kaufbeuren.
Recess Noise, Full-Day School, School Sports—Addressing These Issues Through Architectural Solutions
All-day schools extend the use of the playground and sports fields into the afternoon and evening, which affects times when neighbors are at home. Sound barriers between playgrounds and residential areas absorb shouts, the sound of balls, and recess bells—our highly absorbent construction method also prevents reflections back into the courtyard that would increase noise levels for students and teachers. At schools, there is a second issue that affects both facades and walls: graffiti; surfaces covered with vegetation offer little space for it, and our overview of noise barrier systems illustrates just how extensively the greenery can grow. The greenery also traps fine particulate matter from drop-off and pick-up traffic in front of the school. For school districts, we prepare construction plans and bid documents in compliance with procurement regulations; the planting plan is included in the scope of delivery. Installation is preferably carried out during school breaks or in phases while school is in session, with the construction site consistently secured and short delivery routes. We schedule the work around exam periods and school events to ensure that classes continue uninterrupted.
School Grounds as a Place of Learning—The Wall Plays a Role, Too
Educational institutions are particularly effective at teaching sustainability when it is visible on their own grounds. A green noise barrier provides several points of engagement for this—from observing vegetation in biology class to exploring how particulate matter is captured. Those who want to take it a step further can combine noise protection with electricity generation—a noise barrier with integrated photovoltaics makes the energy transition visible on school grounds and can be incorporated into project-based learning and energy clubs. The RAU Klimawand R3 complements this with certified verification: its Climate Handprint demonstrates that, after just a few years, the emissions from raw materials, production, transportation, and construction are offset by the emissions sequestered through the vegetation; the CO₂ footprint was verified by KlimAktiv. On narrow school grounds, RAU Rock Extensiv, with a minimum width of 13 cm, secures the path between the recess area and the property line. Access points, escape routes, and visibility of the grounds are incorporated into the wall layout from the very beginning. Upon completion, our service teams will, upon request, handle pruning and inspections on a school-year basis.
