Hebel Matters

Soundproofing the streets – Sydney’s M2 motorway upgrade

The Hills M2 Motorway, a key part of the Sydney Orbital Network, connects the north-western suburbs with the north shore and CBD. As part of a $550 million upgrade project, Hebel was used for decorative, yet functional, sound barriers to improve the road’s visual appearance whilst reducing noise for nearby residents.

The need to create character and a recognisable identity for the motorway by integrating the new and existing elements was a key deliverable for the urban design brief, in addition to achieving acoustic targets.

Hebel, a highly effective acoustic panel made from autoclaved aerated concrete, was specified for the original noise walls when the motorway was constructed over a decade ago. As a result of the upgrade, 31,000m2 of Hebel Soundbarrier was again specified for the new noise walls. Being lightweight, yet strong and solid, Hebel Soundbarrier offered design flexibility, fast construction and most important of all, superior acoustic performance.

Hebel Soundbarrier offered the designer an attractive and functional panel, with an unlimited choice of colours and patterns to provide a visual contrast to the road’s existing green walls. The colours used on the new panels draw their inspiration from the subtle greens, oranges and greys found in the bushland adjacent to the M2 corridor. Their sophisticated geometric pattern subtly reflects the traffic flow and direction.

The Hebel panels also provided an acoustic performance of Rw41, which far exceeded the specified RMS R271 requirements.

Hebel Soundbarrier performed a pivotal role in bringing the motorway’s character to life. The panels ensured a recognisable identity, provided decorative relief and visual interest for motorists, offered enhanced acoustics and strong environmental credentials.

The new noise walls features three different Soundbarrier designs. The walls used in the bushland areas were different to those used in the urban precincts, to reveal the changing environment to the motorist.

• Basic Walls – horizontal emphasis is created by the joints. The deep charcoal grey colour helps the walls to recede into the background.
• Patterned Walls – feature a random horizontal stripe. The wall is a stunning orange on the motorway side and a grey or charcoal on the other side.
• Staggered Walls – panels staggered around support posts create an interesting and dynamic pattern of light and shade.

Hebel also ensured minimal environmental impact during the upgrade. Almost two-thirds (over 2000m3) of the original Hebel panels were removed and reused throughout the local community to create agricultural sheds and large stables, resulting in a negative carbon footprint.