Air for Railways
Certified acoustic performance for rail environments. Reduce community impact with durable, low-maintenance barriers that install fast and last up to 40 years.
Introduction
Air is a modular acoustic barrier system for rail projects where noise reduction, safety and programme certainty are critical. Built from 99% recycled polymers and tested to BS EN standards, it’s engineered to control trackside noise while keeping installation straightforward and efficient.
Panels slot together for rapid assembly with minimal disruption to rail possessions. The durable surface resists weathering, impact and graffiti, reducing maintenance over the asset life and ensuring consistent long-term performance.
- Trackside boundary noise barriers
- Station approach and depot interfaces
- New line and electrification schemes
- Temporary works during possessions
- Meet acoustic planning and compliance targets
- Minimise disruption during installation
- Reduce long-term maintenance interventions
Why Air for Rail?
Protect nearby communities, meet regulations and keep programmes moving. Air cuts trackside noise, installs quickly during possessions and delivers performance that lasts.
The issue
Noise travelling beyond the tracks
Busy lines and station approaches can disturb homes, schools and public spaces next to the railway.
Why it matters
Happier neighbours, smoother delivery
Managing noise reduces complaints and helps projects progress without costly setbacks.
How Air helps
Fast installs, proven results
Modular panels slot together quickly within possession windows, providing effective noise control with minimal disruption.
Proven results
Independently certified performance
- Certified to BS EN 1793 (absorption & insulation)
- Independent test data and case studies
- Clear installation and technical guides
What you get
Quieter rail, long-term value
Better journeys and happier neighbours, plus durable infrastructure designed for decades of service.
Benefits for rail projects
Rapid installation
Quick slot panels enable fast builds within possessions, reducing disruption and plant requirements.
Certified acoustic performance
Independently tested to BS EN 1793 / 1794 for proven absorption and insulation in rail environments.
Long design life
Weather, chemical and impact resistant surface engineered for a service life of up to 40 years.
Sustainable materials
Recycled PVC housings with mineral wool infill help rail schemes lower whole-life carbon impact.
Modular & adaptable
Configurable heights, returns and curves to suit complex trackside geometry and station approaches.
Community-friendly design
Clean, consistent lines that integrate well along rail corridors and reduce visual impact for neighbours.
10 years vs 40 years: the lifecycle that saves
Timber barriers typically require replacement on a ~10-year cycle. Air has a 40-year design life - reducing replacements, disruption, waste, and cost.
Air: up to 40-year design life
Timber: ~10-year replacement cycle
Air acoustic barrier system
Air is engineered for proven acoustic performance and long-term durability. Each cassette is built with recycled PVC housings and delivers a 40-year design life. The Absorptive variant incorporates a natural mineral-wool core for enhanced sound absorption, while the Reflective variant delivers high airborne insulation through a solid cassette structure. Tested to BS EN 1793-1 and -2, Air achieves DLα = 8 dB (sound absorption) and DLR = 28–29 dB (airborne insulation). The quick-slot cassette system enables rapid installation with minimal plant use, improving on-site safety and efficiency.
Air is designed for resilience and sustainability. The cassettes are weather-resistant, non-corrosive and maintenance-free, performing reliably in demanding environments. At end of life, the mineral wool and PVC can be separated, with the PVC granulated for reuse in new cassettes - closing the loop and reducing waste. Verified to BS EN 1793 / 1794, Air delivers a dependable, low-impact acoustic barrier for highways, rail, utilities and industrial projects.
Superior noise reduction
Recycled PVC housings
40-year design life
Quick-slot cassette system
Weather and corrosion resistant
BSI-verified / UKCA-ready certification
Specification
- Panel system: modular, quick slot cassettes
- Material: 99% recycled PVC housing with mineral wool infill
- Design life: up to 40 years (project dependent)
- Surface: weather & chemical resistant
- Heights: configurable to rail scheme requirements
- Foundations: project-specific
- Returns/curves: supported for trackside geometry
- Standards: BS EN 1793-1 (DLα = 8 dB), 1793-2 (DLR = 28–29 dB)
- Colour: Brown or Green as standard
- Accessories: gates, terminations, safety signage
Technical documents
Designed for circularity
A simple promise: materials stay in use. From the very first extrusion to decades of reliable service, every Air barrier is designed to deliver both acoustic performance and long-term sustainability. The system minimises waste during manufacture, uses up to 99% recycled PVC, and is supported by a circular end-of-life programme that ensures each component is recovered, reprocessed and made ready for its next installation. This commitment to performance and reuse makes Air a defining step forward for noise control infrastructure.
FAQs
Explore the most common questions on Air for rail projects, if you need project-specific guidance, don't hesitate to contact our expert team.
What acoustic ratings can Air achieve?
What’s the difference between absorptive and reflective?
How fast is installation?
What panel heights are available?
What foundations are required?
How durable is the system?
Is it resistant to weather and contaminants?
Can Air be used for temporary works?
What colours are available?
Do you provide design support?
Applications
From major highways and busy rail networks to energy facilities and industrial sites, Air performs wherever noise affects people and places. Each environment presents unique challenges: meeting planning conditions, achieving compliance, advancing sustainability goals, and improving community well-being. With certified acoustic performance, responsibly sourced recycled materials, and a 40-year design life, Air delivers dependable, sector-wide solutions.
Explore the applications below to see how Air helps infrastructure projects combine performance, responsibility, and long-term value.
Insights
Let’s talk about quieter, greener infrastructure.
Every project starts with a conversation. Whether you’re an architect, developer, or contractor, we’ll help you specify a solution that’s certified, sustainable and built to last.