Jacksons Fencing’s acoustic barriers specified for new McDonald’s restaurant
James Thorpe
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McDonald’s has over 1,270 restaurants in the UK and employs more than 120,000 staff. With an ambition to add over 300 additional premises over the next decade, one of its most recent ventures was opening a restaurant and ‘digital drive-thru’ in Broadstairs, Kent.
Having worked with McDonald’s and their franchises on several previous projects, it’s no surprise that Jacksons Fencing was approached to provide its unrivalled quality timber acoustic barriers to reduce noise around the new restaurant. McDonald’s is committed to providing a better dining experience, while preserving the atmosphere of the residential housing site that lies the other side of the boundary.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art digital drive-thru, innovative menu boards allow customers to see exactly what they’re ordering and help reduce delays at the collection window. For diners looking to stop and eat on site, a family room and children’s play area offer parents a comfortable space for respite.
People pleasing
The restaurant is situated adjacent to a residential area. As such, a noise impact assessment was an essential part of the development process. Acoustic Associates SW Ltd (AASW), carried out the assessment, which determined that an acoustic barrier of 3m high was required to reduce the impact of noise on nearby residents.
The report considered the impact of multiple factors, including vehicles using the drive-thru lane and car park, weekly deliveries and customers making orders at the order display units. 2.4m high barriers were initially considered but were deemed insufficient for the protection and privacy required.
The Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) explores the issue of sustainable development, a principle which underpins all government policy and should be pursued in an integrated way. It states that noise should not be treated in isolation of other factors, i.e. aesthetics and quality. With this in mind, noise mitigation solutions need to incorporate sustainability, protection and enhancement of the natural environment and efficient use of resources and energy.
The solution
Jacksons Fencing supplied 161m of their 3m high Jakoustic Reflective acoustic barriers to surround the perimeter of the car park and drive-thru. Jakoustic Reflective is ideal for boundaries between commercial and residential properties because its natural timber aesthetic is similar to garden fencing, thus creating a seamless and pleasant visual for the local residents who look out on it.
The barriers work by reflecting sound away from the flat profile and can reduce noise by up to 28dB. They’re made from smooth planed timber tongue and groove boards that are profiled and slot together between unique timber tuning fork posts, helping to minimise air gaps that sound could travel through.
Due to the height of the barriers, the posts were supported by steel spur posts, which were galvanised and powder coated black for increased protection against corrosion.
Safe and sound
The solid design and flat contour mean the barriers increase privacy and security simultaneously. Moreover, the acoustic barriers exemplify the sustainable principles of NPSE. They are kiln dried and pressure treated for long-lasting protection from rot and insect attack and come with a 25-year guarantee as standard.
Peter Jackson, MD Jacksons Fencing, comments: “We were pleased to be involved in this exciting venture. Working on projects where we know our products will improve local residents’ day-to-day lives by reducing noise pollution, help secure the area while upholding strong sustainability credentials and improve the area aesthetically, is hugely rewarding.”
He continues: “We are so confident in our products, that the acoustic fencing specified for this project comes with a 25-year guarantee. We hope this gives the franchise owner peace of mind that this investment is hugely worthwhile and guaranteed to withstand the test of time. Moreover, noise levels will be noticeably reduced in and around the area, keeping the local residents happy for many years to come.”
Find out more about Jacksons Fencing’s acoustic barrier solutions here.