Soundproofing rooftop chillers at Banca Intesa

Project Overview

Banca Intesa is one of the leading banks in Serbia, serving more than 1.7 million clients across 158 branches in 100 cities. The bank’s headquarters are located in the busy centre of Belgrade. However, noise from the rooftop chillers was disrupting the working environment inside the building and affecting nearby residents.

To solve the problem, Banca Intesa partnered with DECIBEL to design and deliver a complete soundproofing system for the chillers. The goal was to reduce noise without affecting the building’s appearance or performance.

Reducing Chiller Noise at a City-Centre Bank

Large air conditioning systems like chillers often produce high levels of noise. When installed on rooftops in urban areas, this noise can affect people inside the building and those living nearby. In this case, the noise was coming from the chillers on top of the bank’s headquarters and was noticeable both inside the offices and in the surrounding area.

The objective was to apply a targeted soundproofing solution to reduce noise levels and restore comfort for employees and neighbours.

Why Soundproofing Matters in the Banking Sector

Maintaining a quiet and professional environment is important in banks, financial institutions, and similar sectors. Noise from HVAC systems like chillers can lower employee focus and reduce the quality of client interactions. A well-executed soundproofing system helps protect productivity, comfort, and customer satisfaction.

Challenge

The rooftop chillers produced constant mechanical noise that disturbed daily operations in the bank. In addition, the noise posed a risk of complaints from nearby residents. The soundproofing system needed to be technically effective, visually discreet, and completed within a short timeframe.

The solution required precise planning, measurements, and coordination across design, production, and installation stages.

Scope of Work

• On-site noise measurements to assess existing sound levels
• Design of a custom soundproofing system for rooftop chillers
• Production and installation of acoustic panels
• Integration of the system into the building’s architecture
• Completion of the entire project within 24 days

Solution

DECIBEL developed a soundproofing solution using specially designed perforated acoustic panels. These panels were engineered to absorb and reduce the noise produced by the rooftop chillers. Sound-absorbing materials were selected based on the frequency and intensity of the noise.

The panels were mounted in a way that allowed air circulation to continue while blocking unwanted sound. The visual design was matched to the architecture of the building to ensure the solution blended in with the headquarters' exterior.

Result

After installation, the noise levels from the chillers were significantly reduced. The office environment became quieter and more comfortable for staff. At the same time, the risk of disturbing nearby residents was eliminated.

The project was completed in just 24 days and achieved its goal of restoring acoustic comfort without affecting the function or design of the building.

Ready to Soundproof Your Commercial Building?

DECIBEL offers expert soundproofing solutions for HVAC systems, machinery, and building equipment. Contact our team to find the right system for your environment.