Soundproofing
Paris

Noise: the invisible enemy of Parisian comfort

Paris is one of the densest capitals in Europe. The proximity of neighbours, the intensity of traffic and the permanent animation of the city create a sound environment that infiltrates even the most prestigious apartments. Haussmannian buildings, despite their architectural nobility, often exhibit poor acoustic performance: wooden floors transmitting impact noise, thin partition walls allowing conversations through, old windows permeable to urban noise.

Wild Renovation has developed specific expertise in apartment soundproofing in Paris, combining the most advanced acoustic techniques with uncompromising aesthetic standards. Each project is preceded by a comprehensive acoustic diagnosis to identify noise sources, measure existing levels and design a bespoke treatment strategy.

The mass-spring-mass principle

Soundproofing rests on a fundamental principle: the mass-spring-mass system. Two rigid, heavy panels (the masses) are separated by a soft, absorbent material (the spring). This system prevents sound-wave transmission by forcing them through three media with radically different physical properties. The more complete the decoupling between the two masses, the better the insulation.

Wild Renovation applies this principle to every surface of the apartment — floor, walls, ceiling — adapting materials and thicknesses to the specific constraints of each situation. The goal is to create a continuous acoustic envelope without sound bridges that effectively isolates the living space from its sound environment.

Insulation techniques by surface

Floating floor and acoustic screed

Floor treatment is often the priority in a Parisian apartment. Impact noise — footsteps, dropped objects, heels — propagates directly through the floor structure to the level below. The solution is to create a floating floor completely decoupled from the existing slab.

Our process includes removal of the existing floor covering, installation of a resilient underlayer in cross-linked polyethylene foam or high-density cork, pouring of a reinforced floating screed 5 to 7 cm thick and laying of the final floor covering. Perimeter upstands are treated with resilient strips to ensure complete decoupling. This system delivers an acoustic gain of 18 to 22 dB for impact noise and significantly improves airborne-noise insulation.

Decoupled walls

Party walls and separating partitions are the main transmission paths for airborne noise — voices, music, television. Acoustic lining involves creating a counter-wall on a metal frame decoupled from the existing wall, filled with high-density mineral wool and faced with one or two layers of high-density plasterboard.

• Single lining — 48 mm metal frame + 45 mm mineral wool + BA13 board: gain of 12 to 15 dB
• Reinforced lining — 70 mm frame + 60 mm mineral wool + double BA13 board: gain of 16 to 20 dB
• High-performance lining — Double decoupled frame + 80 mm mineral wool + high-density boards: gain exceeding 20 dB

The metal frame is mounted on resilient channels or anti-vibration mounts that prevent vibration transmission between the counter-wall and the existing wall. No rigid contact must remain or it creates a sound bridge that nullifies the entire treatment.

Decoupled false ceiling

Ceiling treatment is essential when noise comes from the floor above. An acoustic false ceiling comprises a metal frame suspended by anti-vibration hangers, high-density mineral wool infill and a high-density plasterboard facing. Hanger decoupling is the key element: it interrupts the vibration path between the slab and the false ceiling.

This treatment requires a depth of 8 to 15 cm depending on the performance level sought. In Haussmannian apartments with generous ceiling heights — often exceeding 3 metres — this space loss is perfectly acceptable and does not alter the room proportions.

Acoustic materials: performance and quality

Soundproofing quality depends directly on material choice. Wild Renovation selects proven, certified materials suited to the specific demands of each project.

• High-density rock wool — Excellent acoustic absorption, non-combustible, stable over time. Optimal density of 40 to 70 kg/m3 for acoustic applications
• Acoustic glass wool — Acoustic performance equivalent to rock wool, lighter and more flexible. Ideal for wall linings
• Cross-linked polyethylene foam — Resilient underlayer for floating floors, dimensionally stable under load, moisture-resistant
• High-density cork — Natural material offering excellent resilience and exceptional durability. Preferred for eco-responsible projects
• High-density plasterboard — Higher surface mass than standard boards, improving the acoustic attenuation index Rw

Measurement and performance: the scientific approach

Wild Renovation adopts a scientific approach to soundproofing. Before works begin, an acoustic technician takes in-situ measurements using a Class 1 sound-level meter to establish a precise diagnosis: ambient noise levels, reverberation times, insulation indices of existing surfaces. This data enables precise sizing of the acoustic treatment.

After works, a control measurement campaign verifies that contractual performance levels have been achieved. Results are recorded in a detailed acoustic report provided to the owner. This approach guarantees a measurable, objective result beyond subjective impression alone.

Integration with the overall renovation

Soundproofing integrates naturally into a comprehensive renovation project. It must be planned upstream, from the design phase, to optimise synergies with other trades. The floating floor accepts parquet, polished concrete or tiles indifferently. Acoustic wall linings receive all wall finishes — paint, plaster, wallpaper. The false ceiling integrates architectural lighting and home automation.

Wild Renovation coordinates all trades to ensure soundproofing creates no aesthetic or functional constraint. Silence is achieved without visible sacrifice — that is precisely the hallmark of superior-quality soundproofing.