Redesigning a common metal screw led to an unexpected solution for one of the most persistent issues in apartment living.
New Swedish Innovation, the Sound Screw, Reduces Urban Noise Pollution
The Sound Screw, a groundbreaking Swedish invention, promises to significantly reduce noise transmission through walls in urban housing. This innovative hardware solution, developed by researcher Håkan Wernersson from the Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics at the University of Malmö, has caught the attention of construction companies in Japan and South America [1].
In laboratory tests, the Sound Screw, when used with standard drywall and wooden studs, has demonstrated a reduction of nine decibels in sound transmission [4]. This reduction means noticeably quieter interiors, improving residents’ comfort and reducing the impact of external urban noise.
The Sound Screw works by modifying how sound vibrates and transmits through the attachment points of drywall to wooden framing, common paths for noise leakage in buildings. It is a mini acoustic filter embedded in walls, split in the middle and fitted with a spring [2]. The internal spring absorbs and disperses vibrations, reducing the acoustic bridge that allows noise to spread across rooms or floors.
Compared to other soundproofing methods, which often rely on foam panels, dense layered materials, or vibration absorbers that convert sound energy into heat [1][2], the Sound Screw offers a simple construction-focused solution that enhances building acoustics at the structural level. This can complement existing solutions like acoustic panels or floor soundproofing systems by directly addressing noise transfer in building assemblies rather than just absorbing sound inside rooms.
The space-saving design of the Sound Screw could free up valuable space, especially in smaller apartments or urban homes. It does not require bulky insulation layers or added wall partitions, unlike traditional soundproofing methods. In fact, the Sound Screw was installed in a functioning hair salon without disturbing the existing ceiling plaster [5].
Håkan Wernersson stated that one square meter of floor space can be worth thousands of euros, implying the importance of efficient use of space with the Sound Screw [3]. Construction companies in Japan and South America are exploring applications of the Sound Screw in high-density housing developments, demonstrating its potential to make a significant impact in cities where every square meter counts.
In conclusion, the Sound Screw reduces noise pollution in urban housing by enhancing the sound insulation of walls through a hardware innovation, cutting sound transmission by approximately nine decibels based on laboratory results [4]. Its effectiveness in reducing transmitted noise was noted even without a full renovation, making it an attractive solution for both homeowners and construction companies.
The Sound Screw, a Swedish innovation in technology, is an hardware solution that enhances building acoustics at the structural level by reducing noise transmission through walls. Its space-saving design could significantly benefit urban housing by offering a simple solution that improves residents' comfort and reduces the impact of external noise, without requiring bulky insulation layers or added wall partitions.
