Starting this year, the "post-completion inter-floor noise verification system," which checks performance just before completion, will be implemented. Because a hard-line measure of "refusal of completion approval" applies when standards are not met, construction corporations are moving quickly to reshape themselves as noise-solution corporations.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the construction industry on the 18th, if the standard level (49 dB for both light and heavy impact noise) is not met in the post-verification procedure that formally measures inter-floor noise after new apartment completion starting in the first half of this year, local governments can compel corrective construction or damages.
Previously, performance was recognized under a "pre-certification system" based on data measured in a laboratory before completion. However, for complexes that applied for project plan approval on Aug. 4, 2022, or later, a "post-verification system" applies in which noise is measured in actual units before move-in.
Given that construction typically takes four to five years, many complexes are expected to begin falling directly under the system's influence starting this year.
An official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) said, "As of Feb. 12, about 30 complexes have received completion approval after undergoing the post-verification test for inter-floor noise," and noted, "There are no complexes where completion has been delayed due to failing to meet the inter-floor noise standard."
As measures that had only recommended inter-floor noise performance standards were strengthened into mandatory enforcement, the atmosphere at construction sites is also changing. If inter-floor noise performance falls short of the standard and is not remedied, apartment "completion approval" may not be granted, causing move-in delays.
An official at a major construction company said, "In the past, we only had to pay attention to the thickness of finishes or flooring to meet inter-floor noise performance," but added, "From now on, if noise blocking is not considered from the frame design stage, projects may be delayed and we will be responsible for compensation, so construction companies are paying special attention to strengthening inter-floor noise performance."
The top 10 construction companies established dedicated labs early on and have focused on demonstration testing. Samsung C&T's construction division built the "Raemian Goyoan Lab" to collect noise data under conditions identical to real apartments and completed its "high-mass floor panel" technology. Hyundai Engineering & Construction also operates the "H Silent Lab" and achieved the industry's first Grade 1 commercialization with the "H Silent Solution," which combines high-density specialized mortar and composite materials.
Daewoo Engineering & Construction and GS Engineering & Construction are focusing on diversifying materials. Daewoo Engineering & Construction introduced a layered film method called "Smart Silent" that dramatically reduces noise even with a standard slab thickness of 210 mm. GS Engineering & Construction plans to expand the application of technology that absorbs impact vibrations in stages with a five-layer floor structure to all presale complexes.
Structural changes to overcome physical limits are also actively underway. DL E&C introduced the "D-Silent Floor," which greatly reinforces floor slab thickness compared with before. It also paired an IT-based "D-Silence Service" that sends alerts to the wall pad when noise exceeds a certain level, presenting a software solution that goes beyond blocking noise to consider residents' living habits.
Lotte Engineering & Construction focused on blocking low-frequency "heavy impact noise" with a new method that applies vibration-isolation metal coil springs. Hyundai Engineering and SK ecoplant are also strengthening their lineups of high-performance cushioning materials through open innovation with partners.
An official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) said, "Since the system was implemented in 2022, construction companies building apartments have been conducting steady research to obtain completion approval," and added, "Major construction companies have established dedicated labs and operated demonstration complexes, completing preparations to respond to the post-completion inter-floor noise verification system."