KUNSTKNEIPE SCHMETTERLING

About the Project
Kunstkneipe Schmetterling is located on Ohlauer Straße in Berlin-Kreuzberg and combines a bar, music and art. The venue has been described as a meeting place for Berlin’s art and literary scene and is part of the lively bar and cultural scene around Paul-Lincke-Ufer.

Initial Situation
From May 2024 onwards, there were noise complaints from a new neighbor who had moved into the first floor directly above the venue. The team initially tried to make the venue quieter on its own: sound barriers and sound-absorbing materials were used, the sound system was adjusted and the frequencies were retuned. Opening hours and guest capacity were also reduced. Despite these measures, further complaints were received and the police closed the venue several times.
A permanent solution was not possible with these restrictions. A comprehensive structural soundproofing of the rooms was therefore carried out.

Measures

1. New Soundproof Ceiling
The existing ceiling was completely removed and replaced with an insulated and decoupled construction. Special acoustic ceiling hangers, sound-insulating materials and two layers of soundproof plasterboard were used.

2. New Insulated Walls
Additional insulated walls were built in front of the existing masonry walls. This effectively created a new acoustic space within the existing rooms.

3. Adjustments to the Windows and Fire Safety
During the construction work, additional measures were necessary around the shutters at the front windows to ensure that the new construction complied with fire safety requirements.

Result
The measures have had a clear effect. There have been no further complaints since the renovation. The acoustics inside the venue have also noticeably improved: reverberation is significantly lower and noise levels increase less over the course of the evening. The environmental authority carried out its own measurements and found that the legal limits were being met, and the proceedings concerning noise nuisance were closed. The police have also not had to intervene because of the venue since the renovation.
The work required the venue to close for one month. It was closed for the construction work in April 2025 and reopened on May 1, 2025.