GOLDEN GATE

About the project
Golden Gate has been located underneath the railway bridge of the Berlin S-Bahn along Dircksenstraße since 2002. At that time, the club was surrounded mainly by vacant lots. Since 2007, buildings have gradually been built around the club, including residential and hotel buildings.

Initial situation
Originally, there were no conflicts with neighbouring residents. However, a new hotel was planned on the opposite side of the street. This created the potential for conflicts due to sound emissions from the club.

Measures

1. Insulation of the ventilation system
In autumn 2020, work began on various soundproofing measures. The ventilation system on the northern side of the building was insulated to reduce sound emissions.

2. Soundproofing of the windows
For the other openings, a drywall construction filled with insulation material was initially considered. This approach was ultimately abandoned because it would have affected the characteristic atmosphere of the club, particularly the morning sunlight falling onto the dance floor.
Instead, the existing windows on the ground and upper floors were soundproofed, and the window frames were filled with insulating material.

3. Replacement of the emergency exit door
The emergency exit door on the side of the building was replaced with a soundproof door. These measures were completed in spring 2021.

4. Additional improvements
At the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, further improvements were carried out, including additional sealing, insulation and the installation of protective film on the ground-floor windows.

Result
The measures significantly reduced sound emissions from the club. They will also help to reduce potential conflicts with future residential or hotel buildings as development continues around the club.