10-meter-high INFRA Skywall noise barrier with Hammerglass at Masthuggskajen, Gothenburg

10-meter-high Skywall in Gothenburg

The city of Gothenburg is growing and becoming denser—bringing increased demands for smart solutions that support a sustainable and pleasant urban environment. At Masthuggskajen, three newly developed transparent noise barriers have been installed to protect residents and businesses from traffic noise along the E45, one of the city’s busiest routes.

The E45 runs through central Gothenburg and passes Masthuggskajen before entering the Göta tunnel. The area is undergoing extensive urban development, including both offices and residential buildings. To enable this development despite high noise levels, the City of Gothenburg has commissioned the construction of three 10-meter-high transparent noise barriers along the road. The barriers are strategically positioned closest to the E45 and connect to surrounding buildings.

The client is the Exploitation Department of the City of Gothenburg. Design engineering was carried out by SWECO, while PEAB is responsible as the main contractor. The base structure was developed by SWECO, while HMG INFRA handled fastening solutions, production, and installation.

Sustainable design with technical innovation and long service life in a demanding environment

The noise barriers are made from 12 mm specially coated polycarbonate, a material chosen over traditional laminated glass. This choice is based on both safety and lifecycle considerations, as the material eliminates the risk of glass shattering and enables a more flexible manufacturing process. Each panel has been individually measured and produced for a precise fit. Beneath a protective surface layer are screen-printed patterns inspired by water—wave movements as well as motifs such as a swan, sailboat, and canoe—giving the barriers an aesthetic expression that harmonizes with the nearby Göta river.

The structure is supported by robust truss columns anchored into the ground, providing both stability and flexibility in an exposed environment. The barriers are designed to move in strong winds, which is essential given their exposed location along the quay. Another technical challenge has been managing future ground movements. The concrete blocks anchoring the barriers may settle over time in the soft ground. This has been addressed by integrating sliding rails that absorb movement, while rubber bellows ensure a tight seal against adjacent buildings.

To withstand the salty environment near the water, all steel structures are both hot-dip galvanized and wet-painted. The polycarbonate panels are also equipped with a UV-protective coating, giving the structure an estimated service life of over 50 years.

Skywall noise barrier

Learn more about Noise Barriers

Masthuggskajen iNFRA SKYWALL

A total of three transparent noise barriers, each 10 meters high
Specially developed polycarbonate, instead of glass
Design connected to the site – with motifs inspired by water

What may not be immediately visible is the most interesting part...

The structure withstands strong winds and storm gusts along the quay
Solutions for future ground movements are built into the construction
Service life of over 50 years in a harsh, wind-exposed, coastal, and salt-rich environment

2025-2026

HMG iNFRA

System

iNFRA SKYWALL

12 mm Hammerglass

Screen printing

Scope

3 barriers

Height 10 meters

Construction

SWECO

HMG iNFRA

Installation

HMG iNFRA

10-meter-high INFRA Skywall noise barrier with Hammerglass at Masthuggskajen, Gothenburg

iNFRA PROJECTS

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