DB Silence Innovations

DB Silence Innovations consolidates all noise-protection solutions of DB Bahnbau Gruppe under one strong brand. In addition to the world’s first MetaWindow, the portfolio features several other innovative and pioneering product developments.

Together with strong partners, we are setting new standards for noise protection in rail and road infrastructure. Our ambition: solutions that move beyond the laboratory and prove their value on the tracks, in stations and along the road – technically effective, open in their design possibilities and economically scalable.

New products. Starting in spring 2026.

Innovations in noise protection – Pioneering. Effective. Revolutionary. Our product portfolio will soon be expanded with new, technologically advanced solutions for reducing traffic noise.
More information will be available shortly.

About MetaWindow:

Our MetaWindow is the world's first transparent and highly absorbent noise barrier. Conventional noise barrier systems can be replaced one to one with the MetaWindow panels without compromising on acoustic protection.

Fields of application

Installing them along rail lines brings advantages for both residents and passengers:

in urban locations
in tourist areas
close to residential areas
in spectacular natural landscapes.

Advantages at a glance

Preservation of visual openness
Integration into its surroundings
More light and less shading
Enhancement of noise protection measures, especially for nearby properties/real estate
Improved visibility, especially in urban areas and around railway stations
Reduction of fear zones by avoiding areas with poor visibility
Enhancing acceptance of projects and enabling shorter project realization periods

The key is the implementation of Metadesign. The acoustic efficiency of the system is increased by adjusting the geometry to specific frequency ranges. As a result, the MetaWindow is significantly more effective than previously available transparent noise barriers and therefore meets the legal requirements for widespread use alongside road- and railway-infrastructure.

The MetaWindow was developed by DB Bahnbau Gruppe in collaboration with the Italian start-up Phononic Vibes. The partnership developed from a startup contest with a subsequent funding phase by DB mindbox.

Gallery:

MetaWindow before/after visualisation Ahrensburg

Visualisation MetaWindow on the motorway

MetaWindow in Hamburg on the S4 railway line

MetaWindow noise barrier on the Hamburg railway line at sunset

MetaWindow noise barrier on motorway bridge in Oberhausen

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A selection of our projects along rail and road:

S4 between Hamburg‑Altona and Bad Oldesloe

The route of the suburban rail line S4 will connect Hamburg‑Altona with Bad Oldesloe from 2029 onwards. With the construction of the S4, local public transport will be significantly improved for around 250,000 passengers. Contributing factors include more frequent services and a greater number of trains. On a section close to residential buildings, MetaWindow is also being implemented. The project forms part of the major expansion of the Hamburg rail hub and makes an important contribution to the targeted mobility transition.

More about the S4 project

A3 bridge over the Emmerich/Oberhausen railway line

In this project, the A3 motorway intersects with the Betuweroute – two of Europe’s most important transport corridors. While the Emmerich/Oberhausen railway line, part of the international Betuweroute, is being widened, a complete replacement of the motorway bridge that crosses it is underway. The new bridge structure is being built in two phases. The first structure was completed in just four months in August 2025. The second construction phase will take place this year. For the first time, MetaWindow will also be used along the road.

Press release (German)