Acoustics, Sound and Vibration

We don’t just fulfill standards and criteria – we make sure to…

... make industrial processes more effective and prolong equipment lifespan, allowing us to contribute to a more sustainable world.

... create work environments that are suitable for their function, where the sound environment is not a complaint but a strength that allows for productivity, exchange of ideas as well as increased focus and well-being.

... create education environments where students can hear and understand the teachers and at the same time feel comfortable in the school environment.

... not focus solely on the goal of making products quieter, but also focus on making them sound right and go beyond client expectations.

... create hospital environments that allow patients to recover quicker, increasing the effectiveness and sustainability of the system.

... help preserve and enhance the sound environment in natural areas such as parks for recovery and recreation, thus enhancing the quality of life.

... create spaces where people can express themselves in different forms and at the same time allow for the masses to experience culture and events.

... protect animals from man-made noise and vibration and make sure the fauna remains unharmed.

... mitigate the negative effects of noise, with which we can help save lives by reducing noise-related adverse health impacts.

... reduce noise disturbances in our homes to create better conditions for good sleep for the improvement of our health and well-being.

... raise awareness, understanding and increase knowledge on the topics of sound, noise and vibration through lectures, white papers, education and participation in workshops.

... tune the world!

Where we come from

Our story begins in the 1950s in Gothenburg, Sweden, where the visionary Swedish engineer and professor Stig Ingemansson founded Ingemanssons Ingenjörsbyrå in 1956. Specializing in acoustic consultancy, the company quickly became a pioneer in noise mitigation solutions.

In 2006, the renowned Swedish engineering, consulting, and design company ÅF acquired Ingemanssons Ingenjörsbyrå. This marked a significant milestone as Stig Ingemansson’s legacy evolved, integrating the expertise of acousticians with consultants in energy, industry, infrastructure, and digital solutions.

The journey took another leap in 2019 when ÅF merged with Pöyry PLC, forming AFRY – a combined powerhouse of engineering and design expertise. To spotlight our dedication to acoustics, noise control, vibration management, and sound design, AFRY launched an endorsed brand: Efterklang – a name that reflects our passion for creating sound environments that inspire and elevate.

In 2025, the Efterklang brand has fulfilled its purpose, and we are proud to return to the AFRY brand. This transition allows us to simplify and harmonize our operations across AFRY, creating even stronger synergies.

Our passion remains unchanged: delivering world-class sound environments, advanced solutions, and expert advisory services in noise and vibration. Together, we continue to shape sustainable and innovative acoustic experiences for the future.

Since our inception in 1956, we have delivered over 80,000 projects worldwide, spanning acoustics, noise control, and sound design. Our expertise has contributed to shaping both national and international standards, and we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in sound, vibration, and design.

Acoustics

At AFRY, acoustics is a discipline grounded in science and engineering. From this foundation, we develop creative solutions in acoustic design, architecture, sound environments, and both human and environmental health.

Acoustics is one of the most important factors in spaces where people live, work, meet, and thrive. Creating a good acoustic environment involves preventing and controlling unnecessary noise and vibration while considering human behavior, physical surroundings, and the overall soundscape.

In close dialogue with our clients, we create acoustic environments tailored to the total space design and the people and activities within. Our aim is to deliver cost-effective sound design and acoustic solutions that enhance functionality—whether improving learning and well-being in schools, boosting focus and collaboration in offices, or creating cultural spaces for expression and experience.

Our work includes acoustics in urban developments, new constructions, and refurbishments. We ensure that acoustic parameters are well thought out and integrated when reusing existing structures for new purposes.

Auditory experiences are enhanced through sound design that complements visual architecture, interior concepts, or brand experiences. We use 3D auralization (audible VR simulations) to support decisions where sound quality matters.

Acoustics in wooden buildings

We have extensive knowledge in designing acoustics for wooden structures. Our experience has given us a deep understanding of both common challenges and effective solutions. Wooden buildings present unique acoustic characteristics due to their lightweight construction and material properties, which can lead to issues such as sound transmission between rooms or impact noise.

Our team provides expert guidance on how to achieve acoustic comfort in timber-based architecture—balancing aesthetics, sustainability, and sound performance. We work with architects and developers to integrate solutions early in the design process, ensuring spaces that promote well-being and meet regulatory standards.

You can learn more about our specialized approach to wooden building acoustics here.

As members of national and international standardization committees, we understand local requirements and global best practices. Our core acoustics team is based in Scandinavia, but our projects span the world.

Noise

Every day we're exposed to the sounds of our surroundings that affect us in positive and negative ways. Unpleasant sounds are often byproducts from traffic, building services installations, construction activities, industries, etc. We define these 'unwanted sounds' as noise.

Since the industrial revolution, noise is increasingly ubiquitous in the public domain, in our workplaces and private homes. In recent years, the World Health Organization has complied and published research on how noise in our environment affects our health, well-being and development from birth. Negative effects from noise include interference with speech communication and performance (in schools, workplaces, etc.), sleep disturbance, annoyance, cardiovascular and physiological effects, mental health effects, and change in behaviors, to name a few.

We conduct noise assessments, advanced noise mapping and measurements from a wide range of sources, for example road and rail traffic noise, industries, outdoor sports facilities, and quarrying. In all cases we design and implement action plans with mitigation measures for clients, municipalities, and authorities who aim to make human centric and healthy environments and products.

With our comprehensive experience in this field, we possess a wealth of knowledge and a broad array of comparative noise data which we can apply on our projects.

AFRY, being one of the pioneers in the area, also offer soundscaping and acoustic design solutions, where we use the positive aspects of sound and acoustics to improve the sound quality of environments.

Sound design

What makes customers choose your product over a competitor’s? One of the most important factors is how the product is experienced - and sound and vibration play a decisive role.

At AFRY we design with sound. Leading product development companies focus on ensuring their brand values are reflected in sound design, creating the right feeling and building a strong, attractive brand identity.

If a button makes a sound when pressed, what type of sound is it – and what does it say about the product and the brand? Is it a sound that differentiates your product from competitors, or does it sound the same? To make your product stand out and build long-term customer relationships, sound quality and vibration characteristics are critical.

These are among the most important unconscious buying criteria when a consumer chooses a product. Leading automotive manufacturers invest heavily to ensure the right sound occurs when, for example, a car door closes and that the soundscape inside the cabin is pleasant. It’s not always the loudest or quietest sound that makes the strongest impression.

Working consciously with sound influences how customers perceive products. To succeed, it’s about setting and meeting the right requirements. You need a reliable partner to ensure your product has the right sound, vibration performance, and durability.

AFRY is Scandinavia’s leading expert in sound and vibration engineering and has successfully supported companies for over 75 years.

Vibration

Vibration is an important consideration in the design of buildings, industrial environments, and workplaces. We are exposed to vibration from walking on lightweight floors, from railways and underground transport, and through the transmission of sound and perceptible vibration from mechanical equipment.

Vibrations can be generated by many different sources and have the potential to cause cosmetic and structural damage to machinery, equipment, and buildings. They can also reduce the production rate or lifespan of machinery and processes. People exposed to vibrations in various work-related situations can be negatively affected.

We provide extensive knowledge in vibration analysis, structural dynamics, and the response of people, buildings, and products exposed to vibration - all to ensure machine safety, regulatory compliance, and improved performance across all sectors.

Tailored monitoring and assessment solutions are often used to advise on mitigation methods. We use state-of-the-art vibration monitoring equipment and advanced methods to find the best solutions for each challenge. To determine the capacity of various components regarding both static and dynamic stiffness, we use hydraulic shakers that comply with ISO 10846-2:1997 requirements.

For vibration monitoring assignments, we use the latest hardware, allowing full cloud-based access to results. With alarm functions, our clients can rest assured that vibration levels are monitored and controlled—around the clock.

Industrial applications and machine vibrations

Industrial applications where engines, gearboxes, pumps, and fans are present generate vibrations and risk causing operational disturbances over time.

At AFRY, we are leaders in the field of machine vibration analysis and control. We work with advanced troubleshooting and continuous monitoring of both noise and vibrations, and as part of our project commitments, we take responsibility for the design of vibration-isolated system components. Our experts ensure, through calculation and measurement, that the availability and reliability of the facility is increased – all to help you create a more efficient, safe, and productive industrial environment.