[cbdumas]

Increasing housing density is a great thing and I'm all for it. That said I wish that cheapo stick framed buildings weren't the only way to get it done.

In my experience, living in a multistory stick framed building usually means absolutely zero sound isolation from neighbors which can lead to some really frustrating situations. It was night and day better when I moved into an apartment building from the 60s with the levels made of concrete.

[c5karl]

I'll respond to your anecdote with an anecdote of my own. I've been in a wood-framed apartment building for two years, and I never hear my neighbors. There are many ways to incorporate sound insulation in construction, and masonry isn't the only way to achieve it.

[Micanthus]

The apartment building I live in was built in 2019 and is solid concrete. I only ever hear my neighbors when they're drilling or something. In my city it's housing built post WWII to about the millenium that's known for shitty sound insulation, although it often has other benefits like higher cielings and charm.

It seems like a weird US thing from what I've seen online that new buildings are still just a frame and drywall. I don't get why though, sure building costs initially are slightly lower but a concrete building will last much longer, it's easier to insulate against weather, and they can charge higher rent for the sound isolation as well

[glxxyz]

Exactly this- modern concrete high rises generally have much better sound isolation than stick framed

[dvdkon]

I have to say drywall + insulation can work really well. In the flat I rent both walls to neighbors and between rooms are like this, and I only ever hear people through the doors or windows.

The rest of the building (outside walls and floors) are from brick, though.