Icopal meets with design team to achieve Level 3

The transformation of Walsall’s waterfront into a vibrant canal-side comprises 319 apartments and 22 houses, forming an integral part of the regeneration programme for the Walsall area.

The scheme, which set a target for all units to achieve Level 3 under the Code for Sustainable Homes, utilised Icopal’s range of Monarfloor acoustic systems: Bridgestop, Isolation Strip and Tranquilt to meet the sustainable goals. Icopal offered its support and expertise to both the architect and main contractor throughout the project.  

The regeneration programme, one of the biggest investment projects in the West Midlands, which began in January 2010 with the final phase completed January 2013, sees the addition of new homes, business opportunities and a leisure quarter. Funded by the Homes and Community Agency and local housing associations, the project achieved 3 additional code credits for sound insulation with the use of Icopal’s range of acoustic products.  

Prior to the work commencing, Icopal met with design and build contractors JessupBrothers, to offer advice on how the acoustic properties of the developmentcould be enhanced to achieve Code level 3 for Sustainable Homes. Having proposed the use of its Monarfloor Bridgestop, Isolation Strip and Tranquilt, Icopal worked with the architect to successfully incorporate these productsinto the building designs.  

During the construction stages, Icopal provided support both on and off site for any technical and installation queries, whilst sound surveys were carried out at each stage of the project to ensure the systems contributed to achieving either 3 or 4 credits towards the Code for Sustainable Homes for each unit.

Icopal’s Bridgestop (E-WM-19) provided Jessup Brothers with an easy to install acoustic system that isolates the two skins of cavity party walls and prevents an acoustic bridge typically caused by the collection of mortar at the base of the cavity. The four credit Brigestop has high acoustic damping to absorb more sound energy and reduce structuralflanking, performing approximately 4dB-5dB better than solid walls and 8dB better than standard Robust Detail E-WM-4 walls.

Monarfloor Isolation Strip from Icopal is a reinforced bitumen based product, suitable for studwork, steel and masonry. It isolates walls and partitions from the sub-floor, reducing the structural flanking sound transmission path within the building.   

Icopal’s Monarfloor Tranquilt is a one-part system that reduces impact and flanking transmission within precast and insitu concrete floors, by isolating the sub floor and finished screed.  

“Expertise and solutions for improved sound performace is an area we consider very important, explained Tim Gough at Jessup Brothers. “Icopal supported us throughout the project, offering expert advice when we required. Having worked closely with Icopal for a number of years, their knowledge and range of products are invaluable to attaining the requirements, achieving excellent sound results and helping us create better living environments.”