Interviews / 8/7/2025

Acoustic insulation as a design value

Acoustic insulation is an increasingly demanded requirement in the construction industry. Mapei turns it into added value for designers and high-quality environments.

Interviewee

Antonino Munafò

Acoustic insulation line specialist, Mapei

Acoustic comfort is an increasingly central design value, governed by several national regulations. Antonino Munafò highlights how acoustic quality in buildings—especially offices—is an achievable goal thanks to advanced technical solutions. Mapei supports designers from material selection to installation, offering consultancy, training, and digital tools. A comprehensive support system that delivers performance beyond minimum standards.

The concept of acoustic comfort is still relatively new. Are there any standards that govern acoustic comfort in buildings, particularly offices?

In Europe, Directive 2002/49/EC provides guidelines for managing environmental noise across all building types, including offices. In addition, several countries have national regulations aimed at ensuring acoustic comfort within buildings. For example, in Italy, noise pollution is regulated by Framework Law No. 447/1995, along with its implementing decree, the DPCM of 5 December 1997. In Switzerland, the SIA 181:2000 standard governs building protection against noise. In Portugal, Decree-Law No. 96/2008 establishes minimum sound insulation requirements for new and renovated buildings.

The Mapesilent Roll soundproofing membrane was applied to a surface area of 2,200 m² on all the floor slabs in Palazzo De Fazio in Bari.

Mapei offers certified acoustic insulation products for floor slabs and floor coverings. How does the company support architects?

With its extensive experience in the construction industry and wide product range, Mapei is able to provide comprehensive support to architects and designers. This starts with finding the most suitable technical solution for the project and continues with on-site assistance during key phases of installation, including help resolving operational issues.

Mapei also offers ongoing specialised training, free calculation software and a suite of tools available through the Mapei Pro portal, including cost analyses and technical specifications for all Mapei products and systems.

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