Projects / 8/27/2025

Acoustic wellness

A new mixed-use building adopted Mapei solutions to guarantee acoustic comfort in all areas

Palazzo De Fazio is a multifunctional building in Bari that combines residential, commercial, and office spaces, with a strong focus on sound insulation. The collaboration between De Fazio Costruzioni and Mapei led to advanced technical solutions such as Mapesilent Roll. The system ensures high acoustic performance and living comfort. Every phase was meticulously planned to guarantee acoustic continuity and long-term durability.

A new mixed-use development in Bari (southern Italy) brings together commercial and residential spaces in a forward-looking architectural project. Carried out in close collaboration between De Fazio Costruzioni and Mapei, the project stands out for its focus on indoor comfort and acoustic insulation. Along with apartments and retail units, the building also includes modern offices designed with functional layouts and a strong focus on workplace comfort.

Right from the design stage, Mapei worked with the contractor to identify the best technical solution in full compliance with the passive acoustic requirements established by Italian current regulations. Based on predictive acoustic calculations, Mapei proposed a solution consisting of Mapesilent Roll elasto-plastomeric soundproofing membrane, Mapesilent Band R self-adhesive soundproofing band and Mapesilent Tape for sealing joints and sheet overlaps. Mapei also supplied the ceramic tile installation systems used in the offices, corridors, apartments and bathrooms. This solution fully met the contractor’s expectations in terms of living comfort.

Palazzo De Fazio in Bari (Italy) offers functional, modern spaces that stand out for their attention to comfort and acoustic insulation. The acoustic comfort was ensured by using Mapei solutions.

Every detail matters

Following installation of the lightweight screeds, the Mapesilent Roll soundproofing membrane was laid over a surface area of 2,200 m² across all the floor slabs. Consisting of an elasto-plastomeric membrane sandwiched together with a polyester fibre layer and supplied in rolls, Mapesilent Roll is specifically designed to provide rapid and effective soundproofing, reducing the noise transmitted by footsteps. It delivers excellent soundproofing performance together with high tear strength and impact resistance, avoiding the risk of damage during site work. The system guarantees long-term performance thanks to its outstanding compressibility, certified to EN 1606 and EN 12431 standards. With its high recycled content, Mapesilent Roll contributes to obtain credits for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)certification for sustainable buildings.

In Palazzo De Fazio Mapesilent Roll sheets were laid out fibre side down, with overlapping joints to ensure continuity of the fibre layer.

In offices, apartments, corridors and bathrooms, ceramic tiles were laid on floors using Keraflex Extra S1 Zero* adhesive after soundproofing the substrates with Mapesilent Roll.

Mapesilent Band R was applied along the perimeter walls and Mapesilent Tape was used to seal the overlaps.

Keraflex Extra S1 Zero* cementitious adhesive was then used to install ceramic tiles on the floors of the offices, apartments, corridors and bathrooms. The tile joints were grouted with Keracolor FF for the indoor areas and Keracolor GG on the balconies. The expansion joints were sealed with Mapesil AC mould-resistant silicone sealant.

In the entrance hall, the Mapeguard UM 35 waterproof, uncoupling and anti-fracture membrane was used to ensure the safe and lasting installation of thin, large-format ceramic tiles. This was followed by the tile installation, grouting and sealing operations.

Throughout the project, Mapei provided on-site technical support, assisting De Fazio Costruzioni with the installation of the acoustic insulation system and subsequent inspections. Special care was taken at entrance thresholds, water system manifolds and kitchen island service connections to ensure complete acoustic continuity.

With its contemporary design, the building integrates perfectly into its urban surroundings, achieving a perfect balance between functionality, sustainability and quality of life for its occupants.

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.

Project information

Palazzo De Fazio, Bari (Italy)

Period of construction: 2022-2023

Period of the intervention: 2023-2024

Owner: De Fazio Costruzioni Srl

Design: Dario Morelli, Isabella Stama

Works director: Andrea De Pascale

Contractor: De Fazio Costruzioni Srl

Mapei distributor: Eredi De Giglio Teresa SAS

Mapei coordinators: Alessandro Coscia, Antonino Munafò, Angelo Coco, Sebastiano Panebianco, Mapei

The joints of the interior ceramic floors were grouted with Keracolor FF.

^{*CO₂ emissions measured throughout the life cycle of products from the Zero line in 2025 using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, verified and certified with EPDs, have been offset through the acquisition of certified carbon credits in support of forestry protection projects. A commitment to the planet, to people and to biodiversity. For more details on how emissions are calculated and on climate mitigation projects financed through certified carbon credits, click here.}