Interviews / 8/29/2025

Guaranteed acoustic performance

In connection with the Palazzo De Fazio project, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alessandro Coscia, Ceramic line specialist and technical services, Mapei.

Interviewee

Alessandro Coscia

Ceramic line specialist and technical services, Mapei

This interview with Alessandro Coscia, Ceramic Line Specialist and Technical Services at Mapei, explores the acoustic challenges faced in the Palazzo De Fazio project and how Mapei’s Mapesilent Roll system provided an advanced solution. By exceeding regulatory requirements and preventing acoustic bridges in precast slabs, the system delivered outstanding airborne and impact sound insulation. On-site acoustic tests confirmed excellent performance, validating design simulations and achieving Class II certification under UNI 11367, to the full satisfaction of all stakeholders.

In the Palazzo De Fazio project, what challenges and requirements led to the choice of Mapei’s acoustic insulation system?

Engineer Nicola De Fazio, owner of De Fazio Costruzioni, was looking for highly soundproofing solutions that would exceed the minimum requirements of current regulations and achieve the highest classes according to UNI 11367 standard. In collaboration with the Mapei technical services team, Mapesilent Roll was chosen for both airborne and impact sound insulation. Special attention was taken to eliminate acoustic bridges in “predalles” precast concrete slabs with expanded polystyrene inserts. Mapei provided constant on-site support throughout the project, confirming its technical and commercial reliability.

Were acoustic tests carried out before and after the work? What were the results?

Yes, on-site sound level measurements were made before and after the work, with the support of the acoustics specialist Tiziano Bibbò, to assess the actual performance of the Mapesilent system supplied by Mapei. The results confirmed an impact sound level index of L’n,w (CI) = 55 (-2) dB, demonstrating excellent acoustic performance across the entire frequency range.

The acoustic testing results not only qualified the building as Class II under UNI 11367, they also confirmed the design-phase predictions generated using Mapei’s free Data Mapesilent software, to the full satisfaction of both the architect and the contractor.