While long-time users of Masons products, CETA Homes hadn’t yet tried the Enviro AAC Intertenancy Wall System. The ideal opportunity came with a two-storey, 13-unit townhouse development in Pukekohe – and for CETA Project Manager David Hall, the results couldn’t have been better.
‘The plans originally specified another product,’ says David, ‘but our Masons rep Jacqueline Goldsbury had talked to us about Enviro AAC, which uses a different type of bracket system. As a company, we were keen to give it a go.’
Smooth install
Built around Masons’ 50mm AAC panel, Enviro is a complete intertenancy wall system that can be installed continuously up to three storeys. It exceeds NZBC requirements for both fire rating and sound transmission – and, as the CETA team discovered, it’s also quick and straightforward to install.
‘With the Enviro system, you put a channel on the ground, slide the first liner sheet in, then bracket it to the wall and start applying the adhesive. Getting that straight line at the start sets you up well, whereas other products can be harder to set out.
‘Joints are sealed with mortar, and because there are four brackets per panel, they hold things rigid until the mortar goes off. Our builders used a tiler’s piping bag for the mortar, then trowelled off any lumps for a clean finish.’
Delivery and compliance made easy
The installation process wasn’t the only benefit. David appreciated how easily he could manage delivery through his merchant.
‘As Project Manager, I had better control over the delivery schedule, and the lead times were great – I could get it on site exactly when I needed it.’
Fire compliance was also simplified. ‘This was a simple two-storey box form, and the Masons panel gave us all the fire rating we needed. We added mineral wool in the roof and cladding cavity, and that was it. There was no need to line for noise either because the acoustic rating was already taken care of.’
Quieter homes, greater peace of mind
Intertenancy wall performance is as much about sound as it is about fire – and with Enviro achieving an estimated STC of 64 in sound reduction, acoustic protection is built in. The higher the STC (sound transmission class), the less sound transfers from one dwelling to another.
‘The end result is a quieter home. You’re protected from your neighbours and you get that peace of mind that you’re safe and separated. I’ve been inside a unit with people working next door and couldn’t hear them talking at all – which is great.’
Talk to our helpful team
For more information about the Enviro AAC Intertenancy Wall System, and video including installation instruction, visit mpb.co.nz or call 0800 522 533 to speak to one of our team.
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PROJECT CREDITS
Product: Enviro AAC Intertenancy Wall System
Builder: CETA Homes
Writer: Folio
