Streamlining Construction on a Multi-Residential Development with AFS

Located in Papatoetoe, Auckland, Peverill Crescent is a three-storey, multi-residential development featuring 3 apartments and 6 townhouses. For the intertenancy walls, it was crucial to meet structural, acoustic and fire requirements, while also maximising build efficiency. AFS Logicwall provided a smart, cost-effective and versatile solution, that was not only specified for intertenancy walls, but also for foundation walls and external walls, making it the primary structural system on the project.

“It’s a three level building, so we were looking for a system which has higher fire and acoustic ratings, and that would be compatible with lifts and structural steel” explains Paul Saini, Developer, BGM Homes.

“AFS Logicwall met that criteria. It has a high fire rating of 240, plus the acoustic rating we needed. It could also provide structural performance for load bearing walls. There was nothing else comparable.”

The 162mm Logicwall profile was specified for intertenancy walls. One of the thinnest intertenancy wall systems on the market, it provides an acoustic rating of 55 STC, a 240 minute fire rating, and structural load-bearing performance in a single wall system. One of the biggest advantages of Logicwall, is that there is no need to strap or line the walls, as it comes complete with a fibre cement wall surface. This provided a big benefit for this development as they were able to save on labour time and costs while providing larger, more flexible living spaces.

On this project, the developers took advantage of the versatility of Logicwall, specifying the system across the entire building, including for retaining/foundation walls on the sloping site, and exterior walls, as well as the intertenancy walls. The ability to specify a range of wall solutions from a single supplier contributed to greater overall efficiency.

The speed and ease of installation was another benefit of the Logicwall system. AFS offers a full installation service, or the option for the project builder to complete the installation. For this development, main contractor BGM Homes completed installation, with AFS providing on-site training.

“AFS have been really supportive,” says Paul.

“We had never used the system before, so they provided the team with full on-site training. They spent the first three weeks on site with us, training the team on installation from delivery to install. All ground floor walls were done by them, so our team could then work through level one and two. They also did weekly visits to check on our progress.”

The modular design of Logicwall helped to speed up installation.

“It’s an excellent product — definitely faster than using block,” says Paul.

“I’d highly recommend it for projects that are three levels or above. Once you’ve poured the concrete, you’re ready to go for the midfloor, with no requirement for other structure or load bearing elements.”

Ultimately working with the AFS Logicwall system has resulted in faster, more streamlined construction, helping to keep the project on track while delivering high performance wall systems for intertenancy walls, exterior walls and retaining walls.

“Working with AFS has been a good experience and we are already using them for a few other projects on the drawing board,“ says Paul. “Their system allows you to have multiple solutions, and achieves a good result.”