For developers and contractors building new apartment buildings, particularly those in the higher end of the market, reducing noise pollution is a top priority. In particular, the sound from wastewater pipes can become an annoyance for residents.

One new residential development near Cambridge confronted this issue head-on by making the most of Wavin’s innovative Acoustic Soil Plus (AS+) solution. Darwin Green, on the outskirts of Cambridge, is an exclusive new neighbourhood aimed at young professionals and families.

Part of the development has involved converting an office site, previously used by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), into 68 premium flats. With occupants living busy lives on varying schedules, it was important that tackling unwanted noise was top of the list of priorities for the developers. With that in mind, contractors, Coulson Building Group, were tasked with creating spaces that would ensure optimum levels of comfort for residents. To address potential issues of internal noise pollution emanating from waste systems, Coulson needed to consider several factors which could cause unnecessary disturbances for end users.

Coulson first assessed the airborne sound levels at the site, which are created as water flows through the pipe, and then the structure-borne sound levels, which are created later and reverberate through the pipe support and throughout the entire building. Coulson was able to use Wavin's Soundcheck Tool, which provides guidance on how to comply with the most recent noise regulations by modelling the system acoustics in the final installation, to make the process even simpler.

By filling in the individual parameters of the project, they were able to receive a full report on whether they would be meeting noise regulations. Once all the considerations were considered, Coulson had a full picture of the project’s requirements and made use of Wavin’s new Acoustic Soil Plus (AS+) system to add additional soundproofing and create a truly low-noise solution for the 68 flat-property in Darwin Green.

Building on the success of the original Acoustic Soil drainage system, AS+ has new technology which provides advanced noise reduction capabilities. Currently the market leader for low-noise soil and waste systems, it features a unique material composition that absorbs sound through increased pipe thickness and density. This allows the system to have a structure-borne dB rating of less than 10 and ensured the dwellings at Darwin Green exceed internal acoustic standards laid out in government legislation.

Regarding drainage in large developments with complex build schedules like this one, ease of installation is also important to keep everything on track. Coulson knew that by opting for AS+, they could install the products with minimal fuss, as AS+’s sculpture spigot reduces push-in force, while the patented blue seal ensures straightforward fitting, due to its shape, composition, and integrated lubrication.

Neil King, Technical Sales Manager at Wavin said: “When we were approached by Coulson to help them find a suitable drainage system for this property in Darwin Green, it was clear that AS+ was the perfect solution. When working on a project that converts an old commercial space into a premium residential one, it’s important to opt for a low noise solution which will increase occupant comfort, and AS+ is a true market leader for this.”

David Grundy, Associate Director at Coulson Building Group, said: “We love to see new products and innovation in the industry, and we weren’t disappointed with AS+. Not only does it help us to exceed the required acoustic levels, but we also found it to be simple to install."

Coulson Building Group has been able to offer peaceful and premium residencies for hundreds of current and prospective inhabitants by implementing a low-noise drainage system.

Find out more about how you can prevent noise pollution on your next project using Wavin AS+ here.