How AFS Logicwall Intertenancy Walls are Helping to Maximise Space in Terraced Housing

Morrison Architects use AFS Logicwall for medium density projects, valuing the design flexibility and strong acoustic and fire performance.

AFS NZ are proud to offer AFS Logicwall Intertenancy Walls — a load-bearing, acoustic, and fire-rated walling solution for multi-residential projects. The simplicity, ease of compliance and speed of install of AFS Logicwall has made it a popular intertenancy wall choice for a range of multi-residential projects — from apartments for one of NZ’s leading retirement home providers, and inner-city apartment blocks, to terraced homes where the system can help reduce the need for steel portals. 

The team at Morrison Architects are currently using AFS Logicwall for a terraced housing project, having worked with the system in the past. We spoke with them about the process, and the benefits Logicwall can bring to medium density projects.

A slim intertenancy wall solution – helping to maxmise space

Featuring a steel stud frame sandwiched between CSR Cemintel fibre cement sheets, AFS Logicwall can be specified with a total wall thickness depending on project requirements.

• Logicwall 162mm
• Logicwall 200mm
• Logicwall 262mm

 This gives architects smart and compliant options for maximising interior space. 

“AFS Logicwall offers one of, if not the thinnest fire rated wall available to achieve 30/30/30 minimum fire ratings for town housing projects,” says Marko Petreski, Morrison Architects.

“The thinness of the walls allows for greater design freedom, and more spacious houses without compromising acoustics, fire rating, or buildability.”

Excellent fire and acoustic performance

Achieving fire and acoustic control is critical in intertenancy design. AFS Logicwall Intertenancy Walls achieve a fire rating of at least 240/240/180, and depending on wall thickness specified, achieve acoustic performance of STC55 to STC62.

“The acoustic ratings can also be increased beyond minimum requirements quite easily by adding strapping on one side or both sides of an intertenancy wall, which can be used to run services,” says Marko.

Straightforward specification and detailing

The simplicity of the Logicwall system helps to streamline the specification process.

“The detailing is more straightforward as there are fewer components than with a timber framed fire-rated wall, for example, where there are many layers and systems to choose from,” says Marko.

“The AFS team has been very helpful with providing initial quotes for the project, as well as reviewing detailing, and answering queries about logistics and planning. This all helps to have better documentation which helps to ensure a better final outcome for the project.” 

Speed and ease of construction

The AFS Logicwall Intertenancy Wall System brings greater efficiency to multi-unit builds.

The lightweight prefabricated formwork is hand-installed quickly and easily by the AFS team, and then core-filled with a green star rated concrete mix.

And as the system meets fire and acoustic requirements on its own — without strapping and lining — it can speed up builds and reduce the number of trades on site. 

“The feedback from previous project managers/builders using AFS Logicwall is that even though it was their first time using it, it worked out more efficiently than they had anticipated and the smoothness of the fibre cement panel was satisfactory unlike their fear of any warping or undulation with other construction methods,” says Marko.

“Plasterboard linings are also not an issue as the panel already has a fibre cement 6mm sheeting which can be painted straight on, saving on labour costs.” 

Ultimately, AFS Logicwall is a smart solution for maximising space in intertenancy housing, without compromising on performance.

“I would recommend AFS as we are very satisfied with their product from the design stage planning, to detailed design, building consent compliance through to construction.”

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