Discover Germany | Special Theme | Construction, Building & Modernised Living
Michael Wolf.
Insulating buildings using sustainable materials The atmosphere and comfort of living spaces has a great deal to do with how soundproof and well-insulated a house or flat is. The Heilsbronn-based company Wolf Bavaria GmbH is a specialist for sustainable insulations using cardboard and natural wood fibres. It is no coincidence that the company’s logo is made up of two wolves; led by son and father, the company has changed from a regional specialist to a global player. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: WOLF BAVARIA GMBH
“According to the WHO [World Health Organisation], noise is the second-largest source of environmental pollution and this is why sound insulation is one of the most important factors in private homes, hospitals and hotels,” says Michael Wolf, who owns Wolf Bavaria GmbH together with his father. “Many people think that, as the offspring, I have taken over the company from my father, but actually it is the other way around.” It was a joint cooperation father and son started in 2004.“I have established the operative business until 2010, when my father joined the company’s management where he works until today,” 74 | Issue 50 | May 2017
Wolf tells about the company’s unique history. “In general, one can say we changed from managing a farm to becoming an international manufacturer for sustainable building materials with eight production sites worldwide.” Reducing noise – reducing stress Noise – or the protection against it – is an important health factor: “Our sense of hearing never lies dormant,” explains Michael Wolf.“We hear every single sound even when we are asleep and this can make us ill.” A heart attack is one of the most severe consequences.
“People should pay attention if and how clearly they, for example, hear the toilet flush or the radio and television through their walls. If sounds from the neighbours can be heard clearly it becomes apparent that the sound insulation is not sufficient,” explains Michael Wolf. Wolf Bavaria products tackle this problem: “Our product PhoneStar was developed especially for sound insolation in buildings and can be used for floor, ceiling and walls.” The PhoneStar panels for interior use are made from natural materials like sand and wood and a 15-millimetre-thick panel will gain up to 36 decibels airborne sound insulation. It is very easy to use and a perfect fit for existing buildings and constructions. It is also compatible with the PowerFloor underfloor heating system, a very slim, efficient and ultra-light technology with a height of only 20 to 30 millimetres. The PowerFloor underfloor heating system consists of dry construction elements and exclusive aluminium