The AFD SilentStep® System is a pioneering residential acoustic hollow floor solution engineered to minimise both airborne and impact sound transmission while maintaining the feel and stability of a solid floor. Designed with modern construction challenges in mind, SilentStep® provides a reliable, non-combustible alternative to traditional timber or screed-based systems.

Its innovative design enables rapid installation, exceptional acoustic performance, and a low embodied carbon footprint. With void capabilities ranging from 19.5 mm to 1400 mm, SilentStep® offers flexibility for a wide range of residential schemes — from apartments to high-rise developments — while meeting the most stringent fire and acoustic standards.

Key Features & Benefits

First Non-Combustible Residential Acoustic Floor System

Completely free from timber and combustible components, SilentStep® ensures maximum fire safety compliance for residential projects.

Acoustic Excellence

Engineered to achieve and exceed UK Building Regulation requirements for both airborne and impact sound insulation.

Quick Installation

Faster and cleaner to install than traditional cradle-and-batten systems. No drying times compared to wet screed solutions, enabling shorter construction programmes.

Stable, Solid Feel

Delivers a solid-like walking surface with no squeaking or movement, even over uneven subfloors or large voids.

Precision and Flexibility

Provides a perfectly level, mess-free hollow floor with the ability to accommodate voids from 19.5 mm up to 1400 mm.

Direct Finish Application

Final floor finishes can be applied directly to the system, with no need for de-coupling layers.

Fire Safety

Non-combustible construction provides outstanding fire resistance, ensuring compliance with residential fire safety standards.

Sustainable Design

Certified with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Manufactured using highly recycled materials with a low embodied carbon footprint, SilentStep® supports sustainability targets for residential developments.

Applications

SilentStep® is designed specifically for residential projects where both acoustic control and non-combustible construction are critical. Typical applications include:

Multi-residential developments (apartments, flats, student accommodation).
High-rise residential buildings requiring compliance with enhanced fire safety standards.
Conversions and refurbishments where uneven subfloors must be overcome.
Sustainable housing schemes prioritising low embodied carbon materials

Technical Advantages

Void range: 19.5 mm – 1400 mm.
Rapid installation reduces programme time.
Precision levelling ensures consistent finished floor heights.
Eliminates issues associated with timber (movement, squeaking, combustibility).
High durability with long service life.

Compliance & Certification

Exceeds UK Building Regulations for airborne and impact sound transmission.
Fully non-combustible, aligned with current fire safety legislation for residential construction.
Independently verified EPD-certified, demonstrating reduced embodied carbon.

Sustainability

SilentStep® has been developed with sustainability at its core:

Manufactured using high recycled content.
Lower embodied carbon compared to conventional systems such as wet screed or timber-based floors.
Certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
Contributes towards credits in sustainability assessment schemes such as BREEAM and LEED.

Summary

SilentStep® represents the next generation of residential acoustic flooring — a non-combustible, high-performing, low-carbon system that delivers safety, speed, and sustainability without compromise. By combining technical performance with design flexibility, it gives architects, designers, and contractors a robust specification choice for modern housing projects.

Knauf GifaFloor FHB EPD 2023