5 Design-Forward Acoustic Solutions That Actually Look Good
Felt Right, Elizabeth Olwen Collection
Let me tell you: It’s all fun and games under the high, exposed concrete ceilings at the open-concept lofted headquarters of that trendy new startup that just hired you—until you finally sit down at a desk to focus and can't hear yourself think. Acoustics need to be top of mind in today’s offices as the spaces compete with the tranquility and ease of working from home. But why must acoustic products be an eyesore? Well, they no longer need to be!
Thankfully, more recent acoustical solutions are chock-full of offerings that not only calm the noise, but also pack a major visual punch. Here are just a few options for those problematic ceilings, walls, and beyond.
Turf, Fractal
Turf
The Fractal modular cloud from Turf brings the hush, while turning the ceiling into a landscape of peaks and valleys. The dynamic, triangular plains of PET felt come in a variety of layouts, colors, and textures. What’s more, Fractal is LBC Red List Free and has a 1.15 Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating.
Unika Vaev, Pinnacle
Unika Vaev
Talk about calling in the big guns: Unika Vaev’s Pinnacle Modular Wall System was designed in collaboration with Gensler and utilizes Wilsonart Patterns atop its angular, double-sided structure; the result is different designs as one moves through the space. Pretty groovy!
Felt Right, Elizabeth Olwen Collection
Felt Right
She’s a stunner: The Elizabeth Olwen Collection from Felt Right features large-scale acoustic murals that are bright and beautiful while reducing unwanted noise. The custom-cut, semi-rigid felt pieces are also responsibly manufactured with recycled plastic. It's a win-win.
Wolf Gordon, Gather
Wolf Gordon
Wolf Gordon has covered all its bases with Gather. The acoustic solution has so many material options, including precision cutouts or V-groove engravings, available in 16 colors. Think of these 4-by-10-foot semi-rigid panels as your canvas.
Fräsch!, Bloom Foxtail
Fräsch!
Easy on the eyes and ears, Bloom Foxtail from Fräsch! is a super-sophisticated suspended light fixture, best installed in a bouquet style, meaning each at varying heights. Fins of PET are arranged around a disk-shaped LED to lend its cylindrical shape and a .75 NRC rating.
—AnnMarie Martin