Hunter Douglas
Architectural has launched an innovative range of wooden ceiling and wall
systems with nano-perforations that provide excellent acoustics without
compromising on the aesthetic quality.
The wood veneer
panels contain countless microscopic perforations, which at 0.5mm diameter are
hardly visible to the naked eye and have superior absorptions qualities.
Chris Wielenga,
Business Manager Wood at Hunter Douglas Architectural, said: “The
nano-perforations in the wood veneer are so tiny that they are invisible to the
naked eye from only a short distance, unlike the usual perforations that have a
larger diameter of around 5-10mm.
“In testing, the
nano-perforated panels were shown to have a sound absorption til αw: 0.95, NRC:
0.90 and SAA: 0.90. Standard perforations generally achieve about αw: 0.75,
NRC: 0.75 and SAA 0.70.”
The nano-perforated
panels have been developed by Hunter Douglas Architectural in response to
growing demands from architects for wall and ceiling solutions that are both
aesthetically pleasing and acoustically effective.
“We are seeing more
interest in perforated panels due to their excellent acoustic properties,”
explained Chris. “Our nano-perforations offer a virtually invisible
alternative, and many architects highly appreciate that.”
The nano-perforated
acoustic panels comprise fire-retardant 16mm MDF, a black acoustic membrane and
a top layer of 0.5mm wood veneer. Microscopic perforations with a diameter of
0.5mm are punched into the top layer, while the MDF receives larger perforations
up to 12mm in diameter.
“The microscopic
perforations mean that the top layer appears non-perforated, while the larger
perforations are concealed behind the veneer in the MDF,” said Chris. “This
allows us to increase the size of the perforations in the MDF, improving the
sound-absorbing capabilities.”
The punching method
differs from commonly employed perforation techniques, too. The usual method is
to create perforations using needles, but the displaced wood tends to move
back, which affects absorption. Punching removes the wood completely.
The new wall and
ceiling panels are available in more than 40 types of wood veneer and they are
available in various standard sizes (600mm x 600mm, 1200mm x 600mm, 1800mm x
600mm, with a maximum length of 2780mm for wall panels) or in custom sizes on
request. A range of finishes, in addition to the standard UV lacquer, includes
various levels of glossiness and a pigmented finish such as whitewash, while
the panel joints can be covered, semi-covered or open.
“That is unheard of
among competitors,” said Chris. “Moreover, we buy our own veneer and then
create large sheets inhouse, allowing us to include the architects’ input in
determining the quality and appearance – the size of the grain and the number
of knots, for example. Most suppliers purchase pre-veneered boards, eliminating
that option.”
The nano-perforated
panels are fire retardant – B-s2, d0 according to EN 13501-1- and sustainable.
High-grade veneer is produced from the best part of the tree trunk and is used
sparingly. The panels can also be recycled, providing raw materials for new panels.
Ceiling panels are
mounted in a T-24 grid, while wall panels are attached to a frame with special
clips. All systems offer full access to the plenum after installation, as the
panels can be individually removed.
The new range of
ceiling and wall systems with nano-perforations is available now.
