The
modular felt ceiling system HeartFelt® from Hunter Douglas Architectural has been
used successfully in a wide variety of projects since its introduction in 2016.
DPG
Media, the Belgium parent holding company of the commercial TV channels VTM and
Q2, also chose HeartFelt® for the new studio of radio channel Joe.
With
its unique sound-absorbing performance, the felt ceiling system meets the
particularly high acoustic requirements for a radio studio. HeartFelt® was installed
in four different rooms over a total surface of 126m².
The ceiling fits in
perfectly with the general look and feel of the new radio studio, which
radiates playfulness and openness.
After 10 years, the
Joe radio studio was due for renewal. Equipped with state-of-the-art
technology, the new studio is ready for future challenges in the field of
digitisation. To enhance the homely and cheerful atmosphere, DPG Media was
looking for a ceiling system that deviates from the typical ceilings for
offices with a rather cool and sterile appearance.
“Previously, a radio
studio was a closed room with acoustic walls in which the DJs did their work in
a dark room. In today’s radio studios, everything revolves around experience
and collaboration," says Stijn Van den Acker, facilities manager DPG Media.
"The interior
of the new Joe studio has been adapted to this with open spaces, lots of light
and lots of glass. The slat effect of the felt panels in shades of grey
reinforces the playful and airy character of our new studio.”
With
an above-average performance in the field of sound absorption, HeartFelt® meets the high
acoustic requirements for a radio studio. An additional asset is the space
between the felt slats that allows air ventilation pipes to be installed
invisibly above the ceiling.
“HeartFelt® seemed the most
suitable solution for Joe’s radio studio,” said Linda De Ridder, sales engineer
at Hunter Douglas Architectural. “This ceiling system combines aesthetic and
functional qualities and differs from the existing linear ceiling systems that
are mostly made of metal - often aluminum.
"The
disadvantage of metal ceilings is that they reflect strong light and sound.
Felt offers an organic solution for this: it ‘breaks’ light in such a way that
a beautiful, natural colour is created.
"At the same
time, felt is naturally a sound-absorbing material. That makes it much easier
to achieve good building acoustics.”
