Acoustic challenges in minimalist spaces

Minimalism has been a popular movement in architecture and interior design for decades. Clean lines, a limited color palette, open floor plans and a strong emphasis on form and light provide a visual sense of peace and space. In a world full of incentives, minimalism offers overview and simplicity. But behind this apparent serenity lies an often underestimated subject: acoustics.

Acoustics is not often the first to be discussed at the design table. However, a space that looks visually perfect can feel extremely uncomfortable once you spend some time in it. The reason? Sound behaves differently than light or material. And in minimalist spaces, sound is often not absorbed, but rather amplified.

The silent enemy of minimalism

Minimalist spaces are usually built with hard, reflective materials: concrete, glass, steel, natural stone. These materials are visually appealing, but acoustically (too) loud: echo and reverb are quickly created. Conversations sound hollow, footsteps resonate, and background noise builds up unnoticed into an annoying noise.

For users of such a space, this often leads to anxiety, fatigue and lower concentration. Ironically, this creates the opposite of what minimalism aims for: unrest.

Acoustics as part of aesthetics

Acoustics contribute to the experience of a space. A visually impressive design can only really come into its own if it is also acoustically balanced.

For architects and interior designers, this means that acoustics must be included in the design process from the start. Not as an annoying element, but as an extension of the design. The challenge lies in finding solutions that do not visually 'pollute' the space, but rather support it.

Invisible or integrated solutions

Fortunately, there are many acoustic solutions today that perfectly match a minimalist design. Think about:

Recycled PET acoustic panels

Panels made of 60% recycled PET are lightweight, durable and environmentally friendly. Perfect for creating continuous wall compositions with a sophisticated look. Available in 36 solid colors and 24 Riftcut woody finishes. Ideal for offices, hospitality, education and public spaces, these panels improve acoustic comfort and contribute to a serene, focused environment.

Mycelium Acoustic Panels

Due to the porous, foam-like structure of mycelium these panels provide excellent sound absorption, particularly in the voice frequency range, making them ideal for workspaces, restaurants, cultural venues and beyond. The mycelium panels by Mogu panels are tested to ISO 354 and combine a soft-touch aesthetic with proven acoustic performance.

• 100% bio-based materials, not manufactured.

• Lightweight, soft to the touch and naturally flame retardant (B-s2-d0).

• Easy to install with modular systems: adhesive, Z-clips, velcro or magnetic.

• Custom color palettes inspired by the hues of forests, seas, and earth.

Acoustic panels by Wood Wol

The acoustic panels are made of sustainable wood wool and 100% bio-based pulp, offer outstanding sound absorption, moisture regulation and fire resistance, while enhancing the aesthetics of interiors. Choose from BAUX from a wide range of customizable colors, patterns, and eco-certified materials to create a soundscape that promotes both design and well-being.

Acoustic cotton tiles

Nature-inspired, fully circular acoustic tiles. Cotton tiles offer a harmonious fusion of durability, sound absorption and sophisticated wall design. Handcrafted in Italy, these modular acoustic tiles are made from cotton linters, a by-product of agriculture, and natural mineral pigments, resulting in a 100% circular product with a beautiful organic texture. Offered in a palette of 24 rich, earthy tones, the cotton tiles celebrate imperfection and individuality, with subtle color variations that highlight their natural origins. Whether used in lounges, offices, retail spaces or residential interiors, they bring warmth, peace and circular thinking to modern environments.

Acoustic panels with a visual

Acoustic panels are available as plain fabric panels, but also with any visual you want. As a result, these panels also enrich your interior visually. These panels are easy to install and therefore offer an accessible solution for noise pollution, without major renovations. The visuals are printed on canvas and are also easily interchangeable. So you can change the look of the room in the blink of an eye. The visuals can also be easily washed, so that they retain their fresh look.

Acoustics increases experience

In several projects that we supervise, it always appears that acoustic optimization not only improves comfort, but also enhances the perception of luxury and quality. A few examples:

• Bee Theatre De Kampanje satisfaction surveys are held regularly. It showed that the acoustics in the foyer left much to be desired. In the foyer, the sound bounces off brick, concrete and glass. This resulted in poor acoustics. Especially for the Campaign, six large chandeliers were designed with acoustic panels that attenuate reflections. In addition, a fifteen-metre-long acoustic panel was installed on the glass wall. The solution not only improves the acoustics in the foyer, but also the appearance.

• In the building of SEP speech intelligibility was poor and reverberation caused a lot of noise pollution. There were complaints about the echo and noise levels all over the building. Because the acoustic problems occurred in multiple rooms with different functions, we used various acoustic materials and solutions such as different types of acoustic wall panels, different types of acoustic ceiling panels.

• For the school management of Erasmus College it was essential to create an acoustically comfortable environment. Of course, school is an excellent place where there is a cacophony of sound. In the school building in Zoetermeer, we installed acoustic wall panels with visuals. In other places, we opted for blank panels to match the atmosphere of the space.

Akoesta: for audible silence and visible beauty

Acoustics deserves a seat at the drawing board. That's why at Akoesta, we like to think along from the design phase. We advise on acoustic materials, finishes and positioning and always keep the design intent in mind. Our experience in working with architectural firms and interior studios means that we can switch quickly and offer solutions that are both technically and aesthetically correct. We help designers find balance. Without sacrificing form, line or use of materials. So that silence sounds as beautiful as the room looks.

Take contact contact us for an informal consultation or read more about our unique approach.

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