Day care center Merksem (realization 2012)

Acoustic absorption with rattan

Nowadays, for schools and kindergartens there are strict regulations regarding the acoustic wellbeing of the users. The architects therefore often face a major challenge providing the necessary acoustic absorption and integrating this into their design in an aesthetic way.

For a new day care center in Merksem, we worked together with the architects of 51N4E and the acoustic consultant to come up with a concept that used sleek, natural materials to meet the stringent acoustic requirements.

By stretching open-weave rattan tightly across a wooden frame, we created a wall covering in removable panels.

The open webbing is fully acoustically transparent, allowing the underlying optimal absorption to do its work.

At the bottom of the framework was a steel bar so that the children could hang drawings on the wall with magnets.