ACOUSTIC SOUND PANELS for SMARTISH

Research | Industrial Design | CMF | DFM | Product Development

Overview

Designed for home studios, creative workspaces, and modern offices, this modular acoustic panel system helps reduce echo while improving the overall sound quality of interior environments. Made from cork, the design combines acoustic functionality with a sculptural visual element.

The form was intentionally developed around a simple repeating geometry that can be arranged into larger wall compositions. While minimal in silhouette, each module incorporates a variety of faceted angles that help diffuse sound waves and create subtle shifts in light and shadow across the surface.

To support different interior aesthetics, the panels are available in both natural raw cork and a walnut wood-transfer finish. The raw cork option highlights the material’s organic texture and sustainable character, while the walnut finish introduces a richer, warmer tone that complements residential and professional environments alike.

Material Propetries: Cork

Cork was selected for its unique combination of acoustic performance, sustainability, and natural warmth. Its cellular structure allows it to absorb and diffuse sound waves effectively, helping reduce both airborne noise and impact noise within interior spaces. Depending on thickness and installation method, cork typically achieves a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating between 0.3 and 0.7, making it a strong material choice for improving acoustics in home studios, offices, and residential environments.

Beyond its acoustic benefits, cork offers a soft tactile quality, thermal insulation, and a naturally organic appearance that complements modern interiors. Compared to traditional acoustic materials such as foam or fiberglass panels, cork provides a more environmentally conscious and visually refined solution, balancing performance with aesthetic appeal.

Water Transfer - Wood Finish

The walnut wood-transfer finish was explored as a CMF alternative to expand the emotional and aesthetic versatility of the product while maintaining the lightweight acoustic benefits of cork. Applying a wood-grain finish allowed the panels to achieve the visual richness and sophistication of real hardwood without the added cost, weight, or manufacturing complexity associated with solid wood construction. The process also created greater consistency across modules while preserving the geometric detail of the faceted surfaces.

From an emotional perspective, wood grain introduces a sense of warmth, comfort, and familiarity within interior spaces. Natural wood tones are often associated with calmness and biophilic design, helping environments feel more inviting and less sterile. By combining acoustic functionality with the visual language of furniture and architectural finishes, the panels become more than a technical sound-treatment product—they become a decorative element that enhances the atmosphere and character of a room.

Mounting Hardware

The mounting system was designed to create a clean, seamless installation experience while keeping all functional hardware hidden from view. Each panel integrates recessed molded female receivers on the back surface that interface with a custom-designed wall bracket. Once installed, the bracket’s hook features lock securely into the panel, allowing the product to sit flush against the wall with no visible mounting components.

To simplify installation and make the system renter-friendly, the brackets utilize an adhesive approach inspired by 3M Command strips. The adhesive provides a strong and reliable hold while still allowing removal without damaging drywall or paint surfaces.