^{Project Type: Research and product development
Architecture: Theo Hotz Architects
Location: Empa St. Gallen, Switzerland
Research Partner: EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
Application: Development of translucent acoustic textiles
Product: LIQUID classic}

Project Overview
In spring 2011, Annette Douglas introduced the Silent Space Collection, marking the beginning of the first transparent acoustic curtain collection by Annette Douglas Textiles ACOUSTICS®. The collection emerged from several years of research conducted as a CTI research project in close collaboration with EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology. The development resulted in the world’s first translucent textile combining architectural transparency with effective and measurable sound absorption. The Silent Space Collection established a new category within architectural acoustics: translucent sound-absorbing textiles.

Research Challenge
Modern architecture increasingly incorporates glass, concrete and other reflective materials that create challenging acoustic conditions. The research project aimed to develop a textile solution capable of improving room acoustics while preserving light transmission and spatial openness. A key objective was to achieve measurable acoustic performance without compromising architectural design intent.

Development & Testing
The EMPA building in St. Gallen, designed by architect Theo Hotz, served as a real-world testing environment during the research phase. Its architecture, characterised by highly reverberant materials, provided ideal conditions for evaluating and refining the acoustic curtain system. Extensive testing confirmed the effectiveness of the textile structure and validated its acoustic performance.

Innovation Outcome
The Silent Space Collection combines:

• translucent textile design
• measurable sound absorption
• architectural integration
• lightweight and flexible application
• scientifically validated performance

The collection introduced a new approach to acoustic design, enabling architects to improve acoustic comfort without sacrificing transparency or daylight.

Architectural Impact
The development demonstrates how research, material innovation and architectural requirements can converge to create new solutions for contemporary spatial design, establishing textile acoustics as an integral element of modern architecture.