^{Project Type: Museum and visitor center
Location: Kilchberg, Switzerland
Architecture: Christ & Gantenbein Architects
Acoustic Planning: Bakus Bauphysik & Akustik
Application: Acoustic curtains
Products:STREAMER pro, SOUNDdimmer}

Project Overview
Designed by Christ & Gantenbein Architects, the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg combines local industrial heritage with an internationally oriented museum experience for the renowned Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli. The building references the historic factory complex through its raw red brick façades, acknowledging more than a century of chocolate production at this site, where Lindt has manufactured and exported chocolate worldwide since the 1890s. Inside, the architecture unfolds as a dynamic spatial experience defined by flowing curves and circular movements connecting multiple levels. The building accommodates the museum, shop and café, chocolate atelier, lounge areas, an auditorium, as well as internal facilities including infrastructure, testing areas, research and development spaces and offices. A central highlight is the impressive 9-metre-high chocolate fountain, the tallest of its kind worldwide.

Acoustic Challenge
Large open interior spaces, public gathering areas and multifunctional zones required carefully balanced acoustics to ensure comfort, speech intelligibility and spatial atmosphere without compromising the expressive architectural design. Different programmatic areas — from lively public zones to focused workspaces — demanded differentiated acoustic solutions integrated into the overall architectural concept.

Acoustic Solution
Annette Douglas Textiles developed textile acoustic curtain solutions tailored to the various spatial environments within the building. In the foyer and lounge areas, the textiles unfold in soft, wave-like forms reminiscent of confectionery shapes, introducing subtle glamour through gold-toned materials while absorbing sound energy. SOUNDdimmer acoustic curtains improve acoustic comfort in public zones without visually dominating the space. On the upper floors, housing offices and research facilities, the translucent acoustic curtain STREAMER pro runs along the glazed façade facing the central hall. Its light, white textile structure enhances room acoustics while maintaining openness and daylight transmission. The textiles are flame-retardant, fulfilling stringent safety standards required for public buildings.

Application

• SOUNDdimmer acoustic curtains in foyer, lounge zones and auditorium
• STREAMER pro translucent acoustic curtains in office and development areas
• allows natural daylight to enter the space
• flame-retardant according to international safety standards
• sound absorption integrated into architectural design concept
• improvement of acoustic comfort and speech intelligibility
• preservation of spatial openness and daylight quality
• textile elements aligned with material and spatial language of the architecture

Architectural Impact
The project demonstrates how textile acoustic solutions can combine atmospheric design, functional performance and architectural expression, supporting both public experience and workplace environments within a complex cultural building.

Textile acoustic solutions by Annette Douglas Textiles enhance room acoustics, meet flame-retardant safety standards, and preserve architectural transparency and design intent.