« Anyone seeking to conduct research and to be inventive must be able to ask questions and think outside the box. Design is generally something that is done for the eyes yet Annette Douglas's products also appeal to the other senses. Textile design focused on hearing was an exciting challenge to us acousticians »
Kurt Eggenschwiler, EMPA Materials, Sience & Technology, Head of Acoustics/Noise Control
Silent Space Collection
Translucent acoustic texiles - a silent revolution
Acoustic fabrics by Annette Douglas Textiles are translucent sound-absorbing textiles developed for contemporary architecture. They reduce reverberation while preserving transparency and spatial design.
The Silent Space Collection is the world’s first translucent acoustic textile collection, developed to combine architectural transparency with measurable sound absorption. Launched in 2011 by Annette Douglas, the collection emerged from a multi-year Innosuisse research project in collaboration with EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology. It introduced a new category in architectural acoustics: transparent sound-absorbing textiles.
What Makes the Silent Space Collection Unique
- translucent acoustic fabrics — the original innovation
- measurable acoustic performance
- elegant textile integration into architecture
- lightweight yet highly effective absorption
- yarn-dyed, high-quality woven fabrics
- developed through scientific research collaboration with EMPA Switzerland
----- Experts worldwide recognise the collection for its combination of design quality and acoustic efficiency.
Acoustic Performance
The textiles are designed to improve acoustic comfort in spaces where communication and concentration matter.
Performance values:
- sound absorption up to 80% of sound energy
- absorption coefficient: αw 0.5 – 0.8 (regular day curtain αw 0.1-0.15)
- lightweight textile construction
- flame retardant (DIN 4102 B1/EN 13773 class 1)
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified
-----Suitable for offices, hospitality environments and public interiors.
Why Acoustic Textiles Matter
- Noise negatively affects spatial quality:
- interrupts communication
- reduces productivity
- increases fatigue
- limits relaxation and focus
-----Sound-absorbing surfaces are essential wherever people work, meet or spend time together.
Multi-Functional Performance
The Silent Space Collection combines several architectural functions in one system:
- acoustic absorption
- flame retardant
- glare protection
- heat and energy regulation
- high light reflection through reflective backing
- flexible spatial zoning
-----This makes textile acoustics particularly suitable for future-oriented office environments.
Collection Qualities
The collection includes:
- SNOOZER aw (0.65)
- STREAMER classic (aw 0.8)
- STREAMER pro aw (0.8)
- LIQUID classic aw (0.5)
- WHISPER classic (aw 0.5)
- WHISPER air (aw 0.6)
- CLOUD (aw 0.59
- LOOP (aw 0.55)
-----Each quality contributes to solving demanding acoustic challenges in different architectural contexts.
Awards & Recognition
The Silent Space Collection has received international recognition, including:
- Swiss Design Award (2011)
- Red Dot Award – Best of the Best (2012)
- Dwell on Design Award (USA, 2012)
- EESC Award – European Union (2013)
- Blue Drop Award BEST CONTRACT (2014)
Global Presence
The collection is distributed worldwide through partners in more than 70 countries. The Swiss market is managed directly by Annette Douglas Textiles.
Quick Definition: The Silent Space Collection is a translucent acoustic textile collection that reduces reverberation while preserving transparency, light quality and architectural design intent.
