^{Projekttyp: Forschung & Produktentwicklung / Akustiktextilien
Design / Development: Annette Douglas
Forschungspartner: EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (with Kurt Eggenschwiler and Reto Pieren)
Forschungsprogramm: KTI – Bundesamt für Technologie und Innovation (now Innosuisse)}

Project Overview
In spring 2011, Annette Douglas launched the Silent Space Collection, a worldwide innovation and the first translucent acoustic textile collection by Annette Douglas Textiles ACOUSTICS®. The collection emerged from several years of research conducted within a KTI research project in close collaboration with EMPA. The objective was to develop a textile solution combining effective sound absorption with visual lightness and transparency.

Idea and Development
The concept of a curtain capable of absorbing sound while remaining transparent and lightweight originated from Annette Douglas’ long-standing research into the interaction between acoustics and textiles.
By combining:

• computer-based modelling
• acoustic measurement and testing
• specialised textile expertise

a new product category was created, uniting architectural transparency with measurable acoustic performance.

Acoustic Performance
Noise negatively affects communication, concentration and well-being. Sound-absorbing surfaces are therefore essential in environments where people work, communicate or relax.
The translucent acoustic curtains of the Silent Space Collection absorb up to 80% of sound energy, significantly improving room acoustics while preserving spatial openness and daylight quality.

Material Characteristics
The collection is defined by:

• elegant and lightweight textile appearance
• high acoustic performance (αw 0.5 – 0.8)
• minimal material thickness with high efficiency
• tactile textile quality
• seamless architectural integration

The achieved acoustic results surprised even specialists and confirmed the innovative character of the development.

Safety and Multi-Functional Performance
All curtains of the Silent Space Collection are flame-retardant, meeting demanding European standards (B1 according to DIN 4102) and certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
The translucent acoustic textiles combine multiple functions within a single system:

• sound absorption
• glare and heat protection
• daylight transmission
• energy-optimised spatial performance

Significance
The Silent Space Collection introduced an entirely new category within architectural acoustics and established textile solutions as an integral component of contemporary spatial design.

_{more about «Silent Space Collection»
www.admin.ch/gov/en/media-releases
www.empa.ch/curtains-that-quench-noise}