Kotahi’s shipping container wall adds character and strong branding but also helps reduce noise reflection in the busy entrance area which has a multitude of hard surface finishes, including polished concrete flooring. The clever use of the high-performing Quietspace® Panel overlaid with Etch decorative fabric has allowed for comfortable interaction at the business front.
Shanelle Sanson, office Manager of Kotahi, says they were mindful of being a growing company and didn’t want increased staff numbers to mean increased noise. “There’s nothing worse than 80 or so people talking and getting louder and louder,” she says.
Quietspace® 3D Ceiling Tiles
Autex’s Quietspace® 3D Ceiling Tiles were used to help define breakout areas and absorb a combination of high speech frequencies and background noise like HVAC systems in the new open-plan spaces. The targeted application of the Quietspace 3D Ceiling Tiles creates distinct acoustic working zones promoting efficiency and proactive staff collaboration.
Entrance wall features 25mm Quietspace® Panels, installed with a 20mm negative detail, overlaid with custom designed Etch™ images of stacked shipping container doors. Colours used are; Vintage, Sage, Octane and Stonewash.
The suspended ceiling features S-5.26 Quietspace® 3D Ceiling Tiles in Civic, Silver and Brilliant Orange. In the open-plan breakout area and staff café, these tiles were placed into an existing ceiling grid suspended from the exposed concrete slab.
Cube™ panels
Meeting rooms were fitted with Cube™ panels which provide great acoustic absorption and allow for a distinctive look in each location. The panels will also be used as “acoustic pin boards” – further adding to the product functionality and aesthetic.
Etch
Etch is an exciting new addition to the Autex offering. Agnew explains that Etch fills a unique, unoccupied niche in the marketplace. “Created using cutting edge laser technology, Etch is a visual layer of artistic expression; a wall fabric combining design, colour and texture”.
“We are really excited to introduce Etch to the market, and this project really highlights how creative design can come alive in an acoustic product” says Agnew. “From subtle branding to bold design statements; we can do it”
Etch is available in a pallet of 30 colours and 15 standard patterns or can be “Etched” to any custom design. Autex can take your design or work collaboratively with you to create something unique.
Etch is best suited for overlaying with an Autex acoustic backing to provide a customised acoustic solution. Etch is a decorative, functional and durable interior wall fabric suitable for commercial offices, theatres, libraries, retail, hospitality and education spaces.
With Etch, Taylor could create a stunning design, customised for company brand, working style and acoustic requirements.
Meeting rooms feature two custom designs of Etch™, Cairo and Paris, overlaid on 12mm Cube™ in the five meeting rooms. Colours used; Azure Paris, Azure Cairo, Jade Paris, Jade Cairo, Charcoal Paris and Charcoal Cairo.
Taylor says her client “loves their new space and way of working, which is the project’s biggest success”.