Creating acoustic comfort in Colab

Location
Dubai Design District, United Arab Emirates 

Opening
Dubai Design week, 2024

Solution
Kvadrat Acoustics solution comprising Soft Cells Broadline panels mounted vertically from the ceiling with wires. The Soft Cells Broadline panels are upholstered in textiles Toto and Air 4 in black.

Photography
@Colab

At Colab Material Lab, a space dedicated to hosting events, presentations, and exhibitions, Kvadrat Acoustics has provided a ceiling solution that integrates subtly with the aesthetics and design of Colab, while also and delivering exceptional acoustic performance.

The multifunctional nature of Colab introduced distinct acoustic challenges, particularly given its mix of hard surfaces and open, versatile layout. Reverberation, especially within the mid-frequency range (250 Hz - 4000 Hz), posed a concern for speech intelligibility, which is essential for clear communication during events and presentations.


To meet these requirements, Soft Cells Broadline panels were installed in the ceiling, significantly reducing reverberation time by approximately 50% in the mid-frequency range. This targeted solution has not only enhanced speech clarity but has also fostered a comfortable acoustic environment that aligns with Colab’s vision as an inspirational and collaborative space for the design community.


"With the Soft Cells Broadline panels in place, we've noticed a remarkable improvement in speech clarity during events and presentations. The reduction in reverberation has made it much easier for people to communicate and collaborate, which is vital for a space like Colab that thrives on interaction and exchange of ideas."

Richard Wilson, Founder Colab Material Lab

Bespoke acoustic solutions for the Middle East

Kvadrat Acoustics specialises in crafting bespoke, high-performance textile acoustic solutions, which are produced in the Middle East. Our acoustic products are distinguished by their aesthetic excellence, exceptional longevity, and circular potential, and have been chosen to promote wellbeing in several private and public projects in the Middle East. 

Soft Cells
Soft Cells are made-to-measure acoustic panels for walls and ceilings with a variety of flexible installation methods. These allow you to gain easy access to building services behind the panels at any time. 

Tracks
Tracks is an acoustic panel system for walls, which is installed on-site with PVC-free profiles for easy mounting. Tracks are flexible and easily adjustable to suit updated measurements or needs on-site. 

Get to know us

Our Dubai team offers personalized 1:1 acoustic sessions at Colab. Experience our solutions firsthand, get expert advice, and plan for better acoustics on your next project. With Kvadrat Acoustics, you’ll receive end-to-end support—from initial consultation to final installation—ensuring your design vision comes to life with optimal acoustic comfort.

Designed for circularity

Kvadrat Acoustics solutions support your transition towards sustainable, decarbonised building design. They follow our Conscious Design Principles to maximise their circular potential. Our approach to environmental sustainability is grounded in a commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle, and it relies on an ecosystem that prioritises resource efficiency, transparency, and circularity.

Projects from the Middle East

Education: House of Wisdom
Designed by Foster + Partners, the House of Wisdom conceptualises the library as a social hub for learning, supported by innovation and technology. A Kvadrat Acoustics solution comprising Soft Cells Broadline and Soft Cells Tracks has been installed to optimise acoustic quality.

Cultural space: Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai is the world’s largest Ferris wheel. The terminal building for this landmark construction was designed by Snøhetta, and integrates a Kvadrat Acoustics solution that elevates acoustic and aesthetic quality.

Hospitality: 25H Hotel

A Kvadrat Acoustics solution, featuring a printed HD artwork by Dominik Bulka, is installed on the ceiling of the main lobby of the 25hours Hotel Dubai. Specified by Woods Bagot, the solution comprises 72 Soft Cells Broadline ceiling panels, which work to deliver a pure aesthetic and Class A sound absorption.

Educational space: Masdar Institute

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is dedicated to providing real-world solutions to issues of sustainability. Soft Cells by Kvadrat Acoustics were chosen as the acoustic ceiling solution by Foster + Partners, as they allow easy access to all the service channels behind the panels.

Get acoustic advice

Our Dubai team offers personalized 1:1 acoustic sessions at Colab. Experience our solutions firsthand, get expert advice, and plan for better acoustics on your next project. With Kvadrat Acoustics, you’ll receive end-to-end support—from initial consultation to final installation—ensuring your design vision comes to life with optimal acoustic comfort.