Specifying Acoustic Panels for Commercial Projects
Architects and interior designers working on commercial projects face a recurring challenge: integrating effective acoustic treatment without compromising the design intent. Poor room acoustics lead to excessive reverberation, reduced speech intelligibility and occupant discomfort, all of which undermine the functionality of a well-designed space. PET felt acoustic panels offer a single material system that addresses acoustic performance, fire compliance, visual design and sustainability within one specification. Whether the project is an open-plan office, a lecture theatre or a hotel lobby, PET felt provides broadband sound absorption across the speech and mid-range frequencies that matter most in occupied interiors.
Material Composition and Structure
Audial's Aura Felt panels are manufactured from Recycled PET plastic. During production, PET fibres are thermally bonded under heat and pressure to form a dense, non-woven sheet. No adhesives or chemical binders are used in the bonding process, which keeps volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions low and makes the finished panel fully recyclable at end of life. The resulting material is moisture-resistant, dimensionally stable and does not harbour mould or mildew. These properties make it suitable for humid environments such as coastal buildings in Durban and Cape Town, as well as temperature-controlled interiors. For full technical data, including density and dimensional tolerances, refer to the materials specification page.
Acoustic Performance by Thickness
Aura Felt panels are available in three standard thicknesses, each offering a different level of sound absorption measured by Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). The 12 mm panel achieves an NRC of 0.45, suitable for light treatment in corridors and circulation areas. The 18 mm panel reaches an NRC of 0.65, making it a strong choice for meeting rooms, classrooms and general workspace areas. The 24 mm panel delivers an NRC of 0.80, providing high-performance absorption for auditoriums, recording studios and spaces with demanding acoustic requirements. Introducing an air gap between the panel and the mounting surface further improves low-frequency absorption, which is particularly useful in rooms where bass build-up or low-frequency reverberation is a concern. Architects can therefore tune acoustic outcomes by selecting both panel thickness and mounting depth.
Fire Rating and Compliance
Fire safety is non-negotiable in commercial specification. PET fibre is inherently fire-resistant due to the thermoplastic properties of polyethylene terephthalate, which melts and self-extinguishes rather than sustaining an open flame. Aura Felt panels meet the fire rating requirements for commercial, educational and public buildings in South Africa. This makes them appropriate for use in schools, hospitals, airports and other occupancy types where stringent fire codes apply. Detailed fire classification documentation is available on request for inclusion in your specification packages.
Design Flexibility and CNC Capability
With 48 standard colours available across all thicknesses, architects have a broad palette to work with. Colours range from neutral tones suited to corporate interiors through to bold accent hues for feature walls and branded environments. Beyond flat panels, the material's density and consistency make it ideal for CNC processing. Routed grooves, geometric patterns, custom shapes, relief textures and perforations can all be machined into the panel face, transforming a functional acoustic element into a decorative surface. This capability is especially valuable for art installations and feature walls where acoustic treatment needs to be visually integrated rather than concealed.
Installation and Mounting Options
PET felt panels can be direct-fixed to walls, suspended from ceilings as clouds or rafts, or hung as vertical baffles in open-plan spaces. The material is lightweight compared to mineral fibre or plaster-based acoustic products, which reduces structural load on ceilings and secondary steelwork. This is a practical advantage in retrofit projects where existing structures may not support heavy acoustic systems. Lightweight panels also simplify handling on site, reduce installation time and lower labour costs. For projects requiring acoustic treatment across multiple zones, such as educational facilities with classrooms, halls and libraries, a single panel system can be specified across the entire building with different thicknesses and mounting methods tailored to each room.
Sustainability and Green Building Credentials
Specifying materials with verified environmental credentials is increasingly important for projects targeting green building certification. Aura Felt panels are manufactured from Recycled PET fibres, diverting plastic waste from landfill and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials. The low-VOC composition supports healthy indoor air quality, and the panels are fully recyclable at end of life. These attributes contribute to credits under both LEED and Green Star rating systems, supporting architects who need to demonstrate responsible material selection in their sustainability reports.
Specification Support for South African Projects
Audial provides specification support for architectural and design practices across South Africa, with project experience in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria. Our team can assist with acoustic layout recommendations, product selection by room type, colour and finish coordination, and installation planning. Whether you are at concept stage or preparing tender documentation, we are available to provide the technical information your specification requires. Get in touch to discuss your next project or to request sample materials and technical data sheets.