Muted By Nature

Exploring the Properties of Wool as a Sound Absorber

Katarzyna Zimniak
Cooperation Partner: Création Baumann AG, Friedrich Sturm GmbH & Co. KG, M.S. Nordwolle GmbH, Dr.-Ing. Roman Tschakert (Technische Akustik TU Berlin)

Februar 2025

Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin

Description

‘Muted by Nature’ explores the potential of wool as a sustainable, porous sound absorber and examines whether it can serve as an effective and biodegradable alternative to conventional, non-biodegradable materials.

The concept focuses on pre-consumer wool, particularly coarse wool that is often regarded as waste. The material is used in a way that highlights its inherent value and avoids disposal. The mono-material design allows for easy recycling and promotes sustainable production processes.

The project also investigates the acoustic properties of wool in order to integrate it into sound-absorbing applications and counteract noise pollution in interior spaces. The developed two-element absorber design enables flexible adaptation in size, aesthetics, and required noise reduction, tailored to various spatial requirements and design concepts.