HAUSEN, Switzerland — Weisbrod-Zurrer AG has developed a contract line of sound absorbing sheer curtain fabrics featuring Trevira(CS)®.

The collection is designed by Annette Douglas in conjunction with the Swiss test institute Empa under the brand name Annette Douglas Textiles Acoustics®. Weisbrod-Zürrer is producing and selling it exclusively under the collection name Silent Space.

According to Trevira, so-called acoustically “hard” materials such as glass and concrete, which are commonly used in interior design, scarcely absorb sound at all. Heavy curtains made of material such as velvet are often used to absorb sound. On the other hand, lightweight and transparent curtains are acoustically almost useless, the company said. “Until the development of Silent Space,  the principle held that the more sound it was necessary to absorb, the heavier and thicker the fabric had to be. Now there are curtains with a drape weight that can absorb up to five times more noise than their conventional equivalents, and yet let daylight into the space.“

Annette Douglas succeeded in converting the new findings into weaving techniques working with Empa, the project leader and textile designer. On the basis of numerous acoustic measurements made on various samples specially woven by Weisbrod-Zürrer, they were able to gradually optimise the acoustic properties of the fabric, Trevira explained. “An the industry partner involved in the project, Weisbrod-Zürrer then adjusted the sophisticated manufacturing process so that the industrially-made curtains actually display the required acoustic characteristics.“

Trevira said the new textiles can be used in a variety of places where there is a need for sound insulation, such as offices, living rooms, restaurants, hotel lobbies, seminar rooms and even multi-purpose auditoriums. “They are often the deciding factor in satisfying the acoustic requirements and regulations that apply to these rooms. But one can well see their use in the private sector as well.“

Founded in 1825 the weaving mill of Weisbrod-Zürrer AG has its head offices in Hausen (Switzerland), with a workforce of 120. It also has agents in 25 countries. There are three textile departments (decorative fabrics, women’s wear fabrics, ties and accessories), utilizing a total of 65 jacquard and dobby machines. Decorative materials make up the largest part of turnover.  Weisbrod-Zürrer markets annually over one million running metres of fabric, 50% of which they make themselves. Exports account for 90% of turnover, just shy of $20 million with Germany, Japan and China the most important markets.  Weisbrod-Zürrer said it offers a comprehensive Trevira CS collection in its decorative fabric sector.   F&FI