Acoustis® 50 by Mermet : qualities recognized as far away as new Zealand
A manufacturer of fibreglass-based technical fabrics, Mermet revolutionized the market in 2006 with the launch of Acoustis® 50.
This new fabric is the only one which offers an exceptional dual-functionality, being both a material for acoustic absorption and solar protection.
Its unique properties recognized around the world are the reason why, today, this Mermet fabric can even be found in a wine bar on the other side of the globe in New Zealand.
Considered to be one of the most prestigious wine growing areas, Brick Bay is noted for its exceptional wine bar.
The owners called in Noel Lane, a New Zealand architect, to build this unique wine-tasting venue called “The Glass House” at the very heart of their vineyard..
A combination of glass, steel, coloured Plexiglas and wood, this building awakens the senses of the wine amateur with a 360° panoramic view over the property: the view down to the lake, the natural environment and the vines...
In 2007, this building was awarded the New Zealand Institute of Architects’ national prize.
To achieve this result, the architect called upon Mermet’s experience to resolve the inherent problems of a restaurant made entirely of glass walls and roof, that is, to be able to simultaneously:
- control light and heat,
- control the sound quality (the materials used at the outset did not absorb noise),
By installing Mermet’s Acoustis® 50 fabric it was possible to solve both these problems at the same time, as well as adding to the building’s aesthetic qualities.
As a result, this fabric by Mermet :
- filters light without a darkening effect,
- fits in perfectly with the interior decor. Of the 12 colours of the range, the Galet 0710 colour was chosen to achieve a totally natural effect,
- softens ambient noise and provides a genuine acoustic quality which is seldom found in “cafe-bistros”,
- avoids the usual condensation effect beneath glass surfaces and guarantees a healthy atmosphere; the fabric is aerated and very thin and does not therefore offer any thermal resistance.
The large width of the fabric (250 cm) has enabled us to create large dimension panels while reducing the number of joins: 10 panels were therefore installed, each measuring 3.6m x 4.2m.
In addition, because the roof does not allow blinds to be fixed very easily, the Mermet panels were installed by the blind manufacturer SP Blinds using a “double velum” system. This way they fit perfectly into the slope of the roof.
The velum Is designed using specially-made aluminium tubing which offers better resistance for this large-scale application. They are motor-controlled to allow the staff to deploy them according to the brightness level and noise within the room.
The first solution to be based on the exclusive coated glass fibre technology with special weft and diameter control, Acoustis® 50 is the first material which does not need anything to be added (foam, coating...). This patented weave is the first to give textiles such a high level of acoustic absorption.
A major innovation, the Acoustis® 50 fabric also has all the properties of Mermet fabrics:
- non-flammable fire classification,
- excellent mechanical resistance (breaking strength, tearing and folding resistance),
- good dimensional stability,
- easy to use,
- can be used with most blind mechanisms.
These are all very real advantages which give this establishment a very stylish appearance. “The Glass House” today is one of the finest examples of the enhancing qualities of Acoustis® 50 by Mermet.
