Acoustic Wall Panels - Effective Sound Absorption and Architectural Quality

An acoustic panel is one of the most effective solutions for reducing reverberation and creating calm, functional spaces. With DAMPA® Silent Board and Silent Board Flex, you get acoustic wall panels that combine high sound absorption with a strong architectural expression in steel.

Modern buildings often feature many hard surfaces such as glass, concrete, and metal. In these environments, acoustic panels play an essential role in creating rooms where communication flows naturally and where the sound environment supports the intended activities - whether it’s conversation, concentration, learning, or social interaction.

DAMPA’s acoustic panels are developed for environments where aesthetics and functionality must work together: offices, meeting rooms, receptions, auditoriums, restaurants, educational spaces, and private homes.

 

What Is an Acoustic Panel - and How Do Acoustic Panels Work?

An acoustic panel is a sound-absorbing element that helps sound “settle”, reducing reverberation and echo in the room. When sound waves hit hard surfaces, they bounce around and create noise. An acoustic panel interrupts this process by absorbing the sound instead of sending it back into the room.

DAMPA’s steel acoustic panels feature perforations in the surface with a combination of glass wool and acoustic felt behind them. When sound reaches the panel, the sound waves pass through the perforations and are absorbed by the porous materials. This is where the sound energy is captured and transformed, creating a more comfortable acoustic environment.

DAMPA® Silent Board uses two types of sound absorbers:

  • Porous absorbers (glass wool and acoustic felt) effective across most frequencies
  • Resonance absorbers (the perforations in the steel surface) which help handle lower frequencies

This combination makes the panels highly effective, achieving an alpha value of up to 0.95, meaning they absorb nearly all sound that hits the surface.

To learn more about how metal can function acoustically, see our article: “Metal and Acoustics: How?”

 

Why Choose Acoustic Panels in Steel?

Traditional acoustic panels are often made from wood or textile, but steel panels offer a number of additional advantages:

1. Durability and Long Lifespan

Steel maintains its performance for many years and resists impacts and everyday wear - ideal for high-traffic areas.

2. Flexibility in Design and Colours

DAMPA’s acoustic panels are available in:

  • Three standard colours (all RAL and NCS colours available on request)
  • Three heights: 1200 mm, 1500 mm, and 1800 mm
  • Digital print, allowing the panels to function as visual design elements

Learn more in the article: “Digital Print Creates Acoustic Design Experiences”

3. Reusability and Circular Use

Steel is fully recyclable, and the panels can be removed and reinstalled in new projects - ideal for projects where flexibility is important.

See more in: “Six Reasons to Use Metal in Your Project”

 

Acoustic Wall Panels as Part of the Architecture

DAMPA’s acoustic panels are designed to be more than functional - they are an integrated part of the room. They enable:

  • large, cohesive wall surfaces
  • dynamic colour or print sections
  • graphic design integrated into the interior
  • clean, visually streamlined installations

Architects often use acoustic panels as a contributing element in both new builds and renovations.

 

How Many Acoustic Panels Do You Need?

To get the full benefit of acoustic panels, the amount must match the room. A typical rule of thumb is:

"10–20% of the floor area should be covered with sound-absorbing material on the walls"

This is only a guideline - room geometry, ceiling height, materials and furnishing all play a role.

For a better understanding of your needs, use our guide: “How Many Acoustic Panels Do I Need?”

 

Installation and Flexibility

DAMPA’s acoustic panels are designed for quick and precise installation. The system allows for:

  • concealed installations
  • easy replacement of panels
  • integration with lighting
  • flexibility during renovations or layout changes

Panels are easy to remove if the interior changes - an important benefit in circular construction principles.

 

Cases: Proven Acoustic Improvements

DAMPA has supplied acoustic solutions to a wide range of environments.

From Bare Concrete to a Calm Workspace - Banedanmark

In a space with many hard materials, reverberation was significantly reduced and the room transformed into a more comfortable workplace.
See the case: “From Raw Concrete to a Calm Work Environment”

Reuse and Flexibility at Ground Fitness

Existing panels were reused as part of the centre’s renovation.
See the case: “Reusing Acoustic Panels at Ground Fitness”

These examples show that acoustic panels not only improve the sound environment - they also support strong architectural and practical solutions.

 

Guide: Improve the Acoustics in Your Home

Acoustic panels are also effective in private homes. In modern living spaces with hard surfaces, acoustic panels offer a simple way to create a more pleasant sound environment.

Get practical advice in: “Three Steps to Better Acoustics in Your Home”
For additional inspiration, visit our inspiration page here.

 

FAQ - Acoustic Panels

1. What is the purpose of an acoustic panel?

An acoustic panel reduces reverberation, lowers noise levels and makes conversations easier to follow.

2. Can I customise my acoustic panels?

Yes. DAMPA’s acoustic panels can be produced in any RAL or NCS colour and are also available with digital print.

3. Where can I use acoustic panels?

Offices, meeting rooms, schools, restaurants, reception areas, private homes - almost any space with echo or noise issues.
(We do not recommend using the panels in wet rooms, as these environments can affect the materials)

4. What are the advantages of steel acoustic panels?

Long lifespan, reusability, durability and consistent acoustic performance over time.