We seem to be inundated in sound absorbing material of late. Just last week we saw and heard (or, if the product really does its work, didn’t hear) about the marvelous modulations of Wobedo’s Sound Absorbing Panels, and the week before that we sounded the depths of RMIG’s Sound Damping Panels and Partitions. Today, we’re graced with yet a third clever manner of taking the edge off the noisy environs: Ab Initio’s Cullus Sound Absorbing Textiles.

Cullus Sound Absorbing Textiles. Designed and Manufactured by Ab Initio.

Cullus Sound Absorbing Textiles Improve Acoustics and Aesthetics

The differences between Ab Initio’s, RMIG’s, and Wobedo’s product are manifest, in appearance as well as method. So much the better for us, since this means that manufacturers have provided consumers with an excellent roster to choose from within this burgeoning application.

Ab Initio has marked out some bold aesthetic terrain with Cullus. The product, a three-dimensional heavy duty knitted material made from 100% polyester Trevira CS, deeds tremendous aesthetic versatility. Since Cullus is a flexible material, it can be fashioned into various imaginative forms.

In reference to the above, Ab Initio has provided a quartet of comely incarnations. Cullus Globe is a spherical configuration resembling a mid-century pendant lamp; Cullus Regatta has a nautical aspect, appearing to defy physics as it simulates the phenomena of sails unfurled in the wind; Cullus Wave captures the rhythmic oscillations of both wind and water; and Cullus Booth boasts a slim, sculptural, and decidedly contemporary appeal.

As to the product’s functionality, just as with RMIG and Wobedo, the en vivo performance speaks for itself—Cullus demonstrates significant noise reduction regardless of the form: “a sound absorbent textile used in technical and public environments, this unique material combines function, flexibility, and appearance.”

About the Manufacturer: Who knew that a project emerging from the auspicious testing grounds of the Swedish School of Textiles could evolve into a full-fledged design firm? Ulla Eson Bodin, Folke Sandvik, and Helga Aiff, that’s who. The trio created the sound absorbing material called Cullus back in 2007. Since then, they’ve parlayed this innovative knitted textile into a full fledged enterprise: “Ab Initio works with the focus of creating knitted panels as well as wall coverings and free hanging sculptured and three dimensional objects.”