reclaimed plywood acoustic panels v1
Alex Timmer, Tan Doruk SaralMilwaukee, WI
Fall 2023
The first series of acoustic panels was conceived as an experiment in circular design, using waste wood salvaged from a set of demolished office desks as the primary material. The Baltic Birch plywood—already pre‑finished from its previous life—introduced both opportunities and constraints. Its existing surface treatment meant that every panel had to be carefully mapped and selectively cut from irregular desk remnants, requiring a puzzle‑like approach to maximize usable yield and minimize additional waste.
Once cut, each panel was backed with a layer of black felt to enhance acoustic absorption and provide a clean visual contrast. To create a subtle sense of depth and separation from the wall, the panels were mounted using custom 3D‑printed standoffs. These standoffs not only lifted the panels off the surface but also allowed for precise alignment and repeatable spacing across the installation.
The visual language of the panels centered on a grid of conical forms that established the primary geometric pattern. This grid was then intersected by an undulating surface that swept across the cones, trimming their peaks and introducing a secondary, wave‑like rhythm that connected the panels into a cohesive field. The interplay between the rigid grid and the flowing contour created a dynamic texture that shifted with lighting and viewing angle.
After fabrication, each panel was hand‑finished with tung oil to enrich the natural warmth of the birch and highlight the subtle grain variations inherited from the original desks. A final coat of oil‑based polyurethane sealed the surface, adding durability and a soft sheen that unified the reclaimed material into a refined architectural element