20 March 2019

Planning Sound - purSonic

purSonic offers invisible loudspeakers that integrate seamlessly into walls or ceilings, allowing high-quality sound without disrupting modern interior design, even in historic buildings.

Text: Olaf Adam; Photos: purSonic, Shutterstock
This article originally appeared in 0dB - The Magazine of Passion N°3

Enjoying music and modern interior design don't go together? That's not true—if you know how to do it!

For most interior designers, speakers are a nightmare. Technical devices can be easily hidden, but conventional speakers cannot— invisibility and sound transmission generally exclude each other. Even with the usual built-in solutions for walls and ceilings, something always remains visible; namely, the part where the sound is supposed to and must come out. But an enterprising company from Lake Constance has taken the topic a step further and has actually been offering invisible speakers for several years now.

The right know-how

Modern reception area with minimalist decor and stylish lighting, creating a pleasant acoustic atmosphere. — Modern reception area with minimalist furnishings and stylish lighting installations. Perfect for a pleasant sound atmosphere.

purSonic GmbH from Überlingen is part of the puren Group, and they are highly familiar with the requirements of the construction industry and especially with the numerous application possibilities of polyurethane rigid foam.

Because these lightweight and versatile materials are what the surface speakers or "Soundboards" from purSonic are made of. They can be installed similarly to plasterboard panels and thus integrated into practically any wall or ceiling. Only a few centimeters of installation depth are necessary, as an exciter sits behind the soundboard, transforming the music signal into vibrations and transmitting them to the soundboard.

Design freedom

The wall can then be finished on the outside with wallpaper, paint, or plaster in almost any way you like. Smart electronics are calibrated on site to the specific conditions and correct the material's influence on the soundboard's acoustics. The result, when music, TV sound, or announcements come directly from the finished wall—without any visible speakers—is truly astonishing. And the possibilities this opens up for planning are immense. Even under the strict requirements of monument protection, you don't have to do without good sound.

The courtyard of the landmarked MAXHAUS in Düsseldorf - invisibly supplied with sound by more than a dozen purSonic surface speakers:

Modern cafeteria with black chairs, white tables, and two people serving at a minimalist bar. — A modern cafeteria with simple black chairs and white tables, ready for events. Two people are serving at the bar in a minimalist setting.

With the surface speakers from purSonic, music and sound reinforcement are not a necessary evil, but an elegantly integrated part of the project. What remains is the pure design in all its beauty.

An architect focuses intently on drafting building plans with precise lines and creative planning. — An architect works intently on building plans. Precise linework and creative planning are in focus.

A modern café with high windows, white minimalist decor, and two staff preparing behind the counter. — A modern café in a minimalist, white space with tall windows. Two people behind the counter are preparing for the guests.

Workers prepare the facade of a historic building for restoration, with scaffolding and materials visible. — Renovation work on a historic building: Craftsmen prepare the facade for restoration. Scaffolding and building materials are visible while a worker is working on the ground.

Elegant event space in Maxhaus Düsseldorf with round tables, floral decorations, and a grand piano by a black curtain. — At the Maxhaus in Düsseldorf: A stylish event space with round tables decorated with flowers. A grand piano stands in the background next to a black curtain.

Modern reception area with minimalist design, PURSONIC sound system, elegant seating, and stylish lighting creating a welcoming atmosphere. — Modern reception area with minimalist furnishings and integrated PURSONIC sound solution. Elegant seating and stylish lighting create an inviting atmosphere.