Sonoblind
![]() |
Dr Gianluca Memoli demonstrating one of Metasonixx's transparent panels which are designed to allow air through. |
In July 2021, it was announced that a new material that gives unprecedented control on sound and noise is to be trialled in hospitals and other noisy locations such as beside motorways.
The plastic panels have the same noise reduction effect as two inches of plywood but weigh four to six times less.
The company behind the Sonoblind panels, Metasonixx, is a spin-out from the Universities of Sussex and Bristol. It was founded by Dr Gianluca Memoli, from the School of Engineering of Informatics of the University of Sussex, and by Professor Bruce Drinkwater, of Bristol University.
Dr Memoli said: "Our panels are much lighter than traditional solutions for noise abatement and, if required, can even let air and light through. Some of the panels can be used as grilles to silence air conditioning units and extractor fans or as part of blinds, to keep the noise out while the window stays open."
Trials are about to start in UK hospitals in an attempt to reduce the constant noise on busy wards. A 2020 study conducted at St George's hospital in London attributes unwanted noise mostly to medical equipment, such as ventilators, and their alarms. A study published in the British Medical Journal reported that 40% of hospital patients are bothered by noise at night with levels regularly exceeding international recommendations. Excessive noise has been implicated in the development in patients of hospitalisation-induced stress, delayed recovery, high blood pressure and poor mental health. For staff, it leads to stress and reduced performance.
Metasonixx is set to start working with Movyon, the centre for research and innovation within the Autostrade per l'Italia Group. This project will look at using metamaterial panels externally, to create quiet areas for drivers in outdoor settings.
The company has just been awarded the Armourers & Brasiers Venture Prize, which comes with £25,000 investment. Dr Memoli said: "We intend to use the Venture Prize money to manufacture panels, to be used in trials in hospitals and offices across the UK. Our designs take inspiration from devices that shape light – like lenses, holograms and LCD displays. Metasonixx's technology, based on acoustic metamaterials, can be the ultimate defence against noise at home or in open offices."
This article originally appeared on the CIAT website on 12 July 2021.
--CIAT
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
Comments
Shame this is made of plastic - the material the world does not need more of.