Natural quilts offer a wide range of uses in public spaces, combining aesthetics, practicality and ecology. They can be used in wall panels, furniture, doors, acoustic solutions and decorative elements to create a warm and natural atmosphere. Modern processing methods allow natural veneers to be used in even the most demanding public spaces, as they can be treated to be fire-safe, hard-wearing and easy to care for, while preserving the natural beauty and uniqueness of the wood.
Why are natural veneers popular as surface materials for public spaces?
Natural veneers are gaining popularity as a surface material for public spaces due to their unique natural beauty, versatility and warm atmosphere. The natural grain pattern and colour variations of wood bring a vibrancy and personality to spaces that is difficult to achieve with synthetic materials.
Architects and interior designers appreciate natural quilts the ability to connect with nature in the built environment. This design principle, known as biofilia, is based on the idea that natural elements contribute to human well-being, reduce stress and improve the well-being of users.
Natural veneers also offer an excellent way to create a premium impression in public spaces. Real wood surfaces communicate quality and thoughtful design. Taboo natural veneers also allow for modern and creative solutions, as they are available in a wide range of wood species, colours and finishes.
The strengths of natural quilts also include their adaptability. Natural veneers with through-dyed veneers offer designers the opportunity to work with a wider colour palette while still maintaining the natural grain pattern of the wood. This gives the freedom to create coherent and distinctive spatial solutions for public spaces.
Which public spaces are best suited for natural veneers?
Natural veneers are suitable for a wide range of public spaces where aesthetics, sustainability and naturalness need to be combined. They work particularly well in spaces where the aim is to create a welcoming, high-quality and warm atmosphere.
In hotels and restaurants veneer sheets create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. They are often used in wall panels in reception areas, restaurant furniture and bar structures. Natural veneers help create atmospheric spaces that stay in the minds of customers.
In office spaces, veneered wall panels, furniture and doors are used to add softness to an otherwise technical environment. Conference rooms, lobbies and executive offices are typical locations where natural veneers add value and support the corporate image.
In schools and libraries, veneers are used to create calm and inspiring learning environments. In classrooms, reading areas and auditoriums, veneer surfaces provide warmth and acoustic control, promoting concentration and comfort.
In healthcare settings, such as hospital waiting rooms and patient rooms, natural tiles can contribute to healing by creating a homely and less institutional environment. When properly treated, they also meet the hygiene requirements of healthcare facilities.
In cultural venues such as concert halls, theatres and museums, natural quilts act both as a spectacular surface material and as an acoustic enhancer. In these spaces, veneers can also be used for artistic elements and special structures.
How can natural veneers be used in acoustic solutions?
Natural veneers are an excellent material for acoustic solutions in public spaces, combining functionality and visual appeal. Acoustic panels covered with veneers effectively control the echo and noise levels of a space while maintaining its aesthetic appearance.
Perforated and grooved acoustic panels are popular solutions for public spaces. In these panels, a natural veneer covers a perforated or grooved panel with a sound-absorbing material in the background. The structure allows sound waves to be absorbed into the panel while the veneer surface gives the space the desired wood look.
In public space wall and ceiling panels, natural veneers are an excellent complement to acoustic properties. Especially in high noise areas such as auditoriums, conference halls and restaurants, veneered acoustic panels are both a practical and aesthetic choice.
There are many different ways to implement a veneered acoustic element:
- In the form of whole wall tiles, covering large areas
- As individual panels or series of panels that can be strategically placed in acoustically critical locations
- Suspended ceiling solutions that blend discreetly into the architecture of the space
- As removable room dividers that act as both acoustic elements and space structuring structures
Another advantage of natural veneers in acoustic solutions is their customizability. The veneer surface can be realised in different wood colours, patterns and finishes, allowing the acoustic elements to be designed in line with the rest of the room. Bleed-through veneers offer greater design freedom for acoustic elements.
What are the technical requirements for the use of natural veneers in public spaces?
Natural tiles used in public spaces must meet a number of technical requirements to ensure safety, durability and functionality. Understanding these requirements is essential for successful design and implementation.
Fire safety is one of the most important requirements for public space materials. Natural veneers can be treated with fire retardants to improve their fire resistance. Veneer products used in public spaces must comply with the fire classification (usually B-s1, d0 or B-s2, d0) of the building regulations, which determine the material's flammability, smoke generation and combustible droplet yield.
Wear resistance is a key factor in high-traffic areas. Natural veneers should be protected with durable surface treatments such as UV-curable varnishes or oils. High quality veneered products allow the use of veneers even in very hard-wearing applications such as hotel lobbies and restaurants.
Public spaces also often have specific hygiene and cleanability requirements. Properly treated veneer surfaces are easy to clean and are also suitable for areas where regular disinfection is required. In particular, the surface treatment of veneers used in healthcare facilities must be resistant to cleaning agents and prevent microbial growth.
The technical properties of natural veneers can be improved by various treatments:
- Moisture protection prevents the veneers from warping or cracking in humidity fluctuations
- UV protection prevents colours from fading when exposed to sunlight
- Special surface treatments provide scratch resistance and easy cleanability
- Antibacterial surface treatments are particularly suitable for healthcare facilities
To veneers meet the requirements for public spaces, they are typically fixed to substrate materials such as fire-safe MDF or plywood. This improves the overall durability and technical properties of the product while maintaining the visual appearance of natural veneer.
How do natural veneers support sustainable development in public realm design?
Natural slices offer an environmentally friendly alternative to public space design for a number of reasons. They allow efficient use of wood material, as a significant amount of veneer can be obtained from a single tree compared to solid wood, thus supporting sustainable use of natural resources.
Responsible sourcing is key to the ecology of natural wilderness. Sourcing veneers from certified forests (such as FSC and PEFC) ensures that the material comes from sustainably managed forests. These certificates guarantee that forest management takes into account ecological, social and economic aspects.
The long life cycle of veneers makes them a sustainable choice for public spaces. Quality veneer surfaces retain their appearance and functionality for decades, reducing the need for material replacement and renewal. This extends the life cycle cost of the space and reduces the environmental impact.
As a natural material, wood acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide as it grows. Using natural quilts in public spaces can reduce the carbon footprint of a building compared to many synthetic materials, which are energy-intensive to manufacture.
Natural hatches also support circular economy thinking. Many veneer products can be recycled or used for energy production at the end of their life cycle. In addition, the by-products of veneer production can be used, for example, in the production of biofuels.
Ecology is an increasingly important criterion in public space design, and natural greenery meets this need. They meet the requirements of many environmental certifications (such as LEED and BREEAM) and support the environmental rating of buildings. Successful veneer surface implementations in public spaces show how ecology and aesthetics can be combined into a functional whole.
Finally, natural tiles offer a unique combination of aesthetics, sustainability and eco-friendliness for public spaces. We offer a comprehensive range of quality veneer products for public space projects and can help you find just the right solution for even the most demanding applications.