How does FAZR work with Rockfon® materials?

FAZR’s patent-pending design locks PET slats into the double-hooked Rockfon® metal carrier for secure, stable, and impact-proof ceiling coverage. Rockfon® carrier components are stocked at Fräsch: 12-foot symmetrical carrier, 24”/36”/50” stabilizer bar, and the carrier splice. Metal trim is available from Rockfon® for an exposed perimeter.

Why should architects and designers choose FAZR?

It’s a perfect combination with the PET solutions we’re known for that offer elevated aesthetics along and Rockfon® components. The visual created by FAZR is a design-forward alternative to the traditional tile-like T-grid ceiling.

It’s also incredibly easy to install, which helps with time, budget, and overall convenience on a job. Very little training to become familiar with the installation is required. Plus, the patented hook & lock design for above-plenum accessibility offered by FAZR's removable individual slats helps with installation and maintenance. Field cuts can be made using off-the-shelf tools (like a jig saw with a non-serrated blade, speed square, straight edge, circle template, or utility knife) for ceiling obstacles such as sprinklers, vents, lights, and audio components.

Are there any design limitations when ordering FAZR?

Not at all! The PET components are offered in all 36 colors from our catalog as well as printed wood grain. Dovetail filler slats can be added for a flat plane closed plenum ceiling or left off for an open look. PET slats can also be pattern-cut for a customized look. Superior acoustical performance ratings of NRC 0.9 with the filler slats and NRC 0.7 without the slats provide a clean linear look with excellent functionality and accessibility.

In addition to paying homage to the surrounding mountainous landscape, curating pieces from local artists, and using light to evoke a positive emotional response, a major design element of the Metrodora offices is Fräsch acoustic solutions. Providing privacy, comfort, and quiet are paramount in the space and the Fräsch products installed throughout do just that.

The telehealth rooms, for example, are small offices that act as private phone booths for each doctor. Long, narrow hallways are lined with these rooms that have glass walls, allowing passersby to see Fräsch Diamond on the walls inside. “It’s really interesting visually when you walk down that hallway and see this beautiful product on the walls,” Dickamore said. “But it’s also very helpful for sound quality of the calls taking place. Diamond provides great acoustics and it’s interesting to look at.”

Metrodora opened its doors in April 2023 and in addition to being well-received by patients, its design quickly garnered industry attention, earning the Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA) Gold 2024 Construction Excellence Award and being named Interior Design Best of Year 2023 Honoree in Healthcare. The facility aims to see 20,000 patients with neuroimmune axis disorders yearly and improve their treatment by bringing down barriers between medical specialists.

Into the Blue

In commercial interior design, every color choice carries significant weight, affecting moods, productivity, and even consumer habits. Among these hues, blue stands out as a versatile and impactful option, known for its calming yet invigorating properties. Delving into the psychological effects of using blue in commercial interiors unveils a fascinating interplay between color and the human psyche.

However, it's essential to strike a balance when integrating blue into commercial interiors, as excessive use can potentially evoke feelings of coldness or detachment. Pairing blue with warm accent colors or incorporating natural elements can help create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that the space remains both aesthetically pleasing and psychologically beneficial.

Furthermore, the specific shade of blue chosen can significantly impact its psychological effects. Lighter shades, such as sky blue or baby blue, tend to induce feelings of tranquility and openness, making them well-suited for healthcare facilities or educational environments. In contrast, darker shades, like navy or royal blue, exude a sense of authority and sophistication, making them ideal for corporate offices or upscale retail settings.

The Future is Green

Have you considered using green in an upcoming interiors project? Green design elements deliver striking aesthetic accents while impacting moods and emotions in many positive ways. Consider the following psychological effects of being surrounded by green hues:

3. Stress reduction: Studies suggest that exposure to green can help reduce stress levels. Green interiors, especially those inspired by natural environments, may contribute to creating spaces that promote mental well-being and lower stress. This is particularly helpful in healthcare settings and workplaces where day-to-day occurrences may be mentally taxing.

4. Boosting creativity: Some shades of green are associated with creativity and innovation. Incorporating green into workspaces or areas where creative thinking is encouraged can stimulate the mind and inspire fresh ideas. As such, green is a great choice for schools, offices or spaces where collaboration and creativity converge.

5. Refreshing and revitalizing: Green is often linked to renewal and rejuvenation. In interior design, green accents can add a refreshing touch, creating revitalizing and energizing spaces. Consider this color family for hospitality spaces including guest rooms and spas.

6. Optimistic vibes: Green is generally associated with positive qualities like growth, abundance, and safety. Because of this connection, designing destinations with green can help foster an optimistic atmosphere, making people feel uplifted and hopeful.

7. Versatility and adaptability: From seafoam to emerald, Green’s versatility allows for various design options to suit different preferences and purposes, adapting to the desired mood for a specific space.

The Power of Color

Color is a powerful tool that influences our emotions, behaviors, and perceptions. When used purposefully in commercial interiors, color can impact experiences within these spaces. From creating a calming atmosphere to enhancing productivity, the choice of color is an integral part of the design process to deliver desired outcomes.

Color Psych

Understanding the psychological nuances of color empowers us to make intentional choices that align with design goals. Color psychology is often described as “the study of hues as a determinant of human behavior.” The way color affects human moods and behavior has a history going back to ancient Egypt where people used color for influence and holistic benefits. Blue was thought to soothe pain, orange increased energy, red helped circulation, etc.

The study of color expanded with the development of modern psychology. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, for example, defined the four temperaments in terms of colors: sunshine yellow, earth green, cool blue, and fiery red. With this refined understanding of how people are affected by colors, color psychology has been integrated into interior and architectural design for decades.

When using color for interior design, the process often starts with the use of a color wheel. The standard color wheel includes:

Complementary Colors – These hues are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange or yellow and violet. Complementary colors are usually used as accent colors in small quantities.

Triads – Triads form a triangle on the color wheel, like yellow, blue, and red or orange, green, and violet. When used as accent colors, these tones work best when balanced. Otherwise, they can overwhelm a room.

Analogous Colors – These are groups of colors that are right beside each other on the color wheel; red, orange, and red/orange are examples.

Put it Into Practice

Fräsch’s new expanded color catalog is complete with tones that match moods and themes for any interior. Contact a rep today for assistance in receiving a color sample box and/or starting an interior project

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How does FELTLAP stack up acoustically?

Like many other surfaces found in office spaces, traditional wood shiplap is hard, smooth and reflective: a trifecta capable of bouncing multiple sound waves in different directions creating reverb. Unlike traditional shiplap, FELTLAP offers the high performing acoustical capabilities of P.E.T.. With an NRC rating of up to 0.75 and an option for custom printed wood finishes, FELTLAP offers the look of traditional shiplap without the extra noise—a sound choice, if you ask us.

Custom Printed Wood Finish Options

Many designers gravitate towards shiplap because of its clean distinct lines and warm wood finish it brings to a space. FELTLAP is no different. Because its design was inspired by traditional shiplap, we’re proud to offer it in custom printed wood finishes that are nearly identical in appearance to traditional wood shiplap.

Or, if you prefer, select one of our 34 different P.E.T. color options, or combine woodprint with a solid color for something magical.

FELTLAP was developed to be easily installed on both walls and ceilings, either vertically or horizontally, making it an incredibly versatile design element. Traditional shiplap installation is anything but DIY friendly as it typically requires an electric saw, nail gun, and loads of patience. Watch this install video to see just how easy our alternative is.

We’ve even thought of finishing touches, like Flannery Extrusions to cap off sections or edges of your installed FELTLAP or outlet covers to give you that finished look.

Begin your journey with FELTLAP here 

We can’t wait to see how you incorporate FELTLAP into your designs. Take the first step by requesting a quote or sample to find some inspiration, and then, let us know how you FELTLAP.

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GROWING DESIGN IDEAS

Vega embraces a work from home model, so the new office needed decided cross-collaboration, socialization, and individual workspaces. An added challenge? Sprinklers and other building systems including pipes along the windows needed to be maintained. After meeting with the Vega project team, Erica Wickes, 34F’s Principal and CEO, devised a design plan that kept going back to Vega’s core values and would incorporate elements of the earth: lots of greenery, nods to sustainability and layers of light, with some creative installation techniques and building control concealment.

THE BEGINNINGS OF SOMETHING MAGICAL

The space was infused with natural elements including concrete, glass, wood and plants. Whenever possible, sustainable products were chosen – and this spanned the gamut of product categories including paint with plant-based pigments and dyes, carpet with natural materials, PET felt acoustic products, and more.

Erica thoughtfully juxtaposed hard and soft elements whenever she could: concrete floors were balanced with sound-masking PET acoustic baffles at the ceiling; a moss wall was installed to play off a full wall installation of STRATAWOOD acoustic panels with linear wood slats. Thoughtfully placed, the lines of STRATAWOOD gracefully mimic the “V” in Vega, with multiple wood tones incorporated throughout for perceived movement. The natural look of wood was echoed in the woodgrain printed BLADE BAFLs, and likewise, the interesting installation was mimicked by rotating installation directions of the baffles themselves.

She also added in some elements of intrigue and whimsy: a custom-sloped glass wall challenges the principles of physics while a blender bicycle adds a focal point – and conversation (and smoothie!) starter - in the kitchen.

This stunning 10,000 square foot renovation was accomplished over the span of five months. All in all, the overall look of a forest knoll was achieved, and a color palette incorporating Vega’s new branding guidelines stays true to the company’s mission and values. Fräsch products helped to achieve this level of sophistication and serenity that is so important to Vega and will be appreciated by all who enter the space.

The goal of the design team was to inject both interest and energy into the renovated spaces, particularly the healthcare side of the renovation. All this…while dividing the space into multiple meeting areas including a lobby, executive lounge, event center, conference room, training center and individual meeting rooms.

The decision was made to strip away the standard T-Grid drop-in ceiling tiles and harsh fluorescent lighting fixtures in favor of more interesting and aesthetically and acoustically pleasing products. The color palette was likewise thoughtfully chosen to create warm and inviting spaces.

In terms of challenges, the greatest one came about mid-project but was overcome with elbow grease and a few wooden boards. With the building so open, when it came time to install a large ceiling product, there wasn’t a place to rest it during its assembly that would support it as it neared completion. To combat this, a wooden frame was constructed to box in the array before it would be hoisted to the ceiling. Aside from this small-time set-back, the project was completed smoothly and on-time due to the research and planning that was conducted before the first piece of building material was stripped away for the renovation to begin.

This project is an ideal example of how open offices can be converted into more modern and multi-use spaces without sacrificing one benefit for another. Sometimes products can be both beautiful and help to improve acoustics. Sometimes you can have your cake and eat it, too.

BAFL KIT

Combine the high-performing acoustical capabilities of PET felt with the natural and pleasing aesthetic of wood.

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SPOT

SPOT is sleek and flat-roofed privacy pod. This “modular office” ships flat and can be assembled in minutes thanks to our proprietary hardware technology.

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PANL

Sometimes off-the-wall ideas end up putting products ON the wall. That’s precisely what we did with PANL, which to many, was exclusively thought of as a hanging divider – not so!

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Hung on a wall, it transforms into a beautiful art installation that helps to improve a room’s acoustics. Give PANL another look if you are in the market for an eye-catching and interesting design.

Alcove, like Spot, detailed above, is a privacy pod. Alcove, however, is smaller and provides more intimate space division. Interior Design Magazine recognized its potential and named it a Best of Year Honoree.

Interior Design also shone a light on Etch Arc, our latest wall tile product, likewise naming it a 2022 Honoree. The pattern and overall installed appearance can change dramatically just by rotating the position of tiles.

Our third industry nod was made in the direction of Hashtag, our latest ceiling baffle product. This unique and customizable suspension system incorporates our proprietary hardware to create a distinct look that provides optimal acoustic performance. We’re proud to say that Architectural Record named Hashtag a Record Product of the Year.

NEW DIGS

Have you heard about our move? In early October 2022, after settling into our “new digs” in Grand Prairie, friends, family, and close business associates were invited to an Open House event that was one for the books. Our new office will help to expand manufacturing capabilities of our wide range of custom and existing products formed from eco-friendly PET felt.

In addition, it leaves room for continued, future growth, with space for a showroom and classrooms, perfect for product demonstrations and rep training sessions. Be sure to sign up to receive our eblasts and follow us across social media for updates on future events in our new space.

NEW CEUs

We also invite you to keep an eye on our CEU calendar for future presentation dates of new CEUs in the coming year. Our two current offerings have been taught to thousands both in-person and online. We are confident that our forthcoming classes will be met with the same gusto.

We fully intend to ride the wave and carry more positivity and new and exciting things into 2023. We hope you’ll join us on our journey.

EASY ASSEMBLY

Despite their dramatic appearance, products from 14six8 are surprisingly easy to assemble. Many come together without the use of tools due to their built-in friction slots.

NO GLUE

This built-in interlocking technology means that once 14six8 products are received, you won’t require any extra “ingredients” like glue to assemble or install them.

SHIPS FLAT

Because every installation is assembled on-site, the parts can ship flat, reducing the overall carbon footprint.

REIMAGINED IN 9MM PET

To make 14six8 products more accessible, they have recently been reimagined and re-engineered from 12mm PET to 9mm PET. This change positively impacts both the price point and installation without negatively affecting the acoustics.

12mm | .65 – .80 NRC
9mm | .65 – .85 NRC

13 NEW COLORS

This change even ADDS color options—13 more to be exact!

SIMPLIFIED HARDWARE & INSTALLATION

The engineering changes allow 14six8 products to be installed using traditional Fräsch hardware. These new and improved options mean easier installation. Win, win.

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From Concept to Creation

A Sit Down with Gary Nightingale,
Founder and President of Fräsch

After the tremendous interest in our recent R&D webinar sessions, we thought a next best step would be to peel back the curtain a bit more to hear about what goes into each of our designs. And who better to speak to the process than our Founder and President and prolific product designer, Gary Nightingale. We were fortunate that Gary was able to spare some time to sit down with our marketing team for a Q&A session. We hope you find the exchange as informative and interesting as we did!

ABOUT R&D

Fräsch:

The last Fräsch webinar focused on new product offerings in the R&D stage. This is the first time you’ve shared things in development in such a public setting. What was the reasoning behind this?

Gary:

While we are a process-driven company, we are fluid and nimble in our approach to design and that gives us freedom to customize and modify products easily. Standard products are the foundation, but modifying existing design, customizing solutions for the A&D community, and thinking outside the box is what makes us stand out.

Sharing some of the ideas we’re mulling helps others celebrate breakthroughs with us and also gives us insight into likes and dislikes. With this feedback, we’re able to make refinements before things go to market. We like to stay on trend and in many instances ahead of trends, but we also want to listen and deliver products that speak to our customers. This is a way to find a nice balance.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

Fräsch:

Where do you find your design inspiration?

Gary:

We are driven to find ways to refine how things “are done” and always ask ourselves …can it look better? …can it be installed easier? …can it solve a different problem? …can it be produced more efficiently? …is it bad-ass? And is it sustainable? Everything we do is with sustainability in mind.

INNOVATION

Fräsch:

In addition to talking about new product ideas, we also heard about some product refinements in the works. Can you speak to that at all?

Gary:

Some of our most recent innovations have been around finding new and better ways to cut and fold PET, developing patentable methods of attachment and installation, and forming and molding PET achieving notable improvements in acoustical performance. We’re excited about where things are headed and will be making some more announcements in the weeks and months to come.

CLOSING

Fräsch:

Do you have any closing thoughts or something you’d like to share with those reading this?

Gary:

Honestly, I’d just close by saying thank you to our customers and fans for being a part of our R&D discussion. It’s through information-exchanges that we can remain tuned into the market and our customers, to deliver solutions that are interesting and innovative.

Reimagining Designs:

Whenever possible, we’re reimaging our designs to remove wood as a way to decrease our environmental impact. An added benefit, of course, are lighter products that are even easier to install—a win-win!

Minimizing Waste:

We use material drop-offs to produce samples of our products, rather than requiring additional materials to be processed, shipped and stored at our facility. Because colors of product samples vary depending on what felt we have on hand, we also offer color swatch samples to give a sense of how the Fräsch design would look in your space. There’s no telling the overall impact of this move, but it’s one we are especially proud of.

In addition, all of our acoustical applications are manufactured in the USA. We further strive to reduce our carbon footprint by offering acoustical solutions that ship flat whenever possible.

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Sustainability Product & Building Certifications

We are LEED, REACH, Declare and Green Building certified as well as Red List Free and RoHS Compliant. Use of our acoustical solutions can even help contribute to sustainably certified projects by helping earn LEED points.

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It Really IS Easy Being Green

Interested in learning more about PET or our products, our commitment to sustainability or how we can contribute to your own environmental goals? Feel free to reach out. We’ll be happy to discuss ways to help you go green.

Industry Accolades

Thanks to your support and some leading industry outlets, Fräsch products received some time in the spotlight with award nominations and wins.

STRATAWOOD

Combine the high-performing acoustical capabilities of PET felt with the natural and pleasing aesthetic of wood.

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SPOKE LIGHT

SPOKE is light and sound working together in perfect harmony. Choose from three shapes: Circle, Rectangle or Triangle.

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VIBE

Create architectural geometry with Vibe, a three-dimensional wall or ceiling application with a hollow cavity for optimal sound absorption.

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NEW COLORS

We added to the Stratawood woodgrain offerings with these beauties in 2021.

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NEW PATTERNS

We also added to the available PANL patterns to choose from.

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The Palm Collection

Bringing the outside in with Palm 1 or 2—or a combination of both. The symmetry in the perforations make for pleasing lines and can lend themselves to a zen-like atmosphere, effortlessly. Choose a green hue for a nature-inspired look, or a bold color like black or red, to make an impact.

Birch

Resembling the fine markings of a birch tree, our Birch perforation plays on the biophilic design trend and our human instinct to connect with nature. In a black, white or tan color, this PANL could lean toward an animal print. In green, some might see leaves rustling in the wind. In blue, gentle rain. What do you see?

City Block

Take a spin around the City Block. Bold and inspired, you’ll get all the intrigue of the city…without having to endure the traffic.GibsonA traditional Gibson isn’t complete with its garnish. Find that extra something in our Gibson design and all its whimsy.

Gibson

A traditional Gibson isn’t complete with its garnish. Find that extra something in our Gibson design and all its whimsy.

The Wind Collection

Just like a gentle breeze this collection is named for, our Wind patterns create movement and airiness alone or when grouped together.

Need more inspiration?

See Our Full Collection of Patterns

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The term “biophilia” is defined as a human instinct to connect with nature. Biophilic design is therefore a way for natural elements to be incorporated into a space. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the term, you likely are already familiar with the concept.

Ask yourself:

• How often have you read a real estate listing touting light and airy rooms?
• Do you find yourself more comfortable or at ease in spaces filled with houseplants or fresh-cut flowers?
• Over the past several years, have you noticed a rise in the popularity of natural building materials like wood and stone?

These are but three examples of the powerful effect nature and natural materials can have on a space—and on the people inhabiting it.

The Rise of Biophilic Design

This video shared on CNN Health does a good job summing up the concept of biophilia and in doing so, highlights a study conducted by Slovakian researchers that touts the power of nature and natural materials.

[4:09] Timber has the ability to affect your physiological response to [a] space. A study in Slovakia compared a clinical waiting room made of wood with one made of laminate. Patients involved were calmer and less stressed in the wooden room, and the longer they stayed there, the more active their brains became. They were less afraid and nervous, and their memory and ability to think increased.

[Natural design is] a stepping stone to a wider environmental sense of responsibility and concern. And encourages us to become citizens of the planet.

Frankly, we couldn’t agree more—and we are delighted that biophilia is rising in popularity for the benefit of us all.

We are cognizant that sound affects our moods, well-being and even productivity, and acoustically speaking, we approach product design and development with this in mind. Aesthetically speaking, we strive to offer a well-balanced product line including offerings with natural appearances and finishes.

OPTION 1 – Wood-Grain Printed PET Felt

Adding to our color offerings and in response to the rise in demand for products that support biophilic design, we’re proud to announce two new colors: 03P Rich Soil and 04P Grey Wash. Both can easily be incorporated into a design, whether it be rustic or contemporary. These additions join 02P Pecan Medium Brown and 01P Birch Light Brown, two rich and natural PET color choices.

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OPTION 2 – Stratawood

Wood-veneered Stratawood is one of our newest product offerings, and because of its versatility and recent accolades, is quickly becoming one of our most popular. With Stratawood, you’re able to create a linear design that can carry from ceiling to wall.

What is it? Panels comprised of wood-grain veneer with a black, PET backing. Stratawood comes in two varieties: Stratawood and Stratawood Lite, the difference being the weight of each panel and their NRC ratings.

• Stratawood: 24” x 96”x 0.87” | 35 lbs. | NRC .80–.55 depending on installation method
• Stratawood Lite: 24” x 96”x 0.37” | 4.8 lbs. | NRC .70–.40 depending on installation method

How is it applied? Installation is a snap – Stratawood can be glued or screwed directly to any existing ceiling or wall. A recent webinar presentation breaks down all the particulars for you.

Want to see Stratawood in person?
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Want to Learn More?

Reserve a Seat

Join an upcoming CEU or request your own presentation of Acoustics & The Modern Human: Sound Elements As Part Of A Biophilic Design.

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