Troldtekt Launches New Acoustic Solution: Baffles Offer Great Flexibility In Design And Installation

The new Troldtekt® baffles present an elegant way to enhance room acoustics while respecting the existing architecture. The slim baffles are suspended vertically from the ceiling – giving the freedom to control the acoustics, visual expression, and even thermal indoor climate. Good acoustics are essential for well-being, focus, and comfortable conversation. Yet, in large spaces, a full acoustic ceiling is not always practical. In these cases, the new Troldtekt baffles provide a refined and flexible alternative.

Troldtekt baffles help create calm, pleasant acoustics in spaces with generous ceiling height – such as open-plan offices, retail spaces, educational buildings, and other areas where design and function must go hand in hand. Their slim, minimalist design in cement-bonded wood wool creates a light, transparent architectural expression that complements a wide range of interiors. "With the new baffles, we offer architects the freedom to design an acoustic solution that is both effective and visually integrated with an existing - or even heritage - ceiling structure", says Cécile Vassort, Head of Product, Marketing & Sustainability at Troldtekt A/S. "At the same time, we’ve made installation simple for contractors and installers through a range of flexible suspension methods – with an eye on using standard off-the-shelf components", she adds.

An effective sound absorber with an aesthetic design Each Troldtekt baffle consists of two 15 mm Troldtekt panels joined to form a slim 30 mm element. Suspended vertically, the baffles absorb sound on both sides, achieving a weighted sound absorption coefficient of up to αw = 0.55 – effectively reducing noise and improving speech clarity. The baffles can supplement existing wall or ceiling absorbers, or act as a stand-alone acoustic solution that maintains partial visibility of ceiling structures and services. As with all Troldtekt products, the baffles are made from certified wood (PEFC/09-31-030 or FSC® C115450) and cement – and produced at the company’s production facilities in Denmark. They are available in the following standard dimensions (30 mm thickness):

>300 × 600 mm

>300 × 1200 mm

>600 × 600 mm

>600 × 1200 mm

Easy to handle – multiple mounting options

Troldtekt baffles are easy to transport, stack, lift, and install – saving time and effort on site. Each baffle includes a visible aluminium top profile for simple, secure installation. The baffles can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended by wires, depending on the desired visual effect. "In buildings where materials such as concrete are used for their ability to absorb, store and release heat to reduce temperature fluctuations and reduce energy cost, acoustic ceilings cannot be used. Baffles are a great solution to create good acoustics while allowing airflow between the room and the exposed soffit, explains Cécile Vassort. She continues: "by adjusting the number, orientation, and suspension method, it is possible to find the right balance between acoustic comfort, airflow and design. We believe this solution will resonate with developers, architects, and contractors alike". www.troldtekt.co.uk

Bedrooms, Made Easy With Fully Pre-Assembled Storage from Life Trade

Providing a one-stop-shop for KBB trade professionals, independent retailers and specialists, Life Trade not only supplies high-quality, fully pre-assembled kitchen solutions – but it also supplies beautifully crafted made-to-order bedroom cabinets too.

With the option of 16 bedroom ranges, customers have the choice of both modern and traditional designs to suit a range of interior schemes. From the brand’s most popular Belsay Shaker family to the contemporary Porter and Venezia collections, due to size constraints, wardrobes come flat packed, but all other units are fully pre-assembled, complete with internals, fittings and frontals.

For contemporary homes, customers can choose from the Porter, Venezia and Sculpt families. A sleek door design featuring a vertical half integrated handle, Sculpt is ideal for those looking to create smooth, elegant silhouettes, while Venezia is a slab door which has a choice of a wide range of colours and finishes.

For those looking for a traditional Shaker style, the Mornington Beaded door is highly versatile and features a 5-piece real timber Shaker door with a narrow frame and timeless bead detailing. With a similar 5-piece Shaker door construction, the Belsay Beaded door is Life Trade’s simple, elegant and most affordable shaker range - with an authentic woodgrain effect, classic inner bead detail and v-grooves.

With the aim to reduce site time and increase project turnover for partners, Life Trade also works with some of the industry’s best suppliers, so partners have the latest innovations and components at their fingertips. Whether it’s LED lighting from Sycamore or furniture fittings from Blum, every order is made bespoke and delivered ready to install.  www.life-trade.co.uk 

What is Shaping 2026 Trends? With Havwoods

As homeowners continue to seek spaces that balance comfort, character and longevity, the design landscape for 2026 places a renewed focus on natural materials, elevated textures and refined colour palettes. Drawing on his experience as a judge at the prestigious British institute of Interior Design Awards, and his deep understanding of global design narratives, Paul Moody, Global Marketing & Digital Director at Havwoods, outlines the trends set to shape the year ahead - demonstrating how the brand’s extensive and carefully curated timber portfolio enables truly future-proof, beautifully crafted interiors. With an emphasis on responsibly sourced timber with an incredible portfolio of species, colours and patterns across multiple surface applications, Havwoods continues to lead the conversation on timber surfaces that deliver both beauty and durability.

Warm Neutrals

“Soft, comforting tones, including warm neutrals, clays and muted browns, remain central to 2026 interiors. These shades help to create a cocooning, grounded atmosphere and work effortlessly alongside natural materials such as wood and stone. Their versatility means they can be used to soften contemporary spaces or bring balance and warmth to more traditional settings. Designers looking to incorporate this palette often gravitate toward gently toned timber flooring, which enhances the sense of calm and natural harmony. Some of the lighter oaks and subtle honey hues of our extensive flagship Venture Plank collection are a great example, offering colours that sit quietly within the scheme while reinforcing the trend’s understated, nature-led character.”

Look Beyond the Floor

“In 2026, timber planks as wall panelling and wood veneers will continue to introduce warmth, texture and architectural depth into a space. Designers and homeowners are increasingly using wood to create feature walls that feel refined rather than rustic, favouring slim profiles, clean lines and soft, natural tones that enhance a room without overwhelming it. This trend celebrates timber as a tactile, calming backdrop, which is ideal for living areas, bedrooms and transitional spaces where a sense of quiet luxury is desired. Premium veneers such as our Elegante range, introduce three-dimensional natural beauty to walls, ceilings and curved architectural features, whereas materials such as Brezza, from our Italian Collection, exemplify the type of contemporary timber surface that works beautifully on vertical applications, helping to create interiors that feel both grounded and elevated.”

Tactile Texture

“Tactility continues to grow in importance for 2026, with interiors increasingly celebrating the authentic aesthetic of natural materials. Designers are gravitating toward surfaces that showcase visible grain, natural wood textures and handcrafted patterning - elements that add depth and character, while maintaining a sense of calm. This renewed interest in organic texture is also encouraging the use of innovative, wood-based surfaces that offer subtle variation and a crafted sensibility. Havwoods’ TreeAzzo range introduces a modern, terrazzo-influenced approach to timber, showing how pattern and natural warmth can be combined in a refined, contemporary way. Used on floors, kitchen surfaces, tabletops or vertical applications, these softly tonal surfaces help bring movement and a comforting, tactile dimension to interior schemes.”

Creating Zones with Flooring

“With open-plan layouts continuing to dominate residential design, flooring has become an effective tool for subtle spatial zoning. Homeowners and designers are increasingly using pattern variations - such as herringbone, chevron or Versailles panels - to guide movement, define living areas or frame dining zones without relying on physical partitions. These shifts in plank formats help to introduce architectural rhythm and layered visual interest whilst maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic. A wide choice of formats enables specifiers and homeowners to create gentle transitions that enhance both functionality and flow within open-plan spaces.”

Sustainability as a Design Essential

“Sustainability remains a defining design driver for 2026, influencing not only the material choices but the wider aesthetic and ethical direction of interior spaces. As homeowners seek environments that feel meaningful, enduring and genuinely connected to nature, materials with clear provenance and low-impact credentials are becoming central to every trend conversation. Havwoods’ long-standing commitment to responsibly sourced timber, reduced-waste manufacturing and transparent material assessment aligns seamlessly with this shift. Our products and supply chain are supported by the industry’s most respected environmental certifications, demonstrating how you can achieve a refined, luxury finish without compromising environmental integrity. Through rigorous supply-chain responsibility and ongoing carbon-reduction initiatives, Havwoods supports the growing demand for interiors that are not only beautiful, but consciously crafted for the future.” www.havwoods.com/uk