Interview #50 Carole Chuffart
Text: Matt Carey
Interview: Carole Chuffart
Case: Forutile for Étamine
All around the world, architects and designers are using BAUX Acoustic Tiles and Panels in exciting projects for great brands. In a series of newsletters, we aim to introduce you to a selection of projects and the mind masters behind the designs of these acoustic artworks. Why? Because there are endless design possibilities to share with the world. We simply will call these newsletters Interviews #.
This week, we’ve been catching up with Carole Chuffart, architect at Forutile, to discuss their interior solution for their client, Étamine.
Tell us about the design concept for Étamine’s new office space. What were the main goals of the project?
The goal was to create a workspace that met Étamine’s commitment to sustainability while providing functional and comfortable areas for their team to work. Étamine was very clear that they wanted natural, sustainable materials and a space that reflects their ethos. We also had to consider acoustics since the office includes open spaces as well as more private, closed-off areas for meetings and focused work.
How have you used BAUX materials?
The office has both open-plan work areas and smaller meeting rooms, so managing sound was important. We used BAUX wood wool ceiling tiles to define zones and soften sounds in the open spaces. They add structure, which helps organise the space visually. We didn’t want the sound to be overwhelming in the closed rooms, so we used BAUX ceiling tiles there too.
Was this your first time working with BAUX? How did you find that experience?
Yes, it was our first time working with BAUX and it was a great experience. We’d heard about their acoustic products and realised early on that BAUX would be a good fit for this project, especially since the materials needed to be natural and sustainably sourced. The colours and textures of BAUX wood wool provided an organic feel to the space, while the acoustic improvements made the interior cosier and more inviting. There’s so much versatility in how you can combine the BAUX tiles.
How has the feedback been from Étamine and the employees working in the space?
They love it! The space is functional, sustainable, and feels good to work in. Étamine specialises in environmental performance, and their office now reflects their vision perfectly.
What would your dream BAUX project look like?
There’s so much potential with BAUX materials. Personally, I’d like to use them in restaurants. In Paris, there are many restaurants with terrible acoustics, and this really affects the dining experience. It would be great to use BAUX to improve the acoustic environment for customers and make the whole experience more pleasant.
Feel free to download all files intended to help working professionals design, sketch and construct sustainable acoustical sound environments for large and small spaces.
