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Underpinned by our Scandinavian design heritage, we bring you regular stories about architecture and interiors, exploring natural materials, acoustics, and the creation of safe and harmonious environments.
GLOBAL
Many wood species that have long defined architectural interiors – such as teak and other tropical hardwoods – are today restricted or unsuitable to use. Requirements for sustainability, traceability and responsible sourcing have changed how materials can be selected and specified. At the same time, these materials remain present in our buildings. In historic environments, they are often what define the architectural identity. Replacing red-listed wood species in architecture is therefore not only a technical task – it is about preserving what already exists, without compromising today’s responsibilities.
CHALLENGE
For architects and clients, this creates a clear tension. The desired visual expression is often already defined, but the material traditionally used to achieve it is no longer an option. At the same time, the requirements remain.
Acoustic performance, fire safety and long-term durability must still be achieved.
Requirements for sustainability, traceability and responsible sourcing have fundamentally changed how materials can be specified. Certification systems such as FSC®, where materials can be traced throughout the entire chain from forest to finished product, have become an important part of ensuring responsible use of wood.
The risk of losing both character and performance
Replacing a material is not simply a matter of selecting another wood species. Without the right knowledge and processing, the result risks becoming a compromise – both visually and technically.
This often lead to challenges such as:
-Loss of depth, variation and material character.
-Inconsistent surfaces across large continuous areas.
-Reduced acoustic performance due to reflective materials.
-Difficulty meeting fire requirements.
In large public environments, this is not only visible – it affects the entire spatial experience.
SOLUTION
Recreating the expression – without using the material
In projects such as House of People, this challenge becomes very clear. The architectural ambition was to create a warm, expressive wood surface with the depth and variation of traditional hardwoods – without using them.
Instead of the red-listed species teak, the solution was to work with oak and develop a controlled process for colouring and finishing. By carefully managing pigmentation, structure and finish, it is possible to achieve an expression very close to the original – but with a material that is sustainable and available.
This required a combination of:
-Knowledge of wood structure, grain and ageing behaviour.
-Precision in pigmentation and surface treatment.
-Consistency across large-scale production.
The result is a material that appears natural and cohesive, even in complex environments.
To achieve this, the material cannot be treated as an isolated surface, but as part of a complete system.
SYSTEM
Material as part of an acoustic system
The panel is not just a surface, but a construction where each layer serves a purpose.
The visible wood surface is designed to allow sound to pass through. Behind it, absorbing layers capture sound energy. The core provides stability and ensures that the panel maintains its shape over time, even with changes in indoor climate.
This means the solution:
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Reduces reverberation and improves acoustic comfort
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Meets high fire safety requirements
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Maintains its appearance and colour over time
Because the system is developed as a whole, its performance can be predicted – both acoustically and visually.
You can read more about how the systems are structured here:
INTEGRATION
Preserving architectural intent
In many projects, it is essential that new elements do not appear new. By combining material knowledge with system solutions, the architecture can remain intact while performance is upgraded.
This means:
– The visual expression is preserved.
– Acoustic performance is improved.
– Fire and sustainability requirements are met.
This is particularly important in public environments where both function and experience must perform over time.
Renovation and transformation projects
This approach becomes especially relevant in restoration and transformation projects. New elements must integrate with existing structures – without creating visible differences or technical issues.
In projects such as St Per’s School auditorium and Stockholm City Hall, acoustic solutions are integrated into existing architecture with respect for both material and design – while fully meeting modern requirements.
PERSPECTIVE
A shift in how materials are defined
This reflects a broader shift in architecture. Material selection is no longer defined by appearance alone, but by how well the material performs within a given context.
Today, every decision must balance:
-Sustainability and availability.
-Technical performance.
-Long-term stability.
This requires closer collaboration between architects, suppliers and technical specialists.
It is no longer about replacing one material with another – but about working with systems, where material, construction and performance are developed together.
VENEERS
Alternatives to red-listed veneers
To meet these demands, Gustafs has developed alternatives to red-listed veneer species.
One example is Gemini, consisting of pre-coloured veneers that offer a controlled and consistent expression. In addition, natural veneers can be further developed through surface treatment, where pigmented lacquers are used to colour-match and recreate the tone, depth and variation of more restricted wood species.
By combining the right wood species with tailored surface treatment, it is possible to achieve a result very close to the original expression – using materials that are sustainable, available and suitable for long-term use.
Explore veneer possibilities:
STORIES
Replacing red-listed wood in Acoustic Architecture
From limitation to engineered solution – Wood species that once defined interiors are becoming harder to use. New demands for sustainability and traceability are reshaping material choices—and opening the door to new solutions.
Carefully renewed – with an eye on the future
Morten Johansson from DinellJohansson talks about House of People and their work to modernize the interior while preserving the building’s character.
Accessible design with Cubo Arkitekter
Per Ravn from Cubo Arkitekter talks about the design of a ten-storey commercial building in Oslo.
Gustafs Linear Rib wins public vote in Archello Awards 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that Gustafs Linear Rib has been recognized as the Public Vote Winner in the Wall Finish of the Year category at the Archello Awards 2025.
Bold ceiling design in British public library
John Comer from HTA Design speaks about the Una Marson Library project, where Gustafs Linear Ribs clad the ceiling in a diamond-shaped pattern.
Norway Leads the Way – Where Nature, Material, and Architecture Meet
Norway is setting the pace in Scandinavian architecture. A new generation of buildings is emerging — where sustainability, acoustic comfort, and timeless aesthetics are brought together through intelligent design.
Design Trends 2026: Natural Materials and Acoustic Wellness in Modern Interiors
In 2025 and into 2026, interior design continues to embrace natural materials and acoustic wellness as defining qualities of modern spaces. Designers are blending organic textures – warm wood, natural stone, woven fibres – with thoughtful sound design to create interiors that are both beautiful and comfortable to live and work in.
Studio Ulster: Belfast’s new world-class virtual production hub
Gareth Andrews from RPP Architects shares his thoughts around this newly opened virtual production facility, Studio Ulster, in Belfast, and their selection of Gustafs panels on the walls in the screening room.
How to Improve Acoustics in Swimming Pools and Spas
How to Improve Acoustics in Swimming Pools and Spas
5 Environmental Tips That Make a Difference
Noise and reverberation are hidden performance-drainers, but with the right material choices, it’s possible to create school environments that both feel and function better.
Smarter building with reuse – panels get new life in London
Global design practice Hassell talks about the Fora workspace in London, where Gustafs panels were reused and given new life.
Sustainable Building Materials for Architecture
When sustainability is discussed in the construction industry, it’s often about future visions. For Gustafs, it’s already reality.
Material selection for Norway’s National Police Emergency Response Unit
Håvard Slinde from Nordic Office of Architecture discuss the materials selected for the project.
Architects Gray Baynes + Shew interview
GBS Architects’ Fiona Godlement speaks about their reconfiguration of Radley College Science Block.
Report from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2025
We summarize our week in the Swedish capital, where we participated in the annual furniture fair.
Wellbeing and sustainability for Vilnius office
Lithuanian interior design studio DVI tell us about their recent workspace project.
Flexible office space built for the future
Myles Burke from PLP Architecture talks about the Arbor building in central London, where 300 sqm of Gustafs Linear Rib is installed in the entrance area.
Rustic elegance in the English countryside
Interior Designer Stephanie Dunning speaks about the ‘cathedral like’ Exton Hall building at Exton Park Vineyard, and the installation of Gustafs Linear Ribs in the ceiling.
Tradition meets the contemporary
We explore a new intarsia artwork designed by artist Anna Hedström for Gustafs. Collaboration is an important aspect of our creative approach at Gustafs, we love to test what can happen when creativity and craftsmanship merge!
Achieving natural room acoustics: A holistic approach
Experienced acoustician Johan de Sousa Mestre uses a blend of perforations for best reverberation and diffusivity in his search for optimal room acoustics.
Gustafs presents Feltfon range
We introduce a new acoustic line with felt absorbers inspired by nature, offering a wide selection of silent designs for both walls and ceilings.
New design: Lamellow+ Puzzle
Explore new design possibilities with our latest Lamellow+ design; Puzzle. This collection features twelve unique models that offer limitless assembly variations.
New collections offer unlimited potential
Gustafs is inviting architects to use its products as a springboard for their own creativity.
Gustafs awarded Brand of the Year
Gustafs was nominated twice at Stjärngalan 2024, winning the Brand of the Year category.
Unlocking potential in 3D printing
Designer Simon Mattisson’s collaboration with Gustafs to 3D print acoustic panels from waste materials.
Material choices in healthcare environments
BDP’s Vicky Casey on using natural materials in Southmead Hospital, Bristol.
The future of retail interiors
Learn why experience and materials are the key to the future of retail.
Gustafs celebrates ‘A Living History’
Creative agency Nineties Studio explain the concept behind Gustafs new brand identity.
Three thoughts on materials and lighting work
Experienced consultant Paul Nulty on how to combine lighting and materials such as wood.
Scandinavia’s first zero-energy hotel
House of Choice by White Arkitekter gives guests a greener choice.
Three thoughts on reuse in architecture
Carol Costello, practice leader of Cullinan Studio, discusses what architecture studios can do to reduce their environmental impact.
Redeveloping a historic building
Hawkins\Brown tell us how they approached the modernisation of a Grade II Listed building in London.
Three materials of the future
Chris Lefteri, renowned expert in material technology, speaks about materials of the future.
Karen Haller on colour in interiors
Colour expert Karen Haller tells us how behavioural colour and design psychology can create harmonious interiors.
Introducing Feltfon Linear
Gustafs introduces Feltfon Linear, a customisable linear felt solution which gives a soft, warmth to walls and ceilings.
Our guide to the top five interiors in ash
From courtrooms to concert halls. We list five favourite projects that use ash.
3XN’s centre for climate research and collaboration
Jan Ammundsen talks through Denmark’s gamechanging Klimatorium scheme
An introduction to office acoustics
An overview of how material choices affect sound absorption in a workplace environment.
An introduction to neurodiversity in design
We explore how workplace design can be adapted for people with neurodiverse conditions.
The design of accessible workplaces
A conversation with Daniel Rönnqvist, Architect and Accessibility Consultant at Gatun Arkitekter, about human-centered architecture and workplace design.
Three thoughts on building materials, with Jan Ammundsen
3XN’s Design Director explains the studio’s approach to material selection.
The importance of silent study spaces
Architect Colin Moses reflects on his key learnings from the University of Bedfordshire library project.
Designing for mental wellbeing
Exploring how architects can create happy cities by designing for mental wellbeing.
Wooden Ribs: New research in fire safety
Fire engineer Håvard Strøm Halvorsen examines interiors with wooden ribs.
Three reasons why I love wood
Property developer Folkhem’s Anna Ervast Öberg talks about her favourite material.
Flexible learning environments
An interview with Graven’s Ross Hunter on designing multi-use education spaces.
Three key points to know about fire safe wooden panels
The benefits of avoiding fire retardants, and other important points.
Does architecture affect blood pressure?
Workplaces designed with acoustics in mind can avoid noise and stress.
Associated Architects on University libraries
Joe Belcher lists his key learnings from The Davison Library, University of London.
Malmö Live, a community house on an international scale
We chat to Kristian Ahlmark of Schmidt Hammer Lassen about how this “city within a city” was designed for the local community.
The top 3 trends in Swedish school design
We examine how architects focus on daylight, acoustics and materials in educational facilities.
Helping architects design spaces with great acoustics
Experiencing how buildings sound at the design stage: we look at a new research project of sound simulation software.
Scandinavian design essence by Tengbom
Take a trip around Arlanda VIP Services as Mark Humphreys of Tengbom Arkiteker explains how it epitomises Scandinavian style.
A deeper dive into forest bathing
Jenny Lovebo of Linnaeus University answers three questions on the wellbeing effects of forests.
A wealth of wood at Hejmdal Cancer Patients House in Aarhus
The wooden interior of Hejmdal Cancer Patients House.
The new campus of Stockholm’s Royal College of Music
Architect Annika Askerblom of AIX explains how interior design and acoustic excellence were combined to create stunning performances spaces.
Optimising room acoustics to improve wellbeing
We explore how reducing noise and creating harmonious sound environments can improve wellbeing.
Forest bathing
Why forest bathing is here to save your social life: exploring how woodland walks have become the new way of socialising.
Sound in digital meetings
Want to get the best out of your digital and hybrid meetings? Get your acoustics right.
The design of music
The legendary Swedish acoustician Jan-Inge Gustafsson joins us for a conversation about concert halls, collaborating with architects, and the creative process.
Fire Safety in Wooden Interiors
We ask fire consultant Anders Bach Vestergaard of COWI consulting to answer three questions about the creation of safe, beautiful and design-led wooden interiors.
Sloyd – The Next Scandinavian Export?
In this article we explore the Scandinavian culture of educational sloyd, and its potential to inspire future generations of wood-centric designers.
The Origins of Gustafs
The story of our heritage: from a forest in rural Sweden, based on traditions of carpentry and craftsmanship, to world-leading wood panel systems.
A Colourful Collaboration
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Innovative Solutions in Doha
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Fighting Stress With Wooden Interiors
Wood is nature’s original stress-reliever, and studies have proven that its use in the built environment can greatly improve our wellbeing.
The Collaborative Office
We talk to Wingårdhs Arkitektkontor on the future of offices and the shifting role of workspaces.
Introducing Lamellow+
Introducing Lamellow+ from Gustafs, a beautiful combination of felt and wood for indoor public spaces with natural fire safety properties.
Cisco’s Webex Room Panorama Awarded Red Dot: Best of the Best
Gustaf’s collaboration with Cisco has resulted in a fantastic conference solution that has been awarded with Red Dot: Best of the best
New Narrow RIB Dimensions For Creative Installations
We have developed a new design for our timber slats. A narrower model is now available for walls and ceilings.
Lund District Court Featured Under Best Applied Products on ArchDaily
The project Lund’s district court is featured on Archdaily – Building of the year award. The project is featured under Best applied products.
New Gpod at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2020
Once again we have a new product to present at the Stockholm furniture fair – come and experience our new meeting pod.
New Stripe-XL With Dark Core Achieves Unique Fire Classification A2-s1,d0
In our aim to lead the development of fire classified wooden claddings for public spaces we now launch a brand new linear timber cladding panel that achieves the market’s absolute highest possible fire classification A2-s1, d0.
QNCC Among the Pritzker Prize Winner’s Project
Architect Arata Isozaki has been awarded the pritker prize. One of his projects is QNCC, which consists largely of Gustaf’s interior panels
An Office Meeting Pod with a Modern Design – Gustafs Acoustic Gpod
Gustafs Gpod is our new Office meeting pod, designed for both meetings but also as an exclusive wooden furniture with perfect acoustics.
Product Launch at Stockholm Furniture Fair
During the Stockholm Furniture Fair we will be launching a brand new product – we’re redefining the workplace, again
Introducing Gustafs D-Line Spot
We continue to develop our product range. It is now possible to install spotlights as D-Line, we introduce Gustafs D-Line Spot
DTU Building 202 Awarded Detail Inside Special Prize 2018
Once again DTU Building 202 has been awarded for it’s design. This time the prestigious Detail Inside Special Prize.
Introducing Linear RIB-S – A New Linear RIB Design
Introducing Linear RIB-S design. a new design with sharper edges that give the increased feel of a solid wooden rib.
Gustafs D-Line – A new linear LED lighting for our Linear System
Gustafs D-Line is our new integrated LED lighting system, fully compatibel with our Linear System – LED lighting for wall and ceilings.
Library Project Receives RIBA Award
Bedfordshire library project has been awarded the RIBA East Award 2018. We are delighted to have been part of this project.
DTU Building 202 Awarded Carpentry Prize 2017
The stunning project DTU building 202 has been awarded the Carpentry Prize 2017. We are proud to have delivered our panels to the project.
European Healthcare Design Award 2017
The Brunel Building of Southmead Hospital has been awarded European Healthcare Design 2017. Gustafs and LSA have produced and supplied panels to the project.
New Library at University of Bedfordshire
Gustafs together with LSA have produced and supplied slatted wood panels to this new library at Bedfordshire University.
Royal College of Music nominated for the building of the year
The Royal College of Music in Stockholm is one of ten projects nominated for Stockholm Building of the Year.
Gustafs Panels at Royal College of Music in Stockholm
Gustafs are producing interior acoustic wood panels for all music venues at the new royal college of music in Stockholm.
Gustafs Awarded for the environmental work at NKS
Gustafs have been awarded by the contractor Skanske for our environmental work at the project site NKS, we are truly glad!
Emporia, BREEAM Building of the Year
Gustafs have contributed with interior wall panels in laminate and wood surfaces to the BREEAM Building of the year project.
Dark Core Fibre Gypsum
Our brand new dark fibre gypsum core can be used to hide the perforations in a better way, using dark veneered wood panels.
Gustafs win Malmö Live contract
Gustafs have won the Malmö Live contract and will produce and install interior wall and ceiling panels for this spectacular venue.
First project in China
We’re happy to announce Gustafs’ first ever project in China. We have produced and supplied this auditorium with wood panels.
Gustafs Scandinavia celebrates 100 years
This summer Gustafs celebrated 100 years as a business, with the start of Andreas Tunander acquired the business back in 1913.
The New Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburgh
Together with our Russian supplier, Gustafs has manufactured and delivered fireproof wooden panels for this historic building.
Introducing Gustafs Linear System
Gustafs Linear System is our brand new cladding system with linear design, utilizing real wood veneer and a Quick-Up installation system.
Gustafs wooden panels with A2-s1,d0
Gustafs’ wood panels are now certified with fire classification A2-s1,d0 according to the European fire class.