Bang & Olufsen has used Milan design week, which kicked off today, to launch a sound system made of hexagonal speakers and acoustic panels that can be arranged in different combinations.
Designed to be easily customised into honeycomb-like patterns, the wireless wall-mounted panels can not only play or boost sound but also absorb noise to improve indoor acoustics.
The BeoSound Shape system requires a minimum of six tiles, but can be scaled up as needed. It is intended for use in home or office environments.
Panels are covered in wool fabric made by Danish textile brand Kvadrat. They are available in colours including brown, green, pink and dark blue – all of which can be mixed and matched.
"Auditory indoor climate is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, just like natural lighting, fresh air and ergonomics," said Marie Kristine Schmidt, Bang & Olufsen's vice-president of brand, design and marketing.
Her comments echo a recent surge in acoustic products – including products by Nendo and Note Design – as designers tackle noisy environments at work and in the home.
The BeoSound Shape system creates what Bang & Olufsen calls a "band on the wall" soundscape that mimics, as closely as possible, the experience of music being played live.
The company has also launched an online tool that lets users design patterns, and makes recommendations for using tile placement to create the best acoustic effect.
A central hub lets owners connect and wirelessly stream music, and can also link up with other Bang & Olufsen products. The system will be available in August 2017, with a standard set-up costing around €4,000 (£3,400).
Video showing the BeoSound Shape system
The speakers are part of a wider trend towards unobtrusive technology that is emerging at Milan design week. As part of this, products such as Yves Béhar's The Frame TV are being designed to blend into interiors.
BeoSound Shape is launching at Milan design week, which began today and continues until 9 April. Other products launching in Milan include a steel table collection designed by Alain Gilles for Vincent Sheppard, a recycled aluminium chair by Jasper Morrison for Emeco and a collection of Calico wallpaper made by designers including Faye Toogood and Snarkitecture.
For job opportunities at Bang & Olufsen, visit their company profile on Dezeen Jobs.