Project coordination: nhorma
Completion year: 2025
Products: VANK_ELLIPSE BIO LIGHT acoustic panels

 

Spectacular VANK_BIO acoustic wall at Hotel LIDO. How a biomaterial reshapes the entrance space

The lobby is a place that must, within just a few seconds, communicate the character of the hotel, introduce a sense of calm and help guests orient themselves in a new environment. It is also the beginning of the story the building tells throughout the entire stay.
At Hotel LIDO in Jurata this role is carried by a monumental wall made of VANK_BIO panels in the BIO_LIGHT colourway, produced from natural flax fibres. Its scale, the way it works with light and its three dimensional rhythm set the atmosphere from the very first step and organise the whole entrance space.

 

Challenges of designing a hotel lobby

Tall glazed atriums are among the most demanding interior spaces for architects. They require balancing

  • reverberation control in a large volume
  • the visual coolness of glass and hard finishes
  • the need for comfort and intimacy despite the scale
  • the creation of a clear identity from the moment guests step inside.

At LIDO all these challenges were addressed through one intentional architectural gesture.

 

The solution: 12 metres of biomaterial that redefine the space

The hotel entrance opens onto a 12 metre high installation. One hundred and twenty VANK_BIO panels in the ELLIPSE Globe form create a sculptural surface over 3 metres wide, bringing structure and character to the interior.

This is not decoration. It is a response to a real acoustic and spatial challenge. The three dimensional geometry of the BIO_LIGHT panels softens sound and reduces echo, while keeping the atrium visually open and full of light.

Material that tells a story

VANK_BIO acoustic panels are made from renewable flax and hemp fibres. These plants grow quickly, absorb CO₂ within a yearly cycle and require minimal resources to cultivate. The manufacturing process uses residual fibres that can be composted, keeping the material within a biological loop. In practice this means the acoustic wall brings qualities that hard surfaces such as glass or concrete cannot provide:

  • a natural light colour palette
  • a soft, subtle texture
  • an atmosphere that reflects the coastal and forest setting of Jurata. It is a biomaterial that brings calm and authenticity to a large space.

Class A acoustic performance

VANK acoustic panels achieve a sound absorption coefficient of αw = 0.90, placing them in Class A. The three dimensional form increases the effective absorbing surface and improves sound diffusion, which makes a noticeable difference in a tall atrium.
Effects:

  • shorter reverberation time
  • greater comfort of conversation
  • a more welcoming perception of the large space.

 

Contemporary luxury is silence, comfort and thoughtful architecture.

When entering the lobby, guests are not analysing the material. What they sense is harmony. The acoustics do not overwhelm, the light does not distract and the space brings ease.

The first few seconds decide whether the place feels welcoming and comfortable. At Hotel LIDO this effect was achieved thanks to VANK_BIO panels, which brought together acoustics, light and natural material into a coherent whole.

If you would like to achieve a similar effect in your own space or learn more about BIO panels, write to hello@vank.design