Autex’s new Verve Contoured acoustic panels give shape to sound

Autex has launched a sculptural new acoustic solution that invites designers to think beyond the flat plane. The Verve Contoured Panel range blends expressive geometry with high-performance sound absorption, bringing both form and function into any interior space.

Inspired by the shifting play of light and shadow, Verve introduces depth, dimension and visual rhythm to wall surfaces – moulding static acoustic treatments into architectural features. Available in six distinctive designs across the full Cube™ colour palette and selected surface finishes, the collection invites a tailored approach to texture and tone.

Whether linear, organic, soft-edged or bold, each panel profile reveals a different dimension as light moves across it. The resulting interplay animates interiors, offering designers an opportunity to define mood, atmosphere and spatial flow while managing acoustics effectively.

“Pressed acoustic panels aren’t new,” says Sam Wells, Product Development Lead at Autex, “but we wanted Verve to offer an aesthetic niche. That meant pushing our capabilities both technically and visually.”

The result is a range of full-size contoured panels developed through meticulous and intensive experimentation with form and manufacturing processes. Drawing on both Australian and European influences, the Autex team identified opportunities in the market for softer, more organic geometries, alongside motifs drawn from architectural traditions such as Bauhaus and Roman classicism.

“We’d experimented with pressed panels at a smaller scale,” Wells says, “but Verve was our chance to see what was possible at a larger scale. We explored countless iterations to make sure each pattern looked striking across an entire panel, but still resolved well in a sample swatch.”

Verve’s six profiles – Pillar, Pinstripe, Windswept, Ridge, Flute and Ovolo – each bring their own visual identity. From the flowing lines of Windswept, inspired by coastal dunes, to the bold symmetry of Art Deco–inflected Ovolo, the range offers flexibility for a wide variety of commercial settings. Pinstripe adds subtle texture reminiscent of vintage upholstery, while Ridge introduces an industrial edge with its corrugated form. Flute and Pillar reinterpret classical motifs for contemporary interiors.

Behind each panel is a precise moulding process refined at Autex’s Yatala Innovation Centre, where the design and production teams trialled oven temperatures, mould times, and pressure levels to ensure consistency and quality. The result is a surface that holds its form while reacting dynamically to light.

Performance, of course, is core to Autex. Made from a minimum of 80 per cent recycled PET and manufactured in Australia, Verve panels are carbon neutral and meet the criteria for WELL, LEED, Green Star and BREEAM rating systems. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and require no capping or edging, simplifying integration into commercial interiors, from workplace fit-outs and hotel lobbies to education and healthcare projects.

“Ultimately, Verve is about shaping atmosphere,” says Wells. “It’s an acoustic product, yes, but it’s also a tool for storytelling in space. Designers can use it to create rhythm, guide flow, and introduce material variation that feels intentional and refined.”

With a versatile set of colour and finish options – including stone and Acoustic Timber™ prints – Verve provides plenty of scope to complement or contrast with surrounding materials. Available in 12-millimetre and 21-millimetre thicknesses, the panels are designed to be specified with ease.

For designers seeking a way to soften reverberation while making a visual impact, Verve offers a compelling solution: sculptural acoustics that shape space, support wellbeing, and reflect a commitment to responsible design.

To explore the full Verve range, visit autexacoustics.com.au