Blending design and sound with custom ceiling sound baffles isn’t just possible – it’s practical, smart, and visually rewarding.
More than ever, architects and designers are being asked to create environments that look striking but also sound comfortable. That’s exactly where a product like the SONEX Linear Absorbers can make a powerful impact.
This concept has been brought to life in CORSAIR’s headquarters in Milpitas, California. Transforming this 118,000-square-foot building into a sleek, future-focused hub wasn’t only about modern tech – it was about the experience of walking through it, visually and acoustically. Ceiling baffles played a central role.
A visual and acoustic centerpiece in the lobby
Let’s start with the main attraction. A ceiling installation immediately catches the eye at the heart of CORSAIR’s two-story glass-and-glossy-black-laminate lobby. Suspended above visitors is a custom ceiling sculpture made up of SONEX Linear Absorbers, designed to mimic the sleek shape of a computer’s memory module. And yes – it’s every bit as cool as it sounds.
The baffles aren’t just there to look good (though they absolutely do). Their core function is to soften sound reflections that naturally bounce off hard surfaces—like polished concrete and glass walls. That’s the real value of custom ceiling sound baffles: they let designers play with texture and geometry, without letting echo and noise take over the space.
In this project, 117 narrow SONEX Linear Absorbers were installed at different lengths, paired with LED lights mounted between them to amplify the visual rhythm. The LEDs change color, giving the space a dynamic personality – perfect for a brand like CORSAIR that thrives on innovation and performance.
What makes custom ceiling sound baffles so versatile?
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a solution that does more than one thing well. Custom ceiling sound baffles are exactly that kind of solution. They’re lightweight, visually clean, and available in many shapes, sizes, and finishes. That opens the door for creativity – whether you’re designing a tech office, a showroom, a collaborative workspace, or even a worship center.
The SONEX Linear Absorbers used here are made of pinta’s WILLTEC™ foam, which means they’re Class 1 fire-rated, mold-resistant, and come in natural white, light grey, or a wide variety of custom coatings. From a practical perspective, they’re easy to install using simple channel trim and adhesive. From a design perspective, they’re like building blocks – you can align, stack, or stagger them into shapes that reflect the identity of your space.
Practical advice for your next acoustic project
If you’re considering acoustic upgrades, the ceiling is one of the best places to start. It’s a surface that doesn’t interrupt workflow or furniture layout, but has a huge influence on how a space sounds. Even a few strategically placed baffles can reduce unwanted echo and make conversations feel more natural.
What sets custom ceiling sound baffles apart is that you don’t have to sacrifice design for performance. Want something angular and bold? Done. Need a softer, curved flow? Also possible. You can match the baffle color to your walls, contrast them with lighting features, or use them to subtly direct attention within the space.
Need help imagining what might work best? We’re here for that. As representatives of pinta acoustic, we’ve helped clients plan installations that range from simple meeting rooms to large corporate spaces. You’re welcome to reach out, tell us what you’re thinking, and we’ll send over samples and guide you through your options.
Don’t overlook the office zones: triangular ceiling clouds
While the SONEX Linear Absorbers are the stars of the lobby, the acoustic story doesn’t end there. Just a few steps deeper into CORSAIR’s headquarters, you’ll find something just as clever – black triangular WILLTEC ceiling clouds installed inside glass-enclosed office “nodes.”
These enclosed areas are used for meetings, collaboration, and even gaming. The cloud panels follow a hexagonal ceiling layout that mirrors the shape of the rooms themselves. Instead of flat panels, the ceiling is a mix of overlapping triangle baffles, spaced perfectly to allow for light fixtures, sprinkler heads, and ventilation – all without compromising the acoustics.
And this is an important point: custom ceiling sound baffles aren’t always linear or uniform. Sometimes, the best solution is a geometric cloud system suspended from above, especially in open-concept offices where walls can’t always be used for sound absorption.
These triangular ceiling clouds were designed with a simple yet effective hanging method, using magnets and corkscrew hooks that allow for quick removal and reinstallation. That makes future maintenance of lights and sprinklers easy, without having to damage or uninstall the clouds entirely.
Why we recommend SONEX Linear Absorbers
We often get asked: “What makes a good acoustic baffle?” And while there are plenty of products out there, SONEX Linear Absorbers consistently deliver that sweet spot of performance, aesthetics, and ease of use.
They’re highly customizable, which is essential when each project comes with its own constraints. Whether you’re working around ductwork, blending the acoustic solution into branding elements, or simply trying to keep the installer’s job simple, these baffles adapt well.
Another great reason to consider them is turnaround time. In the CORSAIR project, once the designs were locked in, the product was delivered quickly and installed right on schedule. That kind of reliability is rare in custom manufacturing, and it’s something we value when helping our clients get across the finish line on time.
Your next steps – let’s plan together
If you’re thinking about how custom ceiling sound baffles could work in your upcoming project, don’t hesitate to start a conversation with us. We’ve worked with architects, contractors, and business owners who want a practical solution that doesn’t look like an afterthought.
We can walk you through design ideas, share real-world examples, and send samples your way. Whether you’re leaning toward linear baffles or eyeing something geometric like the black triangular clouds, we’ll help you find the right fit.
Get in touch today, and let’s explore how sound and design can come together beautifully in your space.
CG Schmitt & Company Inc. is an architectural products manufacturer’s representative sales agency and distributor. We’ve helped architects, designers, and contractors achieve their design and development’s functional and aesthetic objectives since 1994. We provide architectural, interior, and speciality finishes for our clients. Whether you want to discover more about a product or assist in making your design a reality, we are here to assist you. Choose to meet us in person or online, and we will help you in choosing the right product and make your design a reality.
