apn® Always up to date
The world is cleaning up. apn® joins in
Especially in our location between the seas in Schleswig-Holstein, with its many nature reserves and diverse flora and fauna, we are constantly reminded of how important it is to preserve this beauty for future generations. We are aware of our responsibility towards our fellow human beings and our common environment. For this reason, we are always committed to improving our production processes and business operations in the interests of sustainability.
Since this is not enough for us, we are also personally committed to the environment. To coincide with “World Cleanup Day” on September 17, we are hosting our second annual apn® Beach Cleanup. Our event, attended by all apn® crew members, will take place on September 15 on a stretch of beach directly in front of our boatyard. Together we will clean the beach from litter and plastic waste this afternoon.
We hope that this campaign will draw the attention of other people and companies to the issue of environmental protection and, in the best case, inspire them to follow our example. Because this issue concerns us all – not just on a particular day, but 365 days a year!
More space for learning, research and teaching
In May, we introduced the new learning and working environment at the University Library of Kiel Albrechts University (CAU). At this point, we were already in the middle of the acoustic planning for the next construction phase. Our designer also used our acoustic baffles for this section. The size and height of the room, as well as other conditions on site, played a role in the selection of the appropriate product.
Thanks to the vertical suspension, our “apn® Lamella A” act like breakwaters, thus reducing sound propagation and preventing sound reflection from the ceiling. Consequently, the basic attenuation is optimized by the outstanding acoustic properties. Between our baffles, the existing ventilation shafts, ducts and pipes blend into the design and together form a homogeneous and airy ceiling appearance. In this construction phase, a conscious decision was made not to use an eye-catching ceiling design. However, to tease out that little something extra from the restrained design, the acoustic baffles were aligned with the glass facade in an angled cut.
After the order confirmation was issued by Gebäudemanagement Schleswig-Holstein AöR (GMSH), our production team was able to start manufacturing the approximately 3,082 linear meters of acoustic baffles. Currently, our installation crew is in the process of suspending this multitude of “apn® Lamella A” from the ceiling using wire ropes. Based on our current construction site update, one can wonderfully see the exact working method of all departments at apn®: The precisely fitting planning and execution show precision work in perfect perfection.
We are very excited to see how the rooms will change with the interior – we will report!
Unique ceiling design of an office building
We present: Our ceiling panels “apn® Vinta A free” in the new office building of the IT company Akquinet AG at the Bramfelder Spitze in Hamburg. Hand in hand we planned and designed, together with the architect Imke Stüven from Kiel, the unique ceiling design in this project.
Today’s excerpt shows the acoustically unique ceiling design with our product “apn® Vinta A free”. The shapes of the ceiling panels are inspired by the most influential educational institution in the field of architecture, art and design in the 20th century – the Bauhaus art school. Accordingly, the primary shapes of triangle, circle and square are reflected in a distinctive design on the ceiling. Despite the strict geometry of these forms, the ceiling image does not seem rigid at all. Rather, the resulting pattern seems to flow across the ceiling and merge with the lighting concept.
The minimalist and at the same time eye-catching design highlight also impresses with maximum sound absorption and the highest demands on fire protection requirements.
We are so excited about this project and look forward to sharing more soon!
Flat as a flounder – my ass!
Although we were inspired by our Baltic Sea inhabitant by name, our acoustic design lamp series “apn® Lux Flounder” is anything but a flatfish. It combines maximum sound absorption with effective, glare-free lighting!
Freshly sprung from our Ideenwerft, the noble fabric-covered acoustic luminaire was awarded the German Innovation Award 2022. And that too in the Excellence in Business to Business – Lighting Solutions category. Of course, we are particularly proud of this!
The apn® Lux flounder series prefers to stay on ceilings and walls. It favors the presence of other acoustic absorbers from apn®, without losing adaptability to the place of use. Whether in offices, lounge, reception and waiting areas, bars, cafés or educational institutions – our apn® Lux flounder can be individually configured thanks to two dimmable light colors. The ring-shaped spread of light creates sophisticated plays of light and shadow and creates a special depth and three-dimensionality of the acoustic elements.
Teamwork makes the dreamwork
One of our current projects was the subsequent acoustic refurbishment of the casino of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein at the Lübeck campus. After an extensive planning and preparation period, our production employees were able to manufacture 120 “apn® Vinta A (z) circle” acoustic ceiling sails in just one week.
Who now thinks, “wow, that was fast!”, has underestimated the skills of our assembly crew: The 120 green and white circles could be assembled in only one working day (!). Even if the favorable conditions on site and the easy direct assembly with our apn® sys-z profile played an additional role, the grandiose hand-in-hand work of our crew contributed to this success. We love what can be accomplished with great teamwork!
The post-pandemic office
The pandemic has brought about more rapid and lasting change in the world of work than almost anything before. Often by necessity, employees and employers suddenly had to try out a new way of working: in the home office and almost completely digitized. Many employees have acquired a taste for it and at least don’t want to give up the home office completely. But entrepreneurs are also increasingly recognizing the opportunity in hybrid work. The question is less and less “whether” to introduce hybrid working, but more and more “how” to implement it in the most beneficial way for both parties. We’ve looked at some aspects of the post-pandemic office and summarized them for you.
Read on and discuss in our article “The Post-Pandemic Office” on LinkedIn.