Every acoustic green wall relies on a substrate layer that absorbs sound before foliage is added. These are the true performance drivers of the system. Here are some of the best commonly used materials.
| Substrate | Acoustic Performance | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool Felt | High (NRC up to 1.0) | Luxurious finish, deep colors, renewable, non-toxic | Higher cost |
| PET Felt | Medium–High (NRC 0.45 – 0.9) | Lightweight, cost-effective, recycled content | Reflective surface compared to wool |
| Fabric-Wrapped Panels | Medium–High | Flexible finishes, customizable | Can be harder to maintain |
Foliage Layers: Diffusion Through Greenery
Once a substrate is in place, greenery is added as the visual and acoustic diffuser. Its role is less absorption, more scattering and softening echoes.
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Replica Greenery → Synthetic foliage. ThermaLeaf® fire-retardant tech. Dense, customizable, and maintenance-free. Works best in lobbies, cafeterias, and schools where fire safety and durability are priorities.
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Preserved Greenery → Real plants treated for long-lasting authenticity. Strong biophilic texture, with moderate acoustic benefits, often used in hospitality lounges or boutique offices.
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Live Greenery → Integrated irrigation systems support living plants. Provides wellness and sustainability advantages but needs ongoing care. Best suited for atriums and corporate wellness areas.
Metal Lattice, Wall Systems, Earth Collection, CSI Creative
Hybrid Green Wall Systems: Balancing Absorption and Diffusion
The strongest-performing designs combine substrates for absorption and greenery for diffusion:
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Wool or PET felt backings absorb mid-to-high frequencies.
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Replica greenery scatters sound and ensures compliance with fire codes.
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Preserved moss adds authenticity and subtle acoustic absorption.
This hybrid strategy creates green walls that are functional acoustic systems and immersive design features at the same time.
CSI Creative’s Acoustic Greenery Offering
At CSI Creative, our Earth Collection merges these two worlds:
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Substrates → PoshFelt® wool felt, Soundcore® PET felt, and WoodLite wood-look finishes.
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Foliage options → Replica greenery with built-in ThermaLeaf® safety and preserved moss with Plantscape Commercial Silk.
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Performance → Division 09 spec-ready, ASTM E84 Class A fire-rated, and pre-assembled for easy installation.
CSI Creative’s systems are recognized with Architizer A+ Awards (2024 and 2025) and meet WELL Building Standards and HPD transparency certifications.
For architects and designers, our acoustic green walls offer a complete solution: absorptive foundations, biophilic surfaces, and award-winning performance. Contact us today.
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