Ingegerd Råman, a renowned Swedish glass designer and ceramist, has been crafting elegant, functional objects with a minimalist aesthetic since the 1960s. However, her journey as a designer began with a different passion: textiles. Early in her career, Råman envisioned herself as a textile designer, a path she later set aside to pursue her work in glass and ceramics. Yet, through her recent collaboration with Abstracta, a Swedish brand known for its innovative acoustic solutions, and Verk, a sustainable furniture manufacturer, Råman found herself rediscovering her roots in textiles with renewed joy and creativity. This partnership, Abstracta x Verk, has resulted in a stunning collection of sound-absorbing acoustic panels that not only honor Råman’s textile heritage but also embody the shared commitment of the brands to sustainability, quality, and functional design.
At the heart of the Abstracta x Verk collection is Råman’s fearless exploration of textiles, blending her signature pared-down design language with the warmth and tactility of woven fabrics. The collection features premium, sound-absorbing acoustic panels framed in untreated Swedish oak, each adorned with intricate patterns created using elegant weaving techniques. These panels are more than just functional pieces; they are a celebration of Råman’s return to textiles, a medium she once deeply cherished. The collection made its debut at the 2025 Stockholm Furniture Fair as part of the Reinventing Textile group exhibition, where it was met with enthusiasm and admiration. By revisiting her early passion, Råman has not only expanded her creative horizons but also brought a fresh perspective to the world of acoustic design.
Verk, established in 2021, is a brand deeply rooted in a philosophy of quality, traceability, and functionality. Committed to sustainability, Verk exclusively uses Swedish raw materials, such as wood, leather, and wool, to craft its products. This dedication to local sourcing and transparency has led to the development of “V.IR,” a innovative wool fabric produced in collaboration with several Swedish partners, including Ullkontoret, Sjuhäradsbygdens Färgeri, Väveriet i Bollnäs, Rodens Spinneri, and Artex. The fabric is made from wool that would otherwise have been discarded, ensuring that the production process is not only environmentally responsible but also circular. By creatively repurposing waste wool, Verk and its partners have created a material that is both sustainable and of exceptional quality, making it the perfect fit for Råman’s acoustic panel designs.
Abstracta, a Swedish company with over five decades of expertise in improving soundscapes, immediately recognized the potential of integrating V.I.R fabric into their acoustic products. The natural flame-retardant properties of wool make it an ideal, non-toxic alternative for sound-absorbing materials. Abstracta’s extensive range of acoustic solutions, including table and floor screens, wall absorbers, and furniture with integrated acoustics, has always been driven by a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The brand’s use of recycled materials and collaboration with local suppliers further aligns with Verk’s sustainable values, making their partnership a natural fit. Together, they have crafted a collection that not only enhances sound environments but also adds a touch of elegance to any space.
The Abstracta x Verk collection is a harmonious blend of function and aesthetics, designed to improve sound quality while offering a visually soothing experience. The acoustic panels are suitable for a variety of settings, from restaurants and hotel lobbies to open-plan offices, co-working spaces, and home environments. Their high sound-absorbing capacity ensures that they effectively reduce unwanted noise, creating more comfortable and productive spaces. The panels’ sleek, minimalist design, featuring untreated Swedish oak frames and Råman’s thoughtfully woven wool fabric, adds a sense of warmth and sophistication to any interior. The combination of the sound-absorbing core, made from textile waste and recycled PET polyester, and the natural wool fabric results in a product that is both eco-conscious and visually striking.
In terms of visual appeal, the collection exudes a sense of warmth, humility, strength, and timelessness, embodying Råman’s design philosophy. The color palette, inspired by the natural tones of wool, features earthy shades and calming hues that reflect the artist’s cautious and gentle approach to design. The intricate weaving techniques used in the fabric create engaging patterns and dynamics, resulting in a vibrant yet harmonious aesthetic. Available in three sizes—1000 mm x 1400 mm, 700 mm x 1000 mm, and 500 mm x 700 mm—and framed in untreated oak, the panels are no thicker than 45 millimeters, making them a versatile and unobtrusive addition to any space. The collection’s sustainability, functionality, and refined design make it a standout piece of innovation, one that not only reimagines the role of textiles in modern design but also sets a new standard for responsible and beautiful acoustic solutions.
