In 2004 the founder of Asona Ltd invented Sonatex, a made in NZ, fire-resistant composite acoustic laminate for ceiling panels. Over the course of the next 16 years, the technology was developed, investment in a world-class production line was made at Asona’s Auckland factory and the range of decorative finishes and panel styles expanded to an almost limitless array of design possibilities.

Asona today offers a broad palette of decorative ceiling finishes that leverage its investment in Sonatex composites, from lay-in ceiling tile with wood prints, open-cell mesh panels, floating cloud panels, perforated panels, beams and planks, colours, fabrics finishes and textures.

“Designers often forget about their ceilings, says Neil Ridgway CEO of Asona. “The ceiling plays a huge part in the overall feel of space and has a significant impact on the user experience," he says. “We want to encourage designers to use the ceiling to define open space, to guide and inform, to add energy and character. It’s our niche and an area we excel at."

Some good examples of Asona’s work are the recent ANZ regional centre fit-out at Syliva Park designed by Warren and Mahoney. Asona’s Polyfon Mesh open cell ceiling panels were selected in black around the central atrium stairwell to create an on-trend industrial aesthetic, then lines of white polyfon mesh panels were used within a field of plain white ceiling panels as a visual guide to walkway locations in the open office spaces.

In another project, ASC architects selected Asona Triton ceiling panel with Sonaris random perforated laminate as a cost-effective ceiling finish to define the corridor and community spaces in the open-plan Whakatipu school project.

At Bayles office café, Sonatex with wood print as the finish was used for the acoustic ceiling beams, and at Auckland University Unilodge, different fabric finishes and thicknesses of Triton Fabwall were used to create a 3D effect in the lobby ceilings.

Asona is a specialty manufacturer of decorative acoustic ceiling and wall panels based in Auckland NZ. Products meet local acoustic, fire and seismic regulations and are available in short lead times in standard and custom finishes. Asona operates a local cardboard packaging return and reuse program and a cut-to-size service as a means to reduce construction waste. The products are green tag certified, contain 80% recycled glass waste, are energy efficient and can be resurfaced and reused to extend product life.

To find out more about Asona’s range of ceiling finishes then please call their tech support team on 09 5256575 or email [email protected].