The disadvantages of real wood such as non-acoustic, weight, cost and low fire rating can be overcome by using Asona's wood-look laminates which are acoustically transparent, and when bonded to a high sound absorbing panel or beam result in a fire rating of group 1-S.

This is illustrated in the refurbishment of the Bayleys Real Estate HQ lobby. Platform Consulting Group selected Asona's Triton Baffle Beams (75 x 100 x 2400mm) to sit within the curved, recessed vault that runs above the open plan lounge areas ending at the in-house cafe. Over 400 baffles faced in Sonatex Maple wood print followed the flowing curves controlling the reverberation and acoustics of this large open planned space. The result achieves the warmth and solidness of real wood without the weight and fire risk, and cleverly incorporates the acoustic control that is required.

Yellow 6 Architectural Interiors selected Asona's Triton Duo 60 with a Sonatex Tasman Oak wood grain print facing for maximum control of sound absorption under the metal roofs of The Collective Dairy's Avondale call centre. While the 50mm high sound absorber bonded to a 10mm attenuator backer controlled the rain noise, the wood print facer blends in nicely with the raw varnished ply of the cabinetry. The 600 x 1200mm panels were set into a black powdercoated grid for maximum impact and to match the black support beams.