Sustainable Acoustic Spaces : How Modular Anechoic Chambers Are Shaping the Future

MFAC / MSAC

Is the Era of Permanent Anechoic Chambers Over?

Traditionally, anechoic chambers were built to stay in place until decommissioned.
Their structure often includes glued sound-absorbing materials, fixed panels, and cast-in-place barriers—elements that make disassembly and reuse nearly impossible.

Today, however, sustainability is a growing priority in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
The mindset is shifting from “build and dispose” to “design for disassembly and reuse.”
This philosophy is now extending into acoustic spaces such as anechoic chambers.

What Is a Modular Anechoic Chamber?

A Modular Anechoic Chamber is an acoustic space designed for reconfiguration and reuse, featuring:

• Soundproof panels and support structures designed as modular units
• Expandable or reconfigurable layouts depending on testing requirements
• Shorter construction periods, adaptable for temporary installations or facility relocations
• Partial upgrades or resizing possible as needs evolve

This format is especially beneficial for R&D facilities with temporary testing needs or companies anticipating future site changes, where both flexibility and sustainability are critical.

Designed for Disassembly = Designed for Sustainability

Conventional anechoic chambers pose serious challenges at end-of-life:

• Integrated glue and absorber structures make material separation difficult
• Glass wool materials can release hazardous dust and may be classified as controlled waste
• High disposal costs due to incineration or landfill processing

In contrast, Sonora’s modular anechoic chambers are designed with reconfiguration and reuse in mind:

• Soundproof panels and structural units are modular, allowing flexible redeployment
• Acoustic wedges (BF series) are engineered for long-term use and can be replaced as needed

Note: BF wedges are not typically reusable once removed, as their Tyvek® covering may be damaged during detachment. Replacement is standard practice for disassembly.

Reusability of Acoustic Spaces in the Age of ESG and Sustainability

As companies align with ESG goals and decarbonization strategies, acoustic facilities are becoming part of the sustainability conversation.
Implementing modular anechoic chambers contributes to:

• ESG and sustainability reporting as a positive environmental factor
• LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) compliance and efficiency
• Substantial cost reduction in dismantling and disposal
• Lower overall carbon footprint

In other words, modular chambers deliver next-generation performance while balancing environmental and cost concerns.

Sonora’s Approach: Designed with the End in Mind

At Sonora, we see the anechoic chamber not as a one-time build, but as a circular asset that adapts and endures.

• BFW series wedges: Durable, dust-free, and stable over long-term use
• Modular soundproof structures: Easy to reconfigure, expand, or relocate
• Efficient installation and dismantling, minimizing downtime
• Flexible layouts, built to accommodate future use-case changes

Conclusion: Anechoic Chambers That Aren’t Disposable

Gone are the days of “build once and forget.”
Today’s acoustic environments must be designed not only for performance, but also for their afterlife.

Modular anechoic chambers offer a future-ready solution—adaptable, relocatable, and reusable.
In an age where sustainability is as important as sound performance, Sonora’s modular solutions provide a definitive answer.