Material
Søuld’s eelgrass products originate from the sea — a place you are never far from in Søuld’s native Denmark. The organic material embodies the same sense of calm provided by the sea and when taken indoors, it imbues living spaces with a restorative connection to nature.
AN OVERLOOKED RESOURCE — Eelgrass has been used as a building material in Denmark since the 1600s. On the island of Læsø, naturally washed ashore eelgrass was collected, dried and used to create the distinctive roofs of the island’s seaweed houses — a building tradition unique to the area.
Today, Søuld builds on this material heritage, combining centuries of knowledge with contemporary manufacturing to transform eelgrass into high-performance acoustic materials for modern architecture.
After more than a decade of research and development, Søuld has built extensive expertise in working with eelgrass as a contemporary building material. By combining material knowledge with modern manufacturing, we transform naturally washed ashore eelgrass into acoustic products that unite high acoustic performance, durability and natural material character with a documented environmental profile.
Søuld works closely with local suppliers, municipalities and ecologists to ensure the gentle collection of eelgrass that has naturally washed ashore, while leaving living eelgrass meadows undisturbed.
Independent biodiversity analysis confirms that Søuld’s collection practices do not negatively affect the ecological integrity of the examined coastal areas, including the seabed, natural distribution of eelgrass, birdlife and other species.(See DHI biodiversity analysis here)
During growth, eelgrass binds and stores carbon. When the washed ashore material is collected before decomposition and used in durable building products, this carbon remains stored within the finished panels. Søuld’s third-party verified EPD confirms that more carbon is stored in the Acoustic Panels than is emitted during production (A1–A3) (see full EPD here).
Eelgrass also has a range of inherent qualities that make it well suited to contemporary interiors. Its porous fibre structure supports high sound absorption, while naturally occurring mineral salts contribute to fire resistance and durability.
Performance
Søuld transforms naturally washed ashore eelgrass into high-performance acoustic materials, developed and produced in Denmark. The natural qualities of eelgrass contribute to sound absorption, durability and fire resistance, while the material’s visible fibres and tactile surface bring warmth and character to interiors.
Our key performance qualities include:
SOUND ABSORBTION — The porous fibre structure of eelgrass absorbs sound across a wide range of frequencies, helping to reduce reverberation and create calm, comfortable interior environments..
FIRE PROOFING — Eelgrass naturally contains mineral salts that contribute to its inherent fire resistance. For applications requiring documented fire performance, selected Søuld products are treated with additional fire retardant.
CARBON STORING —During growth, eelgrass binds and stores carbon. When naturally washed ashore, eelgrass is collected before decomposition and transformed into durable acoustic panels, the carbon remains stored within the material. Søuld’s third-party verified EPD confirms that more carbon is stored in the Acoustic Panels than is emitted during production (A1–A3). Read our EPD
Sustainability
Made from naturally washed ashore, carbon-storing eelgrass, Søuld's acoustic panels are locally sourced and produced in Denmark. Designed for circularity and supported by independently third-party verified documentation, they offer architects, designers and builders a natural alternative to traditional materials.
SUSTAINABILITY - Søuld's acoustic panels are made from eelgrass that has naturally washed ashore along the Danish coastline and is gently collected before it begins to decompose. This preserves the carbon naturally stored within the fibres while giving the material a new life in contemporary architecture.
A third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) confirms that more carbon is bound in Søuld Acoustic Panels than is emitted during production (A1–A3).
Søuld has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold across Material Health, Circularity and Full Scope (version 4.1).
Biodiversity
Søuld's approach to biodiversity starts with sourcing. We only collect eelgrass that has naturally washed ashore, leaving living eelgrass meadows undisturbed. Independent biodiversity analysis confirms that our collection practices do not negatively affect the examined coastal ecosystems.
BIODIVERSITY — Søuld's approach to biodiversity starts with sourcing. We only collect eelgrass that has naturally washed ashore along the Danish coastline, leaving living eelgrass meadows undisturbed. Independent biodiversity analysis confirms that our activities do not negatively affect local ecosystems, while the collected eelgrass continues its life as carbon-storing acoustic materials.
Production
Transforming a traditional natural material into a contemporary building product requires both material knowledge and careful development. Søuld spent more than 10 years exploring how eelgrass could be processed at scale while preserving its natural qualities and maintaining close collaboration with local suppliers.
PRODUCTION PROCESS — Søuld’s acoustic materials are developed and produced in Denmark using a carefully controlled process designed to ensure consistent quality, efficient use of the material and reliable technical performance. From collection and drying to fibre preparation and pressing, each stage is developed around the specific properties of eelgrass.
Our production is guided by principles of circularity, resource efficiency and transparency. Production offcuts are reintroduced into new panels, and end-of-use material can be returned through our take-back programme and recycled into new products. Environmental and emission performance is supported by independently third-party verified documentation.
We work closely with our suppliers and production partners to maintain high standards across materials, processes and product quality.
History
400 years ago the local population at the small Danish island Læsø utilised the natural eelgrass materials in a way that forms the basis of the Søuld products today.
THE HISTORY OF EELGRASS — When your resources are limited, you need to think creatively. Eelgrass as a building material was discovered already back in the 1660’s where it was used to construct the roofs for the local houses at Læsø. By using the collected eelgrass, the local women developed a unique method to construct thatched roofs that were fireproof, waterproof, and insulating. Today, eelgrass has been rediscovered as a natural ressource, and new ways to naturally process the eelgrass has been uncovered.
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