Alchemist Shop

While SONEX^® Valueline Panels are known to provide effective and affordable sound control, Rene Gonzalez Architect recognized the acoustical panels as much more. SONEX Valueline proved to be the ideal material to provide the insulated atmosphere that the architect envisioned for the new Alchemist shop in Miami Beach, Fla. The product covers 1,945 square feet (180.7 square meters) within the boutique’s 2,500-square foot (232.26 square meters) area. Very important, SONEX meets Miami Beach’s stringent fire code.

Set in the bustling and popular Lincoln Road shopping district, Alchemist caters to an elite audience with a discerning eye toward design. When conceptualizing the ground floor shop, Rene Gonzalez Architect knew they wanted to embrace the energy of the neighborhood and find a distinctive solution for their aesthetic expectations. The architecture firm set to work to create a unique style for the store that invites the lively crowds to enjoy an oasis of tranquility. They also wanted to incorporate a dynamic lighting effect that echoed the Miami Beach skyline and was reminiscent of urban areas in Japan. pinta’s SONEX Valueline met all those requirements while absorbing sound reverberating off glass, acrylic, steel and sealed Chattahoochee stone surfaces.

“The look and texture of SONEX completely fit our design needs for Alchemist,” says Monica Vazquez, associate at Rene Gonzalez Architect. “SONEX was the only suitable material that met Miami Beach’s strict fire code regulations for flame spread and smoke density. 

The panels installed at Alchemist are 2 by 4 feet (610 by 1,219 mm) and 1.5 inches (38 mm) thick. To create lighting reminiscent of the Miami Beach skyline, the contractors hollowed out sections of the panels and installed LED lights, programmed to change colors, vertically on the walls. Lighting from the ceiling also radiates from behind and around the SONEX ceiling clouds. During the day, SONEX Valueline reflects natural light from the large front window throughout the store.

“SONEX cut like butter and at the same time cut clean,” says Kevin Regalado, project director at Rene Gonzalez Architect. “We were able to miter corners, curve the panels for unique display areas, and adhere the product to plywood to create ceiling clouds that are suspended from aluminum studs.”

Regalado explains: “During construction, we noticed how loud it was in the space. There was a world of difference after SONEX was installed. Suddenly everything became peaceful.”