BASWA Phon
The Original Seamless Acoustical Plaster
BASWA Phon is a seamless acoustical plaster system applied directly to ceilings and walls to manage room acoustics. With a flexible panel design, BASWA Phon can be used on domes, groin vaults, and complex curves as well at flat ceilings and walls.
The system captures sound energy as it passes through the microporous, recycled marble finish and is absorbed into the randomly-spun mineral wool layer. Sound energy that would otherwise reflect off a hard surface like concrete, drywall, or glass and accumulate as reverberation, is invisibly converted into heat energy.
Panel thickness, finish texture, and color are all selected to meet the acoustic and visual requirements of a specific space. The sections below will guide you through these variables.
System Overview
BASWA Phon has been installed in every type of space since its development in 1991, and set the industry standard for seamless acoustics. You can find BASWA Phon anywhere from board rooms to country clubs, museums to home studios, and transportation centers to historical renovations. See BASWA case studies >
Substrate & Flexibility
BASWA Phon follows a stable substrate, like standard drywall, concrete, or existing plaster. With a versatile finish options, BASWA Phon is the ideal acoustic system for spaces with flat or complex forms that demand for high performance acoustic solutions that conform to even the most intricate surface design.
Sustainability
BASWA offers sustainable, long-lasting acoustic systems to promote healthy architecture in all spaces. BASWA Phon panels contain 83-86% natural and recycled glass materials, while system finishes are produced from marble aggregate, a byproduct of stone extraction, and contain 93-95% recycled content. Free of LBC Red List materials.
EPD and HPD documents are available. Download the BASWA sustainability data sheet >
per ASTM C423
per ASTM E84
per ASTM D3273
per CA 01350
per Complete System
Looking for technical documents?
Visit our Downloads library for a complete collection of product literature, technical data, guide specs, details, sustainability guides, and submittal documentation.
Get BASWA Tech DataSelecting a System Thickness
Variation in BASWA Phon system thickness is solely within the mineral wool layer of the panel, with no other difference in the remainder of the assembly.
Each system thickness has its own acoustical performance profile. For precise performance data, access the BASWA Downloads.
30 mm (1 ³/₁₆")
0.80 NRC
Best for mid-to-high frequency absorption, or in spaces with ceiling or wall depth constraints.
40 mm (1 ½")
0.85 NRC
A mid-range option that with absorption into lower mid frequencies. Most common selection.
70 mm (2 ¾")
0.90 - 1.00 NRC
Highest-performance across a broad frequency range. Recommended for low-frequency control.
Need something different?
Special order thicknesses may be available upon request. Requires minimum order qualitites.
Choosing a Finish
BASWA's recycled marble-aggregate finishes are trowel-applied for smooth surfaces or spray-applied for texturized finishes, available in natural white stone or custom color for a highly customizable design .
The finest grain option with two coats to ensure the smoothest finish. See more >
A fine grain option with two coats to ensure the smoothest finish. See more >
A fine grain option in a single coat to deliver a quicker finish. See more >
The finest grain option with in a single coat to deliver a faster finish. See more >
A spray-applied finish that provides a subtle texture. See more >
Finish materials can be used to create bespoke textures and color gradients, or replicate materials like clay, concrete, or stone with texture and color variations. See more >
Installation Overview
Process Overview
BASWA Phon panels are adhered directly onto stable substrates using a gypsum-based adhesive, and can follow complex curves and geometries. The beveled edges of the factory-coated panels form v-grooves which are filled with the same materials as the recycled glass bead panel pre-coat. This forms an acoustically monolithic surface free of mechanical fasteners, perforations, or seams that typically become visible over time.
Recycled marble aggregate finishes are then trowel-applied in one or two coats, in alignment with the lighting design and geometric complexity.
Installation typically takes 4-5 days. All BASWA systems are installed by local BASWA Certified Installers that are located throughout the world.
Learn more about the BASWA system installation >
Find a local installer >
Integrating Trimless Fixtures, Sprinklers, and Access Panels
BASWA systems easily integrate with trimless fixures and diffusors, access panels, and other fixtures. During substrate preparation, all penetrations are roughed-in to accomodate the thickness of the selected system.
Read the guide on seamless fixture integration >
Access the library of details for all BASWA systems >
Humid Environments
Many BASWA systems can be installed in spaces subject to high humidity such as covered outdoor spaces, pools and natatoriums, kitchen, gyms and spas.
In theses environments, it is important to ensure the dew point is not located on or within the BASWA system.
If you are interested in such an application, BASWA acoustic can help determine which system panel is most appropriate for your space to ensure a long lifespan.
Discuss your space with the BASWA Technical Team >
Invisible Speakers
BASWA systems are often used in ceiling and walls with concealed speakers behind the finish in projects like home theaters, lobbies and permanent museum exhibits.
Speaker boxes are framed into the substrate and panels are fitted around them. After a mesh is installed to cover the speaker box, BASWA finishes coat the surface uniformly.
The result is a seamless finish with high-performance sound absorption that invisibly accommodates clear, crisp amplified sound.
Explore BASWA projects
BASWA systems have been installed all over the world since 1991, delivering acoustical comfort to museums, universities, private clubs, and homes. Our portfolio can offer inspiration and case studies that confidence that demonstrate a lasting value.
See the BASWA Portfolio
