- The Noon speaker is an audio device made of recycled fuel tanks, denim scraps, construction waste, and ocean plastic
- It’s the brainchild of Material Record, which is a research and development project by Nomura Medias Co., Ltd. and Nomura Co., Ltd which sit within Japan’s Nomura Group
- Each Noon auto device comprises six speakers, each of which has a different frequency band
The world of high-end audio has long gone beyond function, creating speakers that balance impeccable auditory quality with visually pleasing design. The Noon speaker takes it a step further. Crafted from retired fuel tanks, denim scraps, construction waste, and ocean plastic, the speakers take on a vertical pillar design that draws inspiration from the architectural realm.
Comprising six speakers—each with a different frequency band—and a vacuum tube amplifier, the Noon speaker has a modular design that allows it to be configured as a single pillar, disassembled and restacked, or placed separately on the floor. Its colourful, rectilinear design and textural interest lends the sustainable speaker a somewhat retro feel.
The speakers are the product of Material Record, a research and development project by Nomura Medias Co., Ltd. and Nomura Co., Ltd., two divisions within Japanese conglomerate Nomura Group.
The sound emitted from each of the six speakers reflects the natural characteristics of the material, with nine distinct materials making up the composition of Noon. Marine litter and discarded plastics form a composite resin; non-standard vegetables and food waste form a wholly new material; denim scraps take centre stage in a plastering material that works without the use of adhesives; cork and wool waste make up a felt-like fabric; honeycomb panels are made with recycled aluminium; ceramic moulding primarily made from recycled artificial sand; and a copper plate with man-made patina. Notably, the recycled food waste retains its natural scent, so users of the Noon speaker may catch a whiff of an errant banana or (formerly) unloved spinach while blasting their tunes.
The Noon speaker is a concept, with no word on whether it’ll have a production run. However, it signals promising things to come in the material innovation space for Material Record.
Words by Henry Blake
