Introducing a first of its kind Bang & Olufsen BEOSOUND A9 made in collaboration with Haydenshapes.
Combining acute sensibilities in the world of design and engineering for a limited edition collaboration, BEOSOUND A9 ‘CATALYST’ highlights the unique parallels and kinetic movement of light and sound through material and forms. Resin, like the ocean interacting with the sun, absorbs and refracts light to create ever changing hues throughout the day. This reaction is sensitive to volume and shape, much like the motion and intensity of sound waves moving through a speaker. The term ‘Catalyst’ references the key additive in the chemical process of casting resin which generates heat causing the material to harden and take shape. A shared vision for shape, material and performance was the ultimate ‘catalyst’ in uniting Haydenshapes and Bang & Olufsen to reimagine an iconic design.
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The limited edition Beosound A9 ‘Catalyst’ key features are an interchangeable printed speaker cover along with custom developed legs made from translucent resin. Cast and shaped by hand in Hayden Cox’s custom formulated material and process, as the legs taper in shape, the internal resin textures created during the catalysis process absorb and interact with light creating an iridescent colour gradient. This radial blue fade informs the speaker cover art, drawing directly from this unique connection between the resin material and light.
RESIN FORMULATION
A designer synonymous with innovative application of material, Hayden’s exploration of casting resin connects back to more than two decades of manufacturing surfboards and customising formulations for his patented parabolic carbon fibre rail technology FutureFlex. In recent years and outside of surfboards, Hayden’s worked on leading design commissions and collaborative cast resin projects with the likes of artist Daniel Arsham, luxury furniture retailer Space Furniture and The Art Gallery of NSW’ SANAA led Sydney Modern development ‘Gallery shop’ with Akin Atelier.
Material as Medium
The vibrant blue resin featured in BEOSOUND A9 ‘CATALYST’ is the result of an extensive process of material experimentation—layering pigment, adjusting catalysts, and refining transparency to achieve a unique interplay with light. This hands-on, trial-and-error approach is emblematic of the Haydenshapes ethos, where craft, innovation, and a deep understanding of material science intersect.
“The Beosound A9 for me is a true representation of functional art – it’s such an iconic design. Having the opportunity to create a unique and limited edition release applying a technical material like resin really honors the storytelling around innovation and performance, which is how I have always approached my surfboards. For me, material has always played the most critical role in the things I create.”
