Architectural Air Diffusers at Aethos London: A Seamless Integration of Design and Performance

In high-end hospitality design, ventilation is no longer a purely technical consideration—it is an integral part of the architectural language. Luxury hotels demand solutions that deliver comfort, acoustic control, and air quality while remaining visually discreet. The Aethos London Shoreditch hotel project is a prime example of how architectural air diffusers can enhance interior design rather than detract from it.

For this project, Ventmann Architectural Line Diffusers were specified and installed throughout key areas of the hotel, using a combination of PLINE 3-slot, 2-slot, and 1-slot diffusers, supported by Ventmann UK plenum boxes. The result is a refined, near-invisible ventilation solution that complements the hotel’s modern luxury aesthetic.

This case study explores how Ventmann products were selected, specified, and executed—demonstrating best practice for architects, interior designers, and M&E consultants working on premium hospitality projects.

About Aethos London Shoreditch

Aethos London Shoreditch brings together thoughtful design, comfort, and a strong sense of place. Located in one of London’s most creative and vibrant neighbourhoods, the hotel offers a refined yet relaxed environment for guests who value inspiration, exploration, and modern luxury.

The interior design balances materiality, warmth, and clean architectural lines—making it essential that all technical systems, including HVAC, integrate seamlessly into the overall design concept. Traditional metal grilles or visible diffusers would have compromised this vision. Instead, architectural air diffusers that blend into plasterboard ceilings and walls were required.

This is where Ventmann Architectural Diffusers proved to be the ideal solution.

Why Architectural Air Diffusers Matter in Luxury Hotels

In hospitality environments, guest comfort is directly linked to perceived quality. Drafts, noise, or visible ventilation elements can negatively impact the experience, even in the most beautifully designed spaces.

Architectural air diffusers address these challenges by:

• Providing even, controlled airflow without perceptible drafts
• Reducing noise levels in guest rooms and public spaces
• Blending seamlessly into ceilings and walls for a minimalist finish
• Supporting the architectural intent rather than competing with it

Ventmann specialises in precisely this intersection of performance and design.

Ventmann Architectural Diffusers: Design Philosophy

Ventmann manufactures an exquisitely elegant range of frameless gypsum diffuser air vent covers for HVAC systems. Designed to be plastered and painted alongside surrounding surfaces, Ventmann diffusers become virtually invisible once installed.

If you are looking for a near-invisible, minimalist vent solution for plasterboard ceilings or walls, Ventmann provides a proven, architecturally driven answer.

The Ventmann range includes:

• Slotted linear diffusers and grilles
• Circular architectural diffusers
• Square architectural diffusers

These products are widely used in both commercial and residential projects where a premium architectural finish is required—particularly in hotels, leisure spaces, offices, and high-spec residential developments.

Performance Linear Slot Diffusers – Award-Winning Innovation

A key product family used at Aethos London is the Ventmann Performance Linear Slot Diffuser (PLINE). This innovative system was recognised with the Red Dot Design Award, highlighting its combination of engineering performance and architectural design.

How the PLINE Diffuser Works

The PLINE diffuser features curved inner faces that direct airflow to either side of the unit. By utilising the Coandă effect, the airflow adheres to the surrounding ceiling or wall surface. This allows:

• Wide air dispersion
• Reduced perceptible airflow within occupied zones
• Improved comfort for guests

This makes PLINE diffusers particularly well-suited to hotel bedrooms, corridors, lounges, and reception areas where comfort and acoustics are critical.

PLINE Configurations Used at Aethos London

To suit different spatial and airflow requirements across the hotel, multiple PLINE configurations were used:

• PLINE 3-slot diffusers – ideal for higher airflow requirements in larger spaces
• PLINE 2-slot diffusers – balanced performance for circulation and shared areas
• PLINE 1-slot diffusers – discreet solutions for smaller or more intimate spaces

Each configuration is available in multiple lengths, allowing designers to align diffusers precisely with lighting, joinery, and architectural lines.

Key Features of Ventmann PLINE Diffusers

• Manufactured from gypsum, a natural and durable material
• Seamless integration with plasterboard ceilings and walls
• Sleek, modern, frameless design
• Adjustable airflow direction
• Suitable for wall or ceiling installation
• Compatible with commercial HVAC systems
• Available in lengths of 1250 mm, 1000 mm, and 625 mm
• Available with 1, 2, or 3 slots

Benefits for Hospitality Projects

The benefits of specifying Ventmann architectural air diffusers in hotel environments include:

• Enhanced guest comfort through controlled, low-velocity airflow
• Reduced noise levels in sensitive areas
• A seamless architectural finish with no visible metal grilles
• Consistency of material—gypsum diffusers match surrounding plasterboard
• Increased design freedom for architects and interior designers

At Aethos London, these benefits contributed directly to the calm, refined atmosphere experienced throughout the hotel.

Plenum Boxes by Ventmann UK

For this project, plenum boxes supplied by Ventmann UK were used in conjunction with the PLINE diffusers. Proper plenum design is critical to achieving optimal airflow performance and acoustic control.

By using a fully integrated Ventmann solution—diffusers and plenums—the system delivered predictable performance, simplified coordination, and ensured a high-quality final result.

Fast, Responsive Specification and Quotation

One standout aspect of the Aethos London project was the speed and efficiency of the specification process. The full quotation was completed within two days over a weekend, working closely with the hotel project manager.

This level of responsiveness is particularly valuable in hospitality projects, where programme constraints are tight and design decisions often need to be made quickly without compromising quality.

Professional Execution by A.C.E.V. Ltd

The installation and execution of the ventilation solution were beautifully and professionally delivered by A.C.E.V. Ltd. High-quality products require equally high-quality installation to achieve the intended architectural effect.

The result at Aethos London demonstrates:

• Clean, precise integration into plasterboard finishes
• Alignment with architectural details
• A flawless end result where the ventilation system enhances the interior rather than drawing attention to itself

Installation and Fixing Method

Ventmann slot diffusers are designed for straightforward installation on both new-build and refurbishment projects.

Standard fixing is achieved using a plasterboard jointing compound, which is sanded and painted to match the surrounding surface. On new-build sites, the plenum and diffuser are typically installed together, after which the plasterboard is cut and introduced to the face of the diffuser.

Once finished, the diffuser becomes an integral part of the ceiling or wall.

Ventilation Designed for Architecture

The Aethos London Shoreditch project clearly demonstrates how architectural air diffusers can support high-end interior design while delivering excellent HVAC performance.

By specifying Ventmann PLINE 1, 2, and 3-slot diffusers, supported by Ventmann UK plenum boxes, the project achieved:

• A near-invisible ventilation solution
• Superior guest comfort
• Quiet, efficient airflow
• A refined, design-led finish suitable for luxury hospitality

For architects, designers, and consultants working on hotel and leisure projects, Ventmann architectural diffusers offer a proven solution where performance and aesthetics must work in perfect harmony.