Abstract The building element includes a first sound-absorbing and heat- insulating layer (21) and a second sound-absorbing, shape-retaining base layer (23). The first layer preferably comprises a thermoformed fibre mat or an at least partially open-celled foam and the second layer comprises a rigid, thermoformed plastic material, for example a plastics material reinforced with glass fibres. On the outside of the first layer, a porous or microporous decorative layer (22) may be applied and on the outside of the base layer a thermoformed carpet (24) may be applied. A heat-sealable adhesive layer (27) may be laid between the two layers, increasing the bond between them. By virtue of the shape-retaining base layer, the building element can be used as a sound barrier without any supporting frame or as a sound-damping body panel without any supporting surface, which allows the weight of the overall construction to be reduced and installation to be made easier and cheaper. <IMAGE>