The present invention relates to a light-emitting building element (1) comprising a plurality of solid-state light sources (19); and a sound-absorbing element (10) having an optically reflective side (15). The sound-absorbing element (10) is arranged such that the optically reflective side (15) faces the plurality of solid-state light sources (19), and comprises a plurality of holes (17) through the sound-absorbing element from the optically reflective side to an opposite side (16) of the sound-absorbing element. Each of the holes (17) is configured such that a projection of the hole in a plane parallel to the sound-absorbing element (10) is smaller than a smallest area of a cross-section of the hole (17), the cross-section being perpendicular to a normal of the sound-absorbing element (10). By configuring the ventilation holes in this manner, hot air can pass unhindered through the holes, while at least a fraction of the light hitting the hole on the optically reflective side of the sound-absorbing element will be prevented from passing through the sound-absorbing element.