Project Challenge
This K-12 school multi-purpose auditorium hosts assemblies, lectures, performances and sporting events. The large-volume masonry space suffers from severe mid-low frequency reverberation. Speech sounds muddy, music lacks definition, and students in rear seating struggle to hear clearly. Conventional porous acoustic materials cannot resolve the stubborn 250Hz–1000Hz low-frequency standing waves that dominate large educational venues.
Solution
A combined system of grooved and perforated resonant acoustic panels was installed on the side and rear walls of the auditorium. Engineered on the Helmholtz resonance principle, the precision slot-and-hole structure specifically targets stubborn mid-low frequency noise that porous panels cannot eliminate. Paired with rear air cavities and mineral wool backing, the system achieves an overall NRC of 0.90 for balanced full-band sound absorption. Light wood veneer finishes match the clean, formal school architectural style.
Results
Post-renovation acoustic testing confirmed reverberation time within the optimal range for speech and live performance. Speech intelligibility improved by over 40%, with uniform sound quality across all seating zones. The auditorium now supports clear lectures, immersive performances and comfortable sporting events, fully meeting the school’s diverse functional acoustic requirements.
