Project Background
This 2,600 sq m community public library in central Wellington includes reading zones, a multi-function activity hall, children’s areas and public corridors. The original high masonry ceilings and hard wall surfaces caused excessive reverberation and poor speech intelligibility. Reader conversation, children’s activity noise and public announcements overlapped heavily, disrupting quiet study areas and reducing event experience quality. The project required durable, impact-resistant acoustic tuning solutions matching the civic building aesthetic.
Acoustic Solution
Grooved and perforated resonant panels are installed in the multi-function hall and activity zones. Paired with mineral wool infill and rear air cavities, the panels are calibrated via acoustic simulation to target mid-low frequency standing waves, delivering balanced full-band absorption suitable for both reading and group events. Reading zones and corridor ceilings are fitted with high-density smooth fiberglass tiles from the Ceiling Series. The flat, non-textured surface controls overhead reflections and reduces ambient noise across quiet study areas. All panels are factory pre-cut to fit building module dimensions for efficient on-site installation.
Project Outcomes
- Reading zone reverberation time reduced to 0.6–0.8 seconds, meeting quiet library acoustic standards
- Multi-function hall speech intelligibility improved by 44%
- Inter-zone sound leakage significantly reduced
- All materials meet AS/NZS fire safety standards for public assembly buildings
