Crown Melbourne Restaurant Acoustics

The Challenge

Nestled along Crown Riverwalk with sweeping Yarra River views, Marmont has quickly become a Melbourne icon. With its California-inspired charm, curated small plates and vinyl DJ sessions, the venue was designed to embody effortless cool. However, as often happens in vibrant dining spaces, the design’s success visually became its challenge acoustically. The restaurant’s open layout, high ceilings and hard reflective surfaces — glass façades, stone floors and minimalistic finishes — amplified every sound. Conversations, music and kitchen clatter bounced across the space, creating a persistent echo that made dining loud and conversation strained. Guests described struggling to hear across the table during peak hours, while staff found it difficult to communicate clearly during service. For a venue built around experience and atmosphere, sound control became a pressing priority.

The Solution

Our acoustic consultants began with a comprehensive on-site sound assessment, measuring the reverberation time (RT60) across the full frequency range. Before treatment, the results showed an average reverberation time of 1.18 seconds — well above the recommended standard of 0.8 seconds for hospitality spaces (AS/NZS 2107:2016). In acoustic terms, this meant sound lingered too long in the room, muddying speech clarity and increasing perceived loudness. To restore balance, we designed a solution combining aesthetic integration with high-performance sound absorption. We specified SoundTech’s premium acoustic panels — lightweight, fire-rated and designed for hospitality acoustics — strategically installed to absorb mid- and high-frequency reflections (500–1000 Hz), the range most responsible for conversational echo.

Each panel was colour-matched to Marmont’s warm, modern palette to complement the restaurant’s natural textures and lighting. The design brief focused on blending acoustic control with visual harmony — ensuring the panels looked as good as they performed.

The Installation

Our SoundFix Acoustics installation team worked closely with the venue management and Crown’s design partners to deliver a fast, non-intrusive installation schedule. Pre-installation planning ensured all panel layouts aligned perfectly with lighting, HVAC and ceiling features. Work was completed outside service hours, preventing disruption to guests and kitchen operations. Precision detailing allowed the panels to disappear into the architecture, maintaining the clean, sophisticated interior style.

Over several sessions, custom acoustic panels were installed across the Spencer Street side dining zone, targeting the highest-reflection areas identified in our sound mapping analysis. Despite working within a tight timeline, the installation was completed smoothly and efficiently — a testament to the expert craftsmanship and experience of the SoundFix Acoustics team.

The transformation was immediate.

The Outcome:

The challenge wasn’t only about sound — it was about preserving Marmont’s soul.

By using sound absorption panels that enhance rather than detract from the space, the acoustic upgrade became part of the restaurant’s design story. The warm textures and matte finishes blended perfectly with Marmont’s soft lighting and modern Californian decor. The result is a space that not only sounds balanced but feels more luxurious and refined.

Guests now linger longer, conversations are natural, and the overall ambience invites connection — exactly what the restaurant was designed to deliver.

This project demonstrates how acoustic design and interior design can work hand-in-hand to elevate guest experience, proving that noise control solutions can be both practical and beautiful.

Before-and-After Acoustic Results

Before installation: 1.18 seconds

After installation: 0.85 seconds

Overall reduction: 28%

This measurable improvement creates a softer, more enjoyable acoustic environment while maintaining the natural energy that defines Marmont’s dining culture. In the competitive world of hospitality, sound is the invisible layer of design that can make or break an experience. For a venue like Marmont — where every detail reflects sophistication — achieving the right acoustic balance was essential. Today, Marmont stands as an example of how expert acoustic solutions can enhance not just comfort, but brand identity. The restaurant’s ambiance now reflects its promise: effortless, elegant and uniquely Melbourne.

Let SoundFix Acoustics design a solution that aligns with your aesthetic and delivers measurable acoustic improvement.