Noise Problem at Panorama Heights Preschool

The Challenge

When Panorama Heights Preschool faced disruptive sound levels and echo in their main activity space, they partnered with SoundFix Acoustics — Melbourne’s experts in school acoustic panel installation—to achieve a transformation that dramatically improved the learning environment. Across Australia, noisy preschools and loud learning centres are a growing concern for teachers, students and parents. At Panorama Heights Preschool, the spacious, hard-surfaced main classroom (9.5 x 10 meters, 2.9-meter ceiling) was plagued by long reverberation times. Reverberation time (RT60) measures how long sound persists in a room after the source has stopped. In practical terms, a high RT60 means voices overlap, instructions become muddled, and even casual conversations can turn into a source of confusion. According to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2107:2016, optimal RT60 for early learning spaces should be between 0.4 and 0.6 seconds. The main room at Panorama Heights? It clocked in at more than double this figure. Here, the average RT was 1.40 seconds. Educators noticed the effects daily. “It was difficult for the children to hear each other and for us to manage group activities.”

Discover how SoundFix Acoustics dramatically reduced echo by 74% at Panorama Heights Preschool by installing high-performance acoustic panels in three key rooms. Learn how expert acoustic panel installation can solve noise problems in schools, create quieter learning centres and improve speech clarity for teachers and students.

The Solution

SoundFix Acoustics specialises in acoustic panel installation for schools, childcare centers and other learning spaces. After a detailed site assessment, they developed a custom plan using ceiling panels to absorb sound and dramatically reduce noise. Acoustic panels absorb sound energy, especially in the mid- and high-frequency ranges most important for human speech. Hard surfaces—like concrete ceilings, glass or tile floors—reflect sound, causing it to bounce repeatedly and prolong reverberation. By covering a majority of the ceiling with specialised acoustic panels, SoundFix Acoustics was able to “capture” these reflections, allowing sound energy to dissipate much faster. The goal: to bring the RT60 down from its pre-treatment value to within, or better than, the standard recommendations with acoustic ceiling panels. Coverage of of the ceiling area, calculated to maximise the absorption of sound across key frequencies. These panels chosen for their high noise reduction coefficient (NRC), ensuring effective absorption especially at speech frequencies. Placement and layout was designed to address both direct sound reflections and more complex acoustic “hot spots” within the space.

The Installation

A successful acoustic installation in an active preschool requires more than just technical expertise. SoundFix Acoustics worked closely with the preschool’s leadership to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth process from delivery to clean-up. On installation day, SoundFix’s experienced installers worked efficiently and with care: ceiling acoustic panels were mounted using secure, low-profile hardware, ensuring both effectiveness and aesthetics. Every acoustic panel was positioned according to the acoustic treatment plan, ensuring full coverage as per the design. The team adhered to strict safety standards, including attention to dust, noise and workspace cleanliness. What might have seemed a daunting disruption for a preschool turned out to be a seamless operation—teachers remarked on how quickly and professionally the space was transformed.

The Outcome:

Once installation was complete, SoundFix Acoustics returned for post-installation reverberation testing—and the difference was profound. The average RT60 was reduced by 74% in the critical speech frequency range—from 1.40 seconds down to just 0.36 seconds, comfortably within the standard for early learning environments. Children can now hear each other clearly, even during group activities or story time. Instructions from educators carry further and with less strain. The improvement in speech intelligibility means that children are less likely to misunderstand directions, and staff spend less time repeating themselves. High reverberation can lead to higher stress levels—for both children and teachers. The drop in echo and noise buildup has created a more relaxed, focused space. Teachers report less vocal fatigue and a more manageable classroom dynamic.

If your facility is struggling with a noise problem—whether it’s a loud classroom, noisy preschool, or loud learning centre—SoundFix Acoustics delivers proven results.

What the Teachers Say: “It’s incredible how much of a difference this has made. The children are less distracted, and our activities run much more smoothly. Even at the end of the day, the space feels calmer and more welcoming.”

Before-and-After Acoustic Results

Reverberation Time (Mid-Frequencies)

• Before panels: 1.40 seconds

• After panels: 0.36 seconds

• Improvement: 74% reduction

Acoustic ceiling panels proved to be the most effective solution for tackling the noise problem in this loud classroom.

Ready to solve your noise problem?
Contact SoundFix Acoustics today for a free consultation and discover how the right acoustic ceiling  panels can reduce noise and enhance your school, preschool, or childcare centre.

The successful acoustic upgrade at Panorama Heights Preschool is about more than just improved numbers—it’s about creating a legacy of better learning, comfort and well-being for students and educators alike. Through expert assessment, precise installation and measurable results, SoundFix Acoustics has delivered an environment where every word counts, every voice is heard, and every moment of learning is clear.