St. Bernard’s Primary School – Acoustic Solution for a Multipurpose Hall

The Challenge

St. Bernard’s Primary School faced significant acoustic challenges in its multipurpose hall. The hall was plagued by excessive echo and reverberation due to hard surfaces like plywood walls, plasterboard ceilings and timber floors. These issues made communication during activities difficult, especially in noisy environments like gym classes or school assemblies. Reverberation times in the hall reached 6.2 seconds at 1kHz, far exceeding recommended levels for educational spaces.

The Solution

To address these challenges, SoundFix Acoustics provided a tailored acoustic solution using acoustic panels ideally suited acoustic solutions for schools for educational environments. The soundproofing panels were installed on the walls and ceilings of the multipurpose hall to reduce reverberation and improve sound clarity.

The installation was completed in one full day, with panels strategically placed throughout the space. This acoustic solution for schools was carefully designed to reduce noise while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the hall, ensuring that it could be used effectively for sports, assemblies and other activities.

The Outcome

The installation of the acoustic panels resulted in a significant improvement. Post-installation measurements showed that the reverberation time was reduced to between 1.9 and 2.2 seconds, bringing the acoustics in line with the recommended standards for school environments. This reduction transformed the space, making it much more functional and comfortable.

Principal Emilio Scalzo explained the issue:

“The gym was unsuitable due to excessive echo, making communication difficult during sports. Teachers struggled to be heard over the noise of bouncing balls, resorting to whistles and raised voices, which only worsened the situation. But now it’s very different, and we can actually talk to each other. I don’t need to raise my voice anymore.”

Benefits of the Acoustic Solution

• Improved Communication: The new acoustic panels greatly enhanced speech intelligibility, allowing teachers to communicate without straining their voices. This has created a calmer, more focused environment for both students and staff.
• Health and Well-being: With less echo and noise, the hall now provides a healthier atmosphere. Students can concentrate better, and teachers are no longer burdened by having to shout to be heard, reducing stress and vocal strain.
• Increased Versatility: The tailored acoustic solution transformed the hall into a versatile space suitable for a range of activities, from sports to performances. The improved acoustics make the hall more functional and accessible for various school events.

The successful acoustic treatment of St. Bernard’s Primary School’s multipurpose hall illustrates the importance of tailored acoustic solutions in educational spaces. By using acoustic panels designed for noise reduction, SoundFix Acoustics helped create a quieter, more efficient environment for both students and teachers.

If your school is experiencing similar noise issues, SoundFix Acoustics offers customised soundproofing panels and expert advice to improve the functionality and comfort of your spaces.

DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY

Contact SoundFix Acoustics today to learn more about our acoustic solutions for schools and how we can transform your space for better learning and communication.