Wall Panels for Lamberts Point Community Center
When the community center was designed, the architects planed for acoustics by adding perforated ceilings in most of the areas to help absorb some sound from echoing back into the facility.
However, the noise levels were greater than anyone had anticipated and the issue with noise control was limiting the usefulness of the community center.
Application Introduction
The gymnasium had been designed with a perforated metal ceiling to help reduce the reverberation time throughout the larger areas of the community center.
But because of the hard surfaced side and end walls, there was still a problem of excessive reverberation and flutter echo.
This is a typical problem with sound control where you have tall, hard parallel surfaces, which is common in reception halls, gymnasiums, cafeterias and great rooms.
The excessive reverberation and flutter echo significantly decreased the usefulness of the facility since it was difficult for people to clearly hear individuals speaking, even music sounded mumbled.
The problem only intensified if the volume increased, because as the sound increased, so did the level of reverberation echo throughout the room.
Treatment Provided
Anxious for a solution, Whisper Walls of Virginia, a subcontractor of Acoustical Solutions, Inc., was brought in to offer advice and products to help correct the echo problem.
The solution came in the form of multiple acoustical wall panel systems.
In the main gymnasium area, 2" thick AlphaSorb™ acoustical wall panel, which helped reduce the echo effect, absorbing some of the low frequency noise levels of the ambient noise.
In the greeting area of the facility, printed fabric wrapped panels were used to offer both acoustical treatment and attractive visual elements to the space.
In the workout area of the facility, custom fitted stretch fabric acoustical panel systems were designed to fit into the open-air ceiling trusses.
Project Results
In order to maintain the design element of the facility, the panel shapes were custom fitted to match the existing design of the facility.
The result is a great looking, and great sounding, room that can be used as a multi-function room for the community in Norfolk, VA.
For more information on this application, contact Michael Binns.
