Problem:
A restaurant venue where the noise level increases with its occupancy. When at full capacity, the bustle is considerable and customers complain about a lack of privacy.
This problem is due to the architecture and materials of the premises: the restaurant has a large volume, a high ceiling, and is composed of many reflective surfaces—large windows that provide natural light and polished floors—producing sound wave reflections that generate high reverberation.
Objective:
To improve the acoustic comfort of the premises by reducing reverberation, while simultaneously integrating the solutions into the decor. In this way, not only is the privacy of the diners improved, but the venue is also provided with added decorative value.
Intervention:
- Step 1 – Diagnosis: By performing on-site tests of the venue’s reverberation time—following the international UNE-EN ISO 3382-2 standard, established for application in the Technical Building Code—and using appropriate measurement instrumentation—a Type 1 sound level meter according to the IEC 61672.1 standard and an omnidirectional sound source to emit pink noise—the results of the venue’s reverberation time are obtained, providing a diagnosis of the existing reverberation level.
- Step 2 – Design of solutions: Since all our acoustic fabrics are tested according to the UNE-EN ISO 354 standard, we have the absorption coefficient for all of them. Based on this parameter and the reverberation time data obtained, we calculate the surface area of panels to be installed to reduce reverberation. The placement and orientation of the panels are particularly important for the intervention to be effective—installation is possible on both walls and ceilings. Once the solutions are chosen based on technical criteria, we move on to the decorative design, where it is possible to combine colors, textures, and prints.
- Step 3 – Installation: The corrective measures—acoustic panels—are installed inside the premises. The process is fast, ensuring that the venue does not need to undergo construction work or interrupt its service.
- Step 4 – Verification: Measurements of the premises are taken after installing the acoustic solutions to verify their effectiveness—comparing the results with those obtained during the diagnosis.
