Project Challenge

This 210㎡ boutique food product R&D lab in inner Melbourne houses sensory testing booths, sample prep stations and a small pilot kitchen. Blenders, mixers, ventilation systems and refrigeration units run continuously, generating steady broadband noise. The noise interferes with sensory tasting accuracy, and lab technicians face long-term noise exposure day after day. The lab maintains strict food safety, dust control and washdown standards, so acoustic materials must be non-shedding, wipeable and compliant with food-handling hygiene requirements.

Our Solution

We fitted the entire lab ceiling with high-density inorganic fiberglass acoustic ceiling tiles, NRC 0.90–0.95, inherent ASTM E84 Class A fire resistance. The interconnected porous structure efficiently absorbs full-spectrum reflected noise from equipment and airflow, while the dense hardened surface resists dust build-up and supports regular wipe-down cleaning — critical for food-grade lab environments. Around the pilot kitchen perimeter, we added partial perforated acoustic panels with mineral wool backing to help control mid-low frequency equipment noise from blenders and mixers.

All materials are non-particulate and fiber-shedding free, meeting lab food safety and dust control requirements. The system holds stable performance even in temperature-fluctuating kitchen environments.

Project Results

Ambient noise in the main testing area dropped by an estimated 42%, falling within acceptable limits for sensory evaluation work and reducing acoustic interference to tasting accuracy. Technicians report less end-of-shift fatigue and clearer verbal communication during testing. Sensory test consistency also showed a measurable improvement following the upgrade.