Project Background

This 260-seat converted warehouse arthouse cinema in central Bristol suffered from boomy low-frequency standing waves, muddy dialogue clarity and frequent microphone feedback during live Q&A events, due to its high vaulted ceiling and hard masonry walls. The project required architecturally sensitive acoustic tuning that preserved the space’s industrial heritage aesthetic, without visible bulky treatment.

Acoustic Solution

A custom grooved and perforated resonant panel system is engineered for the side and rear auditorium walls. Paired with mineral wool infill and rear air cavities, the panels are calibrated via acoustic simulation to target 250–1000Hz standing waves, delivering balanced full-band absorption optimized for both film and spoken word. High-density smooth fiberglass ceiling tiles from the Ceiling Series are installed at the ceiling perimeter to control overhead reflections and even out sound coverage across all seating positions. All panels are factory pre-cut to match the historic building’s bay dimensions, with a dark matte finish blending into the cinema’s low-light interior.

Project Outcomes

• Speech intelligibility improved by 46% across all seating areas
• Reverberation time stabilized at 1.1–1.4 seconds, ideal for both film and live events
• Microphone feedback issues nearly eliminated
• Venue now regularly hosts live spoken word events it could not previously support