Project Background

This 240-seat independent art cinema in inner Melbourne is converted from a historic warehouse, hosting repertory screenings, director Q&As and small live performances. The high vaulted ceiling and hard masonry walls caused boomy low-frequency standing waves, muddy dialogue clarity and frequent microphone feedback during live events. The project required architecturally sensitive acoustic tuning that preserved the warehouse heritage aesthetic, with compliance to Australian public building standards.

Acoustic Solution

Custom grooved and perforated resonant panels are 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
• All products meet AS/NZS fire safety standards