Goal: To provide a space where a variety of presentation styles can be effectively used without excessive
distractions.
Tips and consideration
- Recommended reverberation time is between 0.6 and 1 second.
- Absorptive materials will most likely be necessary for the ceiling.
- Often times, the perimeter of the ceiling is absorptive and the
area above the conference room table is kept reflective.
- Even if the reverberation time is optimally controlled, reflections
from the walls can be problematic. Slap back from the back wall
can create an issue for the presenter and parallel reflective
surfaces can cause an annoying condition called flutter echo or
standing wave. Ideally, at least the back wall and one side wall
should be treated with acoustically absorptive material. It might
not be necessary to completely treat the wall as long as the
critical zone (normally from 3′-7′) is treated with a material that
has an NRC of at least 0.50, ideally at least 0.80.
- Draperies typically provide very little, if any, absorption.
- Beware of potential noise impact to your space from exterior sources and/or excessive HVAC
noise. To help protect your design, the NC level should not exceed 25 to 35. When specifying
NC, specify an actual rating, such as NC 30, rather than a range, such as NC 25-30. Although
specifying a lower number will ensure minimal background noise, it might be cost prohibitive
to achieve. Be realistic about the amount of acceptable noise and the project’s budget when
specifying an NC level.
- If an electronic masking system is being used throughout the facility, it is best to avoid
installing speakers in the conference room. If this cannot be avoided, consider at least turning
down the speaker(s) in this space.
- If confidentiality or privacy is an issue, you need to be concerned with the isolation quality of
the wall. Even if you specify a high STC rating for the wall, it will not allow for privacy if the
wall only extends to the ceiling, or just above the ceiling to help ensure confidentiality, the
wall must extend to, and seal to, the deck. Remember, the STC rating of a wall only refers to
how well a section of that wall performs in a laboratory and does not necessarily indicate how
well the system will perform in the field. Specifying an NIC rating can help ensure the desired
isolation level.
- A sound system may be necessary to enhance the presentations
UNCOMPROMISING EXCELLENCE.
SUGGESTED PRODUCTS FOR CONFERENCE ROOMS:
DecorTrend – Slotted Timber Panels
DecorPly – Perforated Timber Panels
DecorBoard – Perforated Plasterboard
DecorLini – Lineal Acoustic Planks
BioPanel ZapX – Anti bacterial coating
Vogl Plaster – Seamless Perforated Plaster
DecorLux – Perforated Fibre Cement
DecorSlot – Slotted Fibre Cement
DecorSlat – Slatted Timber System
DecorArti – Bespoke Acoustic Panels
