Background
Le Lay Architects commissioned Anderson Acoustics to conduct an acoustic study of Petyt Hall, a multipurpose venue in Chelsea.
The hall, used for events such as wedding receptions and meetings, faced significant issues with reverberation, leading to an unpleasant acoustic environment. The venue typically accommodates 100-150 people, and the build-up of noise during events was a major concern.
What we did
We developed a three-dimensional room acoustics model to simulate the effects of the proposed treatments and advise potential design changes to improve the hall’s acoustic conditions.
Reverberation time measurements were conducted confirming that the existing reverberation time exceeded the recommended criteria.
The acoustic performance standards were based on Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) for multipurpose halls. Given the hall’s use, controlling mid-frequency sounds was crucial to improving speech clarity and reducing noise levels.
Two primary treatment options were proposed:
- Option 1: Acoustic rafts hung from the ceiling
- Option 2: Acoustic rafts hung from the ceiling combined with wall panels
The recommended locations for these treatments were identified to optimize acoustic performance. The treatments aimed to achieve Sound Absorption Class A, providing moderate to high absorption across a broad frequency range.
Results and Recommendations
The modelling results indicated that:
- Option 1 (ceiling rafts only) reduced the reverberation time sufficiently to meet BB93 standards for refurbishments
- Option 2 (ceiling rafts and wall panels) provided a more robust solution for maintaining better acoustic conditions as occupancy increases.
We suggested a phased approach starting with Option 1 and transitioning to Option 2 for long-term acoustic performance.
Conclusion
The proposed acoustic treatments we recommended would significantly improve the reverberation time, enhancing the acoustic environment of Petyt Hall. The combination of ceiling rafts and wall panels would effectively reduce noise levels, creating a more pleasant and comfortable space for various events.
