Commercial Acoustics was contracted by Willis Smith Construction to complete an acoustical installation for St. Stephen’s STEAM Center located in Bradenton, FL. The new STEAM center features a space for students to expand their knowledge on topics related to STEM and advance their learning. The center will include audio and video technology, a computer science lab, and more. Acoustical treatment for this kind of space is very beneficial for students, as it will improve speech intelligibility and further drive their focus. Our team was prepared to take on the challenge and installed three types of products: acoustic ceiling tile, acoustic ceiling panels, and stretched fabric wall.
Benefits of Acoustic Ceiling Tile and Wall Panels
Acoustic ceiling tile is a common product used in almost any space you can think of – schools, offices, auditoriums, etc. This high-density product works well for standard noise reduction. Our team installed 1,556 square feet of Armstrong Dune ceiling tile, sized 2’x2′, on 15/16″ prelude grid. Not only does ACT hide wires and exposed beams, but it will reduce any loud sound transmissions that may occur in the space.
Acoustic ceiling panels are a fabric-wrapped solution for noise reduction. MBI Spectrum panels were selected and placed on the ceiling within the STEAM Center. The panels limit the amount of echo within a space as sound is easily absorbed by the material. Products like this one are crucial to use in large open spaces so that speech is intelligible. These specific panels are wrapped in perforated black PVC, with a fiberglass core ranging in thickness from 2″ to 4″.
Stretched Fabric Wall for Learning Centers
We also installed a 4″ thick fabric wall in the facility. Fabric wall is a floor-to-ceiling design with an absorptive material that tackles noise problems. It ranges in thickness which further impacts the NRC level, ranging from 0.8 to 1.15. Since St. Stephens selected the 4″ thick option, they’ll notice a huge difference in the amount of sound that is produced. Sound will be effectively 100% absorbed rather than reflected, allowing students to fully deep dive into their learning.
St. Stephen’s STEAM Center: Conclusion
We expect the STEAM Center to see great results after the installation of these 3 products:
- Acoustic ceiling tile
- Acoustic ceiling panels
- Stretched fabric wall
Thank you to our team for doing a beautiful job. If your company is in need of acoustic treatment, please contact us!
