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Project Overview: Acoustic Wall Panels at Virgin Hotels in New Orleans
- Project: Acoustic Treatment & Soundproofing for Hospitality Event Space
- Address: 550 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70113
- Facility Type: Boutique Hotel & Meeting Venue
- Client: Virgin Hotels
- Objective: Combine Visual Design & Acoustic Performance in Event Space
- Scope: Custom Art Printed Acoustic Wall Panels & Soundproofing Installation
Virgin Hotels opened its New Orleans location in the heart of the Warehouse District—an area known for its rich architecture and lively event scene. The project aimed to strike a balance between modern aesthetic and acoustic functionality in a multi-use event space known as The Manor. From luxurious guestrooms to collaborative lounges, every space at Virgin Hotels reflects bold design—and the acoustics needed to match.
Acoustic Strategy for Collaboration & Event Spaces
- Custom Panels: Art Printed Acoustic Wall Panels for Visual Cohesion
- Sound Control: Acoustic Treatment to Reduce Echo & Reverberation
- Design Integration: Panels Embedded Within Decorative Colonnades
In The Manor, a 1,860-square-foot venue used for meetings, performances, and social events, acoustic performance was non-negotiable. Hardwood flooring and gypsum walls presented immediate reverberation challenges. To mitigate echo while enhancing visual appeal, we installed custom art printed sound-absorbing wall panels—blending technical performance with striking aesthetics.
These panels were strategically placed inside arched wall alcoves, designed to showcase custom artwork printed directly onto acoustically transparent fabric. Using dye sublimation, the artwork appears seamless—often mistaken for murals or wallpaper. But behind the scenes, these panels actively absorb sound, making the space both beautiful and functional.
Fabric Printing Technology for Acoustic Panels
- Dye Sublimation: High-Resolution Printing on Acoustic Fabric
- Acoustic Transparency: Material Allows Sound to Pass Through
- Visual Impact: Printed Panels That Elevate Interior Design
Through dye sublimation, we achieve near-photo-quality resolution on fabrics that maintain their acoustic properties. This method embeds the dye into the fibers, resulting in long-lasting color that doesn’t affect the sound absorption of the core panel.
Architects and designers working on hospitality projects often face the challenge of incorporating acoustic treatment into spaces that must be visually iconic. In this case, the printed panels became a focal point—not a compromise. The resulting room offers both clarity of sound and visual depth, suitable for everything from executive presentations to cocktail hours.
Soundproofing Solutions Behind the Scenes
- Wall Membrane: Wall Blokker Replaces Metal Plating for STC Control
- Outlet Isolation: Acoustic Solution at Electrical Penetrations
- Value Engineering: Reduced Cost & Materials Without Compromising Quality
In addition to acoustic treatment, soundproofing was also a key part of this project. The original construction drawings included metal plating to isolate back-to-back electrical outlets—a traditional but costly method for preventing flanking noise between rooms.
Our engineers proposed a more efficient solution: replacing the metal plates with Wall Blokker, our proprietary soundproofing membrane. This flexible material is commonly used to improve STC ratings without the need for additional drywall layers. By integrating Wall Blokker into the demising walls, we were able to maintain acoustic isolation, eliminate unnecessary materials, and reduce installation time.
This type of value engineering is critical in hospitality construction, where every inch—and every dollar—counts.
Dual Approach: Acoustic Panels & Soundproofing Integration
- Full-Scope Delivery: Acoustic Panels & Soundproofing Installed Together
- Team Coordination: Collaborated with Architect & Contractor
- Hospitality Expertise: Acoustic Solutions Aligned with Design Vision
In many hospitality projects, acoustic treatment and soundproofing are handled by separate contractors. At Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Commercial Acoustics delivered both. From design through installation, we ensured that every acoustic element worked in harmony—whether it was controlling echo in the event space or reducing noise transfer between suites.
The collaboration between our field team, the architect, and general contractor enabled a seamless integration of acoustic solutions into the design. Rather than appearing as afterthoughts, the panels and membranes were intentionally incorporated into construction timelines and aesthetic plans.
The result is a venue that feels vibrant, not loud—sophisticated, not sterile. Guests and event planners can enjoy clear conversations, immersive soundscapes, and refined ambiance—all thanks to thoughtful acoustic design.
Conclusion: Bringing Acoustics & Aesthetics Together in Boutique Hospitality
The Virgin Hotels project in New Orleans shows how art printed acoustic wall panels can dramatically enhance both design and functionality in collaborative hospitality spaces. Rather than sacrificing style for sound control, the project achieved both through thoughtful material choices and integration.
By combining soundproofing and acoustic treatment in a single scope, we helped deliver a space that performs acoustically and visually. For architects and contractors, this approach simplifies execution while maximizing impact.
If you’re planning a hospitality project that needs to sound as good as it looks, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team to discuss how custom wall panels and soundproofing solutions can bring your vision to life.
FAQs: Art Printed & Acoustic Wall Panels in Hotels
What are Art Printed Acoustic Wall Panels & How Do They Work?
Art printed sound-absorbing wall panels combine visually customized fabric with a high-performance acoustic core. While the fabric showcases custom imagery, the core absorbs mid- to high-frequency sound, reducing reverberation and echo in hospitality spaces.
Can Custom Printed Panels Be Customized for Hotel or Event Space Branding?
Yes. These panels are fully customizable. Architects and designers can provide logos, themed graphics, or local photography to be printed directly onto the acoustic fabric—creating a branded, immersive experience that also controls sound.
Do these Panels Meet Fire & Safety Requirements for Hospitality Projects?
They do. Our custom-printed acoustic wall panels meet ASTM E84 Class A fire ratings and are approved for use in commercial hotels, lounges, and event spaces where both safety and aesthetics are crucial.
Where Are Art Printed Acoustic Panels Most Commonly Installed in Hotels?
They’re often used in event spaces, lobbies, restaurants, and lounges—anywhere that benefits from both sound control and design impact. In the Virgin Hotel project, they were installed inside decorative arches to blend seamlessly with the architecture.
