Custom Fabric Wall Panels for Ballrooms: Grand Cypress Hotel Renovation

• Project: Grand Cypress Ballrooms – Acoustic Fabric Wall System
• Address: 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836
• Facility Type: Hotel ballroom & conference center
• Objective: Deliver seamless acoustics with custom design integration
• Scope: Custom fabric wall system, stretch installation, 10,000 SF coverage

Set within a luxury development near Windermere, the Grand Cypress ballrooms represent the pinnacle of high-end hospitality design in Central Florida. With two distinct ballroom spaces accommodating more than 1,000 guests each, this venue is built for large conferences, galas, and high-profile speaking events.

But impressive visuals alone wouldn’t meet the performance demands of the space. Architects turned to Commercial Acoustics to deliver a tailored sound-dampening solution—one that seamlessly merged artwork, acoustical performance, and technical precision. The result: an acoustic wall system engineered to reduce echo while elevating the venue’s overall aesthetic.

• Design Intent: Seamless acoustic wall system with artistic identity
• Fabric Type: Guilford of Maine Anchorage with custom artwork print
• Installation Height: Panels extended up to 18 feet tall

It’s worth noting that the fiberglass was standard one inch, non impact. A common question amongst designers and architects is whether two inch fiberglass is needed, as well as if impact resistance is critical for the systems performance. Even though that is often the case, the answer is that it depends. One inch fiberglass can’t provide the same overall acoustical absorption as two inch, and generally requires about 60 to 80% additional coverage to achieve the same results. Furthermore, it should be noted that one inch fiberglass should not be used in musical settings, where low frequency absorption is more critical.

Impact fiberglass is often used when the paneling is installed at eye level or below to prevent dents over years of usage. In this case, since most events would be happening in a semi formal setting, the designer did not think it was critical to add the 1/8^th inch, 16 pcf impact facing.

• Track System: Polymer radius edge with center reveal
• Core Material: 1″ thick, 6 PCF Owens Corning fiberglass
• Seam Strategy: No visible vertical seams on custom-printed runs

Because prefabricated panels top out at around 10 feet in length, the team opted for a stretch-fabric system using a curved polymer track. This allowed for up to 18 feet of continuous paneling without vertical seams—essential for maintaining the visual continuity of the custom art.

The track system included a radius edge on both the top and bottom, giving the walls a softened visual profile. Center-track installation helped minimize visible seams while supporting clean alignment from panel to panel. It was an ideal solution to preserve the monolithic appearance the designer envisioned.

• Reverb Control: Reduced reverberation time by over 50%
• Acoustic Strategy: Wall treatments paired with carpet & furnishings
• Room Use: Optimized for large gatherings & keynote presentations

Controlling reverberation is critical in ballroom spaces, where echoed speech can undermine even the most dynamic presenters. With more than 10,000 square feet of acoustic wall paneling in place, the Grand Cypress ballrooms now offer a high level of speech intelligibility across every square foot.

The acoustic fabric walls were only one part of the total sound control solution. Carpet and soft furnishings added supplemental absorption to round out the room’s performance. The final result supports a quieter, more comfortable experience for every guest, whether seated near the stage or in the back row.

• Material Thickness: 1″ fiberglass selected for speech optimization
• Impact Facing: Omitted due to limited wall interaction in venue
• Low-Frequency Note: 2″ better for music, but not required here

For most banquet rooms and conference environments, 1″ fiberglass is sufficient—especially when the primary goal is to support human speech. In this case, the 6 PCF fiberglass offered a balance of performance and install flexibility, all without the extra depth or cost of 2″ board.

Impact-resistant fiberglass facers were not used because the walls would see limited contact. Events in this space tend to be semi-formal, and the walls are well-protected by seating layouts and traffic patterns. By skipping the impact facer, the fabric retained its soft, textile quality—helping elevate the room’s finish.

The Grand Cypress ballroom project shows how a well-executed tailored fabric wall can meet both acoustic performance needs and architectural ambitions. By blending radius track systems with high-density fiberglass and custom-printed fabrics, the final result offers long-term durability with a tailored, luxury finish.

Architects and general contractors working in high-profile hospitality spaces know that even a beautiful room falls flat if the sound quality doesn’t match. That’s why our approach starts with the performance spec—but never stops there. From artwork layout to field install, we ensure your design intent is realized in full.

If your upcoming project calls for a custom fabric wall system that prioritizes both clarity & craftsmanship, let’s talk about your space. We’re here to help you solve for sound—without sacrificing design.