Improving Acoustics in an School Renovation: Brooksville Elementary School

• Project: Brooksville Elementary School in Hernando County, FL
• Address: 885 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601
• Client: JE Dunn Construction
• Facility Type: Elementary School Campus
• Objective: Improving acoustics during HVAC renovation
• Scope: Acoustic tile, grid, soffits & fur-downs in 8 buildings

As part of a district-wide initiative to modernize aging infrastructure, Brooksville Elementary School underwent an ambitious eight-phase renovation. Commercial Acoustics was brought in by JE Dunn Construction to provide acoustic ceiling upgrades that aligned with the school’s mechanical overhaul. With learning environments directly impacted by noise levels, the goal was to implement ceiling systems that support both comfort and classroom performance.

This phased effort—coordinated with VAV (Variable Air Volume) replacements and new ductwork—required strategic ceiling removal and replacement in actively used spaces. Classroom tiles needed to meet both acoustic and durability standards, especially in high-traffic student areas.

• Tile Specification: Fine Fissured ACT in 2×2 & 2×4 formats
• Grid Type: 15/16” Prelude grid for durable support
• Thickness Options: 5/8” standard & ¾” School Zone tiles

School renovations often bring surprises—especially when mechanical components are replaced in older buildings. As HVAC scopes expanded, our team stayed nimble, delivering daily time and material documentation to keep progress transparent and approvals quick. This allowed the project team to adapt to unforeseen changes while keeping schedules intact.

Because each building was addressed individually, ceiling installs had to flex with field conditions. Some rooms required only minor ceiling patching, while others demanded full grid replacement. This flexible approach ensured that acoustic integrity wasn’t sacrificed for speed—and that every finished room offered measurable acoustic improvement.

• Phased Approach: 8-building rollout coordinated with HVAC
• Fluid Scope: Daily T&M logs support evolving field needs
• Room Types: Classrooms, admin areas & student corridors

School renovations often bring surprises—especially when mechanical components are replaced in older buildings. As HVAC scopes expanded, our team stayed nimble, delivering daily time and material documentation to keep progress transparent and approvals quick. This allowed the project team to adapt to unforeseen changes while keeping schedules intact.

Because each building was addressed individually, ceiling installs had to flex with field conditions. Some rooms required only minor ceiling patching, while others demanded full grid replacement. This flexible approach ensured that acoustic integrity wasn’t sacrificed for speed—and that every finished room offered measurable acoustic improvement.

• Demolition Method: Precision removal for partial ceiling access
• Grid Integration: Main beams spliced into existing systems
• Architectural Changes: Soffits & wall angles installed as needed

Working around new mechanical units meant not every ceiling could be replaced in full. Our team removed only the ceiling sections impacted by HVAC upgrades, then installed matching grid systems that aligned with the remaining ceiling areas. This minimized waste and preserved the visual flow of each room.

In some zones, changes to duct runs or equipment placement called for new architectural features. Our scope expanded to include soffits, fur-downs, and extra wall angle to frame in adjusted geometries. These transitions were handled cleanly, so the finished space felt intentional, not retrofitted.

With the first building complete, Brooksville Elementary is set to continue its multi-phase renovation across the remaining seven buildings. Each will receive updated acoustic ceiling tiles in coordination with mechanical upgrades, ensuring a smooth integration of HVAC systems and acoustic design.

These improvements are more than aesthetic—they’re foundational to creating learning environments that are quieter, clearer, and better suited to modern educational needs. By improving acoustics in classrooms and shared spaces, the school is supporting better communication, student focus, and overall wellness.

Once completed, the campus will benefit from a consistent ACT system that enhances both performance and durability—helping Brooksville Elementary serve its students for years to come.

The Brooksville Elementary renovation highlights how improving acoustics can be seamlessly integrated into broader infrastructure upgrades. By coordinating ACT installations with phased HVAC work, Commercial Acoustics delivered a solution that enhances both functionality and learning outcomes.

For architects and general contractors, this project is a clear example of how thoughtful ceiling design supports the unique demands of elementary schools—where noise control, durability, and performance are all essential. From product selection to field coordination, every detail was managed to support educational environments where clarity and comfort matter most.

If your next renovation project involves improving acoustics in an elementary school or educational facility, let’s talk about your space. Our team is ready to deliver results that align with your timeline, budget, and vision.