Sound Absorbing Finishes for the Military: Brant Hall at Fort Gordon, GA

• Project: Fort Gordon Brant Hall Renovation – Phase 1
• Address: Brant Hall, 25810 Chamberlain Ave, Fort Gordon, GA 30905
• Client: ACC Construction for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Facility Type: Military training & operations building
• Objective: Enhance clarity & reduce echo with high-NRC wall panels
• Scope: 12,000 square feet of acoustical wall panels

Brant Hall is a key facility within Fort Gordon, one of the largest U.S. Army installations in the world and home to the Army Signal Corps and Cyber Command. Originally constructed in 1941, Brant Hall has supported a wide range of military operations and training programs over its history.

In 2024, Commercial Acoustics was selected by ACC Construction to provide and install high-performance sound absorbing finishes as part of a comprehensive interior renovation. The upgrades were implemented across 48 wall surfaces spanning the East and West wings, totaling more than 12,000 square feet of treatment. The work was performed under the oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the FY22 Brant Hall Renovation Phase 1 Program.

• Clarity: Improved voice transmission during operations & briefings
• Control: Reduced echo in reflective, hard-surface interiors
• Focus: Better concentration & communication in high-demand zone

Military buildings like Brant Hall often feature reflective materials—block walls, tile floors, and open corridors—that create significant acoustic challenges. Without adequate treatment, reverb builds and voice clarity suffers, creating strain during communication-heavy tasks.

By incorporating strategically placed sound absorbing finishes, we helped transform Brant Hall into a more functional, acoustically controlled environment—one that supports day-to-day operations and long-form strategic planning alike.

• System Type: Custom-fabricated, site-built fabric wall panels
• Materials: 1” and 2” impact-resistant fiberglass cores
• Finish: Acoustically transparent Maharam fabric
• Performance: NRC 1.0 – highest sound absorption rating
• Design: Vertical panel layout, 4’ on-center spacing

Our team of six certified installers completed the project over a six-week timeline, working in secure and occupied areas. Panels were arranged in clean vertical runs along reflective wall surfaces and spaced evenly to create architectural consistency. Elevated mounting kept the panels above common scuff zones while still addressing the most reflective regions acoustically.

Maharam’s Tekwall fabrics were chosen for their visual neutrality, acoustic transparency, and institutional durability. Combined with high-density fiberglass cores, these systems are built to withstand heavy use while performing to spec.

• Access: Phased scheduling to navigate secure & active-use areas
• Compliance: Full USACE submittals, Class A fire & impact ratings
• Execution: Close coordination with contractors to avoid disruption

Renovating an active military facility requires precise planning, flexibility, and clear communication. Our project managers worked directly with ACC Construction and USACE representatives to align every install phase with operational priorities at Fort Gordon.

All acoustic systems met the federal and military performance criteria required for government installations, with full documentation provided during the submittal process.

• Speech Intelligibility: Clear voice delivery during communication
• Echo Reduction: Less reverb in reflective military interiors
• Readiness: Better focus & faster information retention

High reverberation can interfere with command communication, mission briefings, and focus-heavy work. These issues are especially acute in older buildings designed before acoustic science was commonly integrated into military construction.

Brant Hall’s upgraded acoustic profile ensures sound is absorbed at the source—eliminating echo and ensuring speech intelligibility across key areas. These improvements directly support the Army’s goal of operational readiness by creating environments where instructions are heard and understood without strain or repetition.

• Safety: Certified Class A fire-rated materials
• Aesthetics: Neutral, low-sheen tones for institutional spaces
• Performance: Optimized for use with fiberglass acoustic cores

Codex and Chiffon were selected for their subtle texture and durability. They offer a clean, timeless look that blends well into military spaces without drawing attention. When used with high-density fiberglass cores, these fabrics allow for excellent broadband absorption while maintaining a professional aesthetic.

• Comfort: Noticeable drop in echo & overall sound fatigue
• Focus: Fewer distractions during briefings & operations
• Performance: Improved clarity across mission-critical spaces

After installation, personnel working in Brant Hall experienced immediate improvements in acoustic comfort and voice clarity. Reflective sound between rooms and through corridors was significantly reduced, supporting better focus and reduced communication errors.

Whether for strategic planning, tech-focused training, or daily operations, this upgrade elevated Brant Hall to a higher standard of acoustic performance.

This project at Fort Gordon demonstrates how carefully selected sound absorbing finishes can transform military spaces from noisy and reflective to focused and functional. Our solutions are designed to perform—whether the goal is mission clarity, speech comprehension, or long-term durability.

Commercial Acoustics is experienced in delivering turnkey acoustic solutions for military and government installations. We understand the documentation, timing, and performance requirements that come with federal projects—and we know how to deliver.

To learn more about implementing sound absorbing finishes in your military facility, contact our team today. We’re ready to help you meet your goals—on spec, on time, and with total acoustic control.