Polk State College – Acoustic Ceiling Diffusers and Wall Panels

Polk State College based in Winter Haven, Florida, is a community school with a range of two and four year degrees. After a significant fundraising effort, the college budgeted for a major renovation of their arts school, including band, chorus, piano, percussion, and many other music and art related spaces. At approximately 20,000 square feet, the space also included group learning spaces and a newly renovated theater. 

The school boasts state-of-the-art musical facilities, unique for miles around, including:

  • Recording Studios: Equipped with the latest technology, these studios provide students with hands-on experience in music production and recording.
  • Practice Rooms: Available for individual and group practice, these rooms are designed to support students’ development as musicians.
  • Performance Spaces: The college features several venues, including recital halls and auditoriums, where students can perform and attend concerts.
  • Music Library: A comprehensive collection of scores, recordings, and reference materials that supports students’ academic and artistic pursuits.

Acoustic Consultation and Installation Process for a University

The unique grid design with Suprafine mains allows for quad-packs of high-absorptive ACT tile. Additionally, utility sound absorption panels were installed to the deck around all 4 sides of the room, in the plenum.

Polk State consulted with Siebein Acoustical Consultants out of Gainesville to design diffusive, absorptive, and scattering panel layouts for most major rooms, along with basic absorption treatments in the learning spaces. 

High-NRC acoustical ceiling tiles were used from Rockfon, while laying ceiling diffusers and wall mounted pyramidal diffusers were used to support frequencies below 100 HZ. 1 inch and 2 inch thick acoustical panels were installed on walls and ceilings for mid and high frequency treatment. 

Commercial Acoustics installed the ceiling tiles, as well as the wood scattering panels and fabric wrapped diffusers and acoustical panels throughout the building.

The scanning panels sourced wood scattering diffusers from Utah, specifically the RQS357. It is designed specifically to scatter and lower frequencies to improve acoustical performance in the spaces.

Acoustical drapes may be opened and closed to adjust the reverb time for various types of practices & performance.

Polk State College – Music Program

Located in the heart of Florida, Polk State College offers a comprehensive and dynamic music program designed to nurture and develop the talents of aspiring musicians.

Polk State College’s music program offers a variety of courses, including performance, education, and production. The program encompasses a wide range of genres, allowing students to explore classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music.

The music program at Polk State College offers several degree & certificate programs:

  • Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Music: This degree provides a foundation in music theory, ear training, and performance. It prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music.
  • Associate in Science (A.S.) in Music Production: covers recording, mixing, and production techniques. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in the music industry as sound engineers, producers, and technicians.
  • Certificate in Music Technology: A shorter program that provides specialized training in music tech, including sound design
Typical Rockfon education was installed over 20,000 square feet of the Arts College and Music Suite.

Polk State College – Acoustic Ceiling Diffusers and Wall Panels: Conclusion

In conclusion, Commercial Acoustics installed the following products:

  • Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
  • Fabric-wrapped Acoustic Panels
  • Pyramidal Acoustic Ceiling Diffusers
  • Wood Scattering Panels

Thank you to Polk State for trusting us with such a transformative project. After the installation of these products, Polk State will notice a huge difference in musical clarity further impacting success of the college itself. If your university is in need of acoustical treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.