Cornerstone Church of Lakewood Ranch
Project Overview
- Project Type: Worship Space Acoustic Design (New Construction)
- Location: Lakewood Ranch, Florida
- Completion Date: 2025
- Sanctuary Size: 8,000 SF
- Ceiling Height: 25 Feet
- Products Used: AcoustiBuilt Ceiling System (2,040 SF), ACT Ceiling (6,000 SF)
The Vision
Cornerstone Church of Lakewood Ranch set out to create a worship environment that balances architectural beauty with acoustic performance. The design called for a modern sanctuary with sweeping curves, tall ceilings, and expansive glazing—elements that enhance the visual experience but can introduce acoustic challenges if left untreated.
Rather than addressing sound issues after construction, the project team prioritized acoustics from the beginning.
Acoustic Challenges in Modern Worship Spaces
The sanctuary’s architectural design presented several acoustic complexities:
- 25-foot ceilings increasing reverberation potential
- Sloped ceiling geometry creating uneven sound reflections
- Large reflective surfaces, including glass and hard finishes
- Integrated 60-foot linear diffuser requiring coordination within the ceiling system
Without proper acoustic treatment, these features could lead to excessive echo, reduced speech intelligibility, and inconsistent sound coverage throughout the space.
AcoustiBuilt Ceiling System for Reverberation Control
A hybrid ceiling approach using AcoustiBuilt and ACT was implemented to deliver both performance and design continuity.
AcoustiBuilt Ceiling System (Sanctuary)
Installed across 2,040 SF of the sanctuary ceiling, AcoustiBuilt provided:
- A seamless, monolithic drywall aesthetic
- High sound absorption to control reverberation
- Flexibility to follow the ceiling’s curved and sloped geometry
This allowed the ceiling to maintain its architectural intent while functioning as a key acoustic treatment surface.
ACT Ceiling System (Support Spaces)
Across 6,000 SF, ACT ceilings were installed in adjacent areas to:
- Provide consistent sound absorption
- Offer a cost-effective acoustic solution
- Maintain a clean, functional finish
Installation Highlights
Executing the design required careful coordination due to several constraints:
- Height & Access: Working at 25 feet required specialized installation planning
- Curved & Sloped Surfaces: Precise alignment was necessary to maintain both performance and visual continuity
- Linear Diffuser Integration: A 60-foot diffuser was seamlessly incorporated into the AcoustiBuilt ceiling without disrupting the monolithic appearance
The result is a ceiling system that appears architecturally clean while performing acoustically.
Acoustic Performance Results After Installing AcoustiBuilt
By integrating acoustic treatment into the initial construction, the sanctuary achieved a balanced and controlled sound environment from day one.
- Clear Speech Intelligibility
Voices carry evenly and clearly throughout the seating area - Controlled Reverberation
Echo and sound buildup are minimized despite the large volume - Enhanced Musical Experience
The space retains enough liveliness to support worship music without sacrificing clarity - Seamless Aesthetic Integration
Acoustic systems blend into the architecture, preserving the design vision
The Impact
This project demonstrates how early acoustic planning can eliminate the need for costly post-construction fixes. By combining performance-driven materials with intentional design, Cornerstone Church of Lakewood Ranch now benefits from a sanctuary that supports both spoken word and music in equal measure.
If you’re planning a sanctuary renovation or new construction and need expertise in acoustic integration, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us. We’re able to produce submittals, layout support, and the right materials to meet your project’s vision, performance goals, and timeline.
