Selecting the Best Acoustic Solution for Classrooms
Clear speech is essential for learning. In classrooms, noise from hard floors, glazing, and high ceilings causes reverberation that blurs words and increases fatigue. The right mix of wall and ceiling treatments from Sontext can lift speech clarity and concentration while fitting your design and budget.
Classroom Acoustics – Factors to Consider
Every room behaves differently. Start by identifying the main reflection paths (front wall, side walls, or ceiling), then select products that reduce echo near teaching and listening zones. Combine durable finishes for high-traffic areas with feature elements where you want visual impact.
Key Factors & Recommended Solutions
- Room size & shape: Larger volumes need more absorption. Add ceiling clouds to supplement wall panels.
- Surfaces: Lots of glass or blockwork? Use Serenity™ fabric panels opposite reflective areas.
- Durability: For corridors or busy walls, choose polyester PET panels.
- Aesthetics: Add warmth with Murano™ timber panels on feature walls or ceilings.
- Budget: Combine broad polyester coverage with targeted fabric panels for best value.
At-a-Glance Classroom Options
| Area | Recommended Treatment | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Front teaching wall | Serenity™ fabric panels | Controls first reflections for clearer instruction |
| Side/rear walls | Polyester PET panels | Durable absorption in high-traffic zones |
| Ceiling | SerenityLite™ ceiling panels or clouds | Broad, room-wide reverberation control |
| Feature/aesthetic | Murano™ timber panels | Warm finish with tuned absorption via slots/perforations |
Placement Tips
- Treat the first reflection points at ear height along the teaching wall.
- Balance walls with 30–50% ceiling coverage in lively rooms.
- Break up parallel surfaces with alternating panel bands or shapes.
- Mix products for durability (polyester) and fine-tuning (fabric/timber).
FAQs – Classroom Acoustic Solutions
1. How much coverage do classrooms need?
Typical rooms benefit from treating 25–40% of combined wall/ceiling area; larger volumes may require more.
2. Wall or ceiling first?
Start where reflections are strongest. Many classrooms begin with the front wall and ceiling above teaching and listening zones.
3. Are panels safe and durable for schools?
Yes. Sontext panels are robust, with low-VOC fabric options and tough polyester choices for high-traffic areas.
4. Can we retrofit during term?
Yes. Installations are typically quick and can be staged to minimise disruption.
5. Who can help with layout?
Email photos and dimensions to sales@sontext.com.au and we’ll suggest a layout and quantities.
Talk to Sontext
Ready to improve classroom acoustics? Explore Classroom Acoustic Panels, or compare Serenity fabric, polyester, and Murano timber options.
OUR PRODUCTS
The Acoustic treatment of a studio involves many types of products, each designed for a particular frequency or method of treating sound.
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Bass Traps
Treating Low frequency sound requires specifically designed acoustic panels. There are many alternatives depending on the particular frequency range.
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Ceiling Treatment
Reflections of sound on the ceilings can be a particular problem in broadcast or recording studios. Serenity Acoustic Panels are available from 25mm to 400mm thicknesses depending on the frequency being treated.
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Diffusers
In studio design it is not all about sound absorption. Sontext have manufactured a number of custom designed diffusers that are designed to treat specific frequencies or range of frequencies.
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Fabric Covered Wall Panels
Serenity Acoustic Panels are available in a range of thicknesses for various sound absorption treatments. With the inclusion of L32 Impact resist membrane it means the panels are robust to deal with moving of equipment around the studio, without the fear of damage.
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Murano Acoustic Wood Panels
Due to the number of available perforation patterns available, the acoustic treatment can be designed using the Murano Range of perforated and slotted acoustic panels. The come in natural wood veneers as well as painted finishes.
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Fabritrak Stretch wall and ceiling systems
In studios, sometimes it is a requirement to have a flexible wall system that means that access can be gained to wiring etc, and having the ability to custom build the room on site. Fabritrak is a on site built acoustic system that can incorporate may types of acoustic requirements.
Sontext Acoustic Panels In Film and Media School
OUR CLIENTS
Sontext have supplied acoustic treatments to studios in many of Australia's largest Universities or educational facilities. Here are only a few, and for more details contact us as below.
Australian Film Television and Radio School
Sontext supplied up to 12 different types of acoustic panels to the studios and performing areas in the Australian Film Television and Radio school. From Studio treatment to foyers and reception areas.
Box Hill Institute Music School
Sontext provided Acoustic Panels for all kinds of music from drums to voice. This meant many specifically designed acoustic panels, custom made. Areas treated were Control rooms, theater, recording studios, and many other types of rooms.
RMIT University
Sontext have completed many projects at RMIT including Radio Broadcast Studios, teaching facilities, recording studios. Each of these required a tailored approach with Bespoke acoustic panels.
Newcastle University
Acoustic Studios in Sydney designed tailor made Acoustic panels to treat all frequency ranges. Each room had its own challenges due to the existing design, by treating each room with a specific acoustic panel, perfect recording conditions were achieved