Acoustic Panels for Lecture Theatres
Lecture theatres demand more than just good design—they require exceptional sound clarity. In educational settings, clear speech is essential for students to engage, understand, and retain information. Poor acoustics, caused by reverberation and background noise, can make it difficult for even the best speakers to be heard.
Sontext supplies tailored acoustic panel solutions designed specifically for lecture halls and auditoriums. Our range includes fabric-wrapped panels, timber acoustic panels, and printed acoustic panels that reduce echo while complementing the architectural design.
Why Acoustic Treatment is Essential
Large open spaces like lecture theatres often suffer from excessive reverberation. This leads to reduced speech intelligibility, making it hard for students to follow lectures. Acoustic panels absorb reflected sound and help control the acoustics of the space, especially in venues with hard surfaces like concrete, glass, or wood.
Custom Design Options
All Sontext acoustic panels can be customised in finish, size, and mounting to suit both new builds and retrofits. We offer printed fabrics with branding, timber veneer panels to match décor, or bold designs that make an architectural statement.
Trusted by Educational Institutions
Sontext panels are used in leading universities, TAFEs, and private colleges across Australia and internationally. With flexible design choices and proven performance, they are the ideal solution for lecture theatres needing high-quality sound control.
Call for Project Advice
If you're planning a new facility or refurbishing an existing one, speak with Sontext for technical advice and design support. We'll recommend the right acoustic solution for your budget and performance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do lecture theatres need acoustic panels?
They reduce reverberation and improve speech clarity so students and audiences can hear clearly throughout the space.
What types of panels are best for lecture theatres?
Fabric-wrapped panels, timber acoustic panels, and printed panels are all suitable depending on the design and performance goals.
Can panels be retrofitted into existing theatres?
Yes, Sontext panels can be installed in existing spaces without major structural changes.
Are the panels fire rated?
Yes, all Sontext acoustic panels meet fire safety standards for educational and public use.
Do the panels impact room aesthetics?
Not at all. In fact, they can be customised to enhance the visual design of the space.
Lecture Theatre Acoustics
Lecture theatres are usually large volume interior spaces, and hence can be very prone to ‘echo’ or reverberation. This in turn can have a negative effect on speech clarity. For those seated at the back, or furthest away from the presenter, this echo effect can be so pronounced that clear understanding of speech or music is a real problem.
Popular Acoustic Panel Options for Lecture Theatres
| Panel Type | Finish Options | Ideal Use | Fire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric-Wrapped Panels | Plain or Printed Fabric | Side and rear walls to absorb speech | AS/NZS 1530.3 |
| Timber Acoustic Panels | Natural Veneer or Painted MDF | Back walls or decorative focal points | Group 2 or Group 3 Rated |
| Printed Acoustic Panels | High-resolution custom images | Feature walls or branding zones | AS/NZS 3837 |
| Acoustic Baffles or Clouds | Fabric or PET Surface | Ceiling treatment for large spaces | Low VOC, Fire Rated |
Reducing Noise In Lecture Theatre's
The problem may be compounded by the fact that modern lecture theatres also usually have amplified sound systems. Therefore, the acoustic treatment of these large spaces differs from that of smaller classrooms and is usually a critical part of the design process. Reflected sound can be minimised by installing sound absorbing acoustic wall or ceiling panels, like Sontext Serenity Acoustic Panels.
Auditorium sound control
Sontext can manufacture fabric faced panels to your specified dimensions and acoustic performance as either wall or ceiling linings for large scale projects of this type.
Murano Acoustic Panels
The Murano range of perforated timber panels are finished in a variety of natural veneers, decorative laminates or painted colours that will enhance any interior space and also perform as an efficient sound absorbing lining for walls or ceilings.
Lecture theatre acoustic treatment
Sontext can assist in all aspects of the design process, and for critical projects Sontext recommends the involvement of an acoustics engineer. This is common practice in spaces with usage of this type, and Sontext has successfully completed many projects like this around the world.