Reducing Noise in Cafeterias with Murano Acoustic Timber Panels

Cafeterias are often some of the noisiest spaces in commercial and education buildings. Hard floors, exposed ceilings, tables, glass, wall surfaces and constant conversation can create excessive reverberation, making the space uncomfortable and making conversation difficult.

For this Tasmanian project, designed by ARTAS Architects, the challenge was to reduce noise in a busy cafeteria while maintaining a warm and attractive architectural finish consistent with the overall design vision.

Sontext’s Murano Acoustic Timber Panels were selected as the ceiling solution, delivering practical sound absorption while preserving the rich timber aesthetic required for the space. The result was an acoustic ceiling treatment that helped control reverberation without making the room feel acoustically flat or overly treated.

Why Cafeterias Become Noisy Spaces

Cafeterias create challenging acoustic environments because they combine multiple reflective surfaces with large groups of people talking at the same time. Unlike offices or meeting rooms, these spaces are naturally active, so noise levels can quickly build as sound reflects from ceilings, walls and hard furnishings.

Common causes of poor acoustics in cafeterias include:

• Hard flooring and wall finishes
• Large ceiling spans with minimal sound absorption
• Glass surfaces and open layouts
• High occupancy during meal periods
• Speech noise building throughout the space

Without proper acoustic treatment, cafeterias can become tiring environments for staff, students, visitors and guests.

Murano Acoustic Timber Panels Used in the Ceiling

For this project, Murano perforated acoustic timber ceiling panels were selected to provide both visual warmth and acoustic control. The timber finish complemented the architectural design developed by ARTAS Architects, while the perforated-panel construction allowed sound energy to be absorbed rather than continuously reflected throughout the cafeteria.

This approach allowed the ceiling itself to become part of the acoustic solution rather than relying on visually intrusive, later-added treatment.

Murano acoustic timber panels are particularly well-suited to cafeterias where architects want the acoustic treatment to look like part of the interior design rather than a separate technical product.

Benefits of Acoustic Timber Panels in Cafeterias

A Practical Acoustic Ceiling Solution for Cafeterias

Acoustic treatment in cafeterias needs to reduce unwanted reverberation while still allowing the space to feel active and welcoming. The aim is not silence, but better acoustic balance.

Murano acoustic timber panels provide a practical solution for:

• School cafeterias
• University dining spaces
• Commercial lunchrooms
• Hospital dining areas
• Hospitality venues
• Community dining halls

Because the acoustic treatment is built into the ceiling design, the result is both practical and visually cohesive.

Need to Reduce Noise in a Cafeteria or Dining Space?

Sontext supplies acoustic ceiling and wall solutions for schools, commercial buildings, hospitality venues and public spaces across Australia.

Talk to Sontext about Murano Acoustic Timber Panels for your next project.

Contact Sontext

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are cafeterias often so noisy?

Cafeterias typically contain hard reflective surfaces such as flooring, ceilings, tables, glass and wall finishes. Combined with high occupancy and constant conversation, sound can quickly build throughout the space, creating excessive reverberation and making speech difficult to hear clearly.

Do acoustic timber panels work well in cafeterias?

Yes. Properly specified acoustic timber panels can help reduce reverberation, improve speech clarity and create a more comfortable dining environment, while still maintaining an attractive architectural finish.

Can acoustic treatment be built into the ceiling design?

Yes. Murano acoustic timber panels are designed to integrate into the architectural ceiling design, allowing effective sound control without relying on visually intrusive acoustic treatment added after the design is complete.

Are acoustic timber panels suitable for schools and universities?

Yes. Acoustic timber panels are commonly used in school cafeterias, university dining spaces, lecture areas, communal halls and other education environments where both acoustic comfort and appearance are important.

Can Sontext assist with selecting the right acoustic solution?

Yes. Sontext works with architects, designers, builders and consultants across Australia to help select suitable acoustic ceiling and wall solutions for commercial, education and public building projects.