Client

All Saints’ Church, Woodford Wells

Project Brief

To design and install a sound absorbing system to reduce reverberation times inside the church’s atrium to c.0.8 seconds. The atrium serves as a public coffee shop. It’s also used for a variety of church-related events, including choral performances and religious ceremonies. Therefore, the acoustic conditions need to allow for full-bodied musical performances, without being too lively for everyday use.

To design and install a system that compliments the existing fixtures and fittings in the church, notably the pitched roof windows and distinctive pendant lights.

To design and install a system that’s fire-safe.

Methodology 

Site Survey:

A site survey was carried out, which included sound testing – measuring existing reverberation times at 1.6 seconds.

Design & Planning of Sound Absorption System:

The data recorded was used to calculate the sound absorptive surface area coverage and configuration required inside the atrium. Accordingly, a system was designed, utilising both circular (ceiling-suspended) and rectangular (wall-mounted) acoustic panels (Class 0 fireproof rated).

A method statement, risk assessment and schedule of works were formulated, detailing the installation process.

The system was installed, on schedule and to budget. On completion, it was tested and inspected to verify compliance with the pre-specified acoustic performance criteria.

Additionally, the church commissioned Mute to design and install a ceiling-mounted, sound absorbing system for the main hall, specifically to improve speech intelligibility, i.e. the space is frequently hired-out for conferences and conventions.