How Polyester Fiber Boards Enhanced the Acoustic Comfort of a Theatre
Project Overview
A newly renovated 500-seat theatre sought to enhance acoustic performance, ensuring clear speech intelligibility, balanced sound distribution, and reduced echo. The challenge was to achieve superior acoustics while maintaining an aesthetic and fire-resistant interior design. Polyester fiber acoustic boards were selected as the primary solution.
1. Acoustic Challenges in the Theatre
Before renovation, the theatre faced several acoustic issues:
❌ Excessive Echo & Reverberation – Sound reflections caused unclear speech and poor musical clarity.
❌ Uneven Sound Distribution – Certain audience areas experienced sound dead zones, while others had excessive amplification.
❌ Insufficient Noise Absorption – Background noise and audience movements caused distractions.
❌ Aesthetic & Fire Safety Concerns – The existing materials were outdated and not fire-resistant.
2. Solution: Implementing Polyester Fiber Acoustic Boards
✅ Material Used: Polyester fiber acoustic panels (NRC 0.85+)
✅ Installation Areas:
Walls & Side Panels – To absorb mid-to-high-frequency sound waves.
Ceiling Sections – To reduce vertical reflections and improve clarity.
Seating Back Panels – To minimize audience noise reflection.
✔ Why Polyester Fiber Boards?
✅ Superior Sound Absorption – Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.85+, effectively reducing echoes.
✅ Lightweight & Easy Installation – Modular panels allowed seamless coverage.
✅ Aesthetic Versatility – Available in custom colors and patterns, enhancing the theatre’s modern look.
✅ Fire & Moisture Resistant – Met B1 fire safety standards and remained durable in humid conditions.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Formaldehyde-Free – Safe for indoor air quality, reducing health risks.
3. Measurable Improvements & Outcomes
| Metric | Before Renovation | After Renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Reverberation Time (RT60) | 2.8s (excessive echo) | 1.4s (optimal clarity) |
| Speech Intelligibility (STI Score) | 0.55 (low clarity) | 0.82 (high clarity) |
| Noise Reduction (NRC Rating) | NRC 0.3 (poor absorption) | NRC 0.85 (excellent absorption) |
| Audience Satisfaction | Frequent complaints about sound quality | Improved clarity & immersive experience |
| Fire Safety Compliance | Non-compliant materials | B1 fire-rated, meeting safety standards |
4. Key Takeaways & Best Practices
✔ Install polyester fiber panels in strategic areas (walls, ceiling, seating zones) for balanced sound control.
✔ Ensure at least 50-60% wall coverage to optimize reverberation control.
✔ Use different panel thicknesses (9mm-25mm) to absorb a wider frequency range.
✔ Combine with perforated wooden panels for enhanced bass absorption.
✔ Select fire-rated polyester fiber boards for safety compliance.
5. Conclusion
The integration of polyester fiber acoustic boards significantly enhanced the acoustic comfort of the theatre, resulting in clearer speech, immersive sound experiences, and improved audience satisfaction. This case study demonstrates how modern acoustic materials can transform sound quality while maintaining aesthetic appeal and fire safety.