Architectural Acoustics.

The Project

Pacy & Wheatley Acoustics are architectural acoustics specialists, working on a wide range of projects across the UK. This project was set in the dining hall of St Peter’s College in the heart of Oxford city centre, located in a building known as Hannington Hall. This is one of the three original buildings dating back to the 1800s, and is one of the earliest medieval halls of the university of Oxford. The dining hall is named after missionary Victorian bishop, James Hannington.

The hall is used for dining events, and can seat up to 130 people, ideal for special dinners and banquets. Original architectural features, particularly the old arched featured ceiling, was a haven for reverberation and noise attenuation problems. Acoustic problems could make the hall uncomfortable for events seating the full 130 guests, with unwanted noise raising and stifling conversation.

The Solution

The area consisted of a large arched ceiling, with mouldings forming curved bays. The architect carefully designed new ceiling baffles to be constructed from Rockfon Mono acoustic with specialist coloured render. As experts in architectural acoustics, our team understand the science behind improving the sound quality within a room, and we were selected to carry out the works.

We assisted in the design, creating curved baffles with upstands and intricate details to the perimeter, to house LED lights. This all had to be designed and installed in keeping with the surrounding architecture. There were many intricate details to overcome, which included the integration of the LED lighting to achieve the fantastic lighting effects. Working with the main contractor, Wooldridge and Simpson, we developed and achieved a superb project that controls the noise levels within Hannington Hall. Now, diners can enjoy the rich, banquet atmosphere with the reduction of unwanted reverberation.

Testimonial

“I wanted to say how delighted we are with the end product and working with your company. We would be happy to use you again and recommend yourselves.”

Mr Dom Stringer, Project Manager

Wooldridge and Simpson