Restaurants often incorporate an open concept design for their kitchens and bars which make use of hard surfaces that reverberate sound. These surfaces can be found in various wall and floor designs that utilize materials like timber, glass, concrete, and hard seating. This design concept in turn causes an increase in noise levels which disrupt the health and well-being of both visitors and staff. In order to avoid creating such a detrimental environment, the acoustic designs in restaurants need to be revisited.
Room Acoustics in Restaurants
- Restaurant acoustics are often overlooked which may create a less fulfilling experience for staff and customers.
- Floors in restaurants no longer have carpets for easy maintenance.
- Restaurants often offer hard seating without any upholstery for easy maintenance.
- Communal tables are trending in the restaurant industry.
- Kitchens and bars often showcase an open concept.
- Clinking of plates will be heard clearly without any buffer area.
- Shifting of seats makes a lot of noise on hard floors.
The cocktail effect is a natural response that compels humans to raise their voices when conversing within a reverberant noisy space. This causes a deafening environment as people compete to be heard. The abovementioned factors contribute to the creation of unnatural noises which reduce overall enjoyment by both staff and customers.
Restaurant Design
There are several key solutions that restaurants can implement to address their noisy environment issue. The list is as follows:
- Sound absorption on walls
- Sound absorption on ceilings
- Sound absorption under tables
- Sound buffer on chair legs
- Sound absorption in the kitchen
The process of implementing proper room acoustics for restaurants may be complex but not impossible. It is important to employ an acoustic materials expert to gain useful insights on how to improve your restaurant’s acoustic design.
Wood Flooring
Wood flooring absorbs sound that is generated from foot traffic, shifting of seats and tables, and more. Wood flooring does this better than concrete floors, hence it is highly recommended for restaurants. Wood flooring is also easier to maintain as compared to carpeting thus it is a good investment for the long run. Aesthetically, wood offers a contemporary outlook that creates a sese of sophistication and luxury.
Veneer Walls
Veneer walls provide an effective acoustic solution while looking elegant and modern. Restaurants that experience excessive noise levels can look forward to a more peaceful and enjoyable environment for both staff and customers to enjoy. Veneer walls are also pleasing to look at as they are chic and classy which suit the expectations of customers in the modern era today.
Acoustic Materials
At the end of the day, it is important to carefully select the material that best suits your premises. From ceilings to walls and floors, one material does not fit all. The material’s acoustic quality is not the only factor you need to consider but other factors like size, shape, and style are also essential factors for your consideration.