When classrooms are noisy or have poor acoustics, it’s more than just an annoyance — it has a proven impact on students’ learning.

Research consistently shows that the ability to clearly hear the teacher’s voice is essential for learning. In fact, studies have found that even minor improvements in the classroom signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can have significant benefits.

For example, audiologists often cite that each 3dB improvement in SNR can boost children’s speech perception and comprehension by approximately 10% or more.

In schools with older buildings, or those with demountables, the acoustics are often not ideal. Studies have found that demountables can have reverberation times that are significantly longer — sometimes nearly double — compared to those in purpose-built school environments. Longer reverberation times can blur speech and cause significant signal degradation. The materials used (often thin walls, metal frames, or rigid panels) can also result in higher sound reflection, compounding issues with ambient noise. This can reduce speech clarity and impact students’ ability to focus and understand spoken instructions.

That’s why improving acoustics — especially in spaces like demountables or older classrooms — is crucial. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using targeted ceiling and wall acoustic treatments. These solutions are designed to reduce reverberation and absorb excess sound, helping to create a clearer, more focused acoustic environment.

By softening hard surfaces and minimising sound reflections, they help enhance speech intelligibility, making it easier for students to hear, process and retain information.

Good acoustics means good teaching environments

One effective solution is Autex’s Cube panel, which the company describes as a lightweight yet durable material that is ideal for ceilings and walls, providing a seamless aesthetic and excellent sound absorption.

Above: Firbank Grammar School / Autex Acoustics / Photo credit Gallant Lee.

“Good acoustics are vital in learning environments to minimise noise distractions, improve speech clarity and support focus,” explains Rob Jones, Technical and Development Manager at Autex Acoustics.

“With an NRC of up to 0.80 (meaning 80% of sound is absorbed), Cube absorbs sound effectively, creating quieter, more productive spaces. Its lightweight, durable design works equally well as a ceiling or wall solution, offering flexibility for diverse educational needs.”

According to Jones, what sets Cube apart is its sustainability credentials.

“Made from a minimum of 80% recycled PET, it’s certified carbon neutral and low VOC, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Its lightweight, durable structure offers superior acoustic performance while meeting green building standards.”

Cube acoustic panels were used in Firbank Grammar’s new arts precinct, designed by PTID Architects. The project was a redevelopment of the school’s historical 1909 Louis Williams Hall, with the aim to blend heritage charm with modern functionality.

The design retained the building’s original facade, form, staircase, and Juliet balconies, celebrating its rich history while introducing contemporary glass extensions that flood the interiors with an abundance of natural light.

Envisioned as a multi-modal learning environment, the hall needed to accommodate activities including ceramics, painting, sculpture, digital media, dance, and drama — making it a vibrant hub for learning, performance, and community engagement.

However, acoustics were a challenge from the beginning, as the architects had to contend with hard, reflective surfaces throughout the space.

“I wanted to ensure that sound was an asset not a barrier when experiencing the voluminous space,” says Ben Lornie, Director at PTID Architects.

Working collaboratively alongside PTID, Autex’s design team explored the challenges and opportunities for acoustics to be sensitively integrated into the existing heritage fabric.

The outcome was a custom ceiling solution using strips of 12mm Cube Acoustic Panel in Parthenon shaped into a honeycomb pattern. Each strip was fixed at various points using extrusions, then secured to a backing panel and fixed to the ceiling. The honeycomb pattern creates an eye-catching and modern sculptural feature that contrasts against the surrounding brick surfaces, while adding depth to the vast space.

Cube’s structural integrity enables it to maintain its form without extra framing. This, combined with its inherent flexibility, gave PTID designers the freedom to create a unique pattern without compromising durability.

The result is a multipurpose space that inspires students and encourages collaboration and exploration.

Making acoustic system installation easier

Another practical approach for education spaces is Knauf’s Stratopanel acoustic system. Knauf describes Stratopanel as an advanced acoustic ceiling system designed to enhance sound quality and comfort in interior spaces. It features high acoustic performance and offers six edge-to-edge perforation patterns, providing both design flexibility and ease of installation.

Stratopanel is a solution developed by Knauf, including a range of six perforated ceiling panels, Knauf Insulation, Uniflott jointing compound and Rondo 605 furring channels. Together, these elements deliver seamless integration, high performance, and a streamlined installation process.

According to Knauf, what sets Stratopanel apart from other acoustic solutions is its innovative UFF edge profile, which ensures precise alignment of panels and seamless continuity of perforation patterns. This unique edge design, combined with the use of Uniflott jointing and topping compounds, allows for the creation of a tapeless joint that appears completely seamless when installed.

Poor acoustics in classrooms can lead to increased stress, reduced focus and hindered communication between teachers and students. Stratopanel helps mitigate these challenges by reducing noise reverberation and improving sound clarity, creating an environment where speech is more intelligible, and distractions are minimised. This facilitates better teaching and learning experiences, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes.

One good case study for Stratopanel is its use in Nazareth Catholic College, an independent co-educational school in Adelaide, South Australia. The project involved designing a new senior school campus, with the brief calling for it to serve as a seamless extension of the existing campus facilities.

In terms of acoustics, architects Russell & Yelland felt Stratopanel was the right choice for this project — not only because it’s consistent with the school’s other buildings, but also because of the product’s sustainable design and superior acoustic performance.

"Stratopanel by Knauf has acoustic properties that are essential in a learning environment,” says Hariklia Pontikinas, Associate Architect, Russell & Yelland.

“With high-level noise absorption treatment, the Stratopanel by Knauf panels were the ideal choice for the Nazareth Catholic College expansion.

“Not only do they ensure that the open quiet space cancels out external noise, empowering students to focus on their studies, but they also ensure teachers don’t need to strain their voices for students to hear them."

A total of 2378 sqm of 12/20/66R pattern Stratopanel was installed across 85% of the ceilings throughout the project, including foyers, corridors, learning areas, and the principal’s office. For added effect, and to complement the high-end finishes throughout the campus, panels used throughout the project were painted white and dark green.

“It ticked every box for this build and was an easy choice,” adds Pontikinas.

The importance of reducing reverberant noise

According to acoustic solutions specialist Acoustek, the current trend is to stick 12mm PET panels with grooved patterns directly onto walls in the hope of reducing reverberant noise. However, this treatment can be expensive to install and remove, with no possibility to reuse the material. Acoustek says that using the product in this way has a maximum of 40% noise absorption with 60% reflection of noise back into the room — resulting in high expense for a small acoustic result.

Above: Opus Vibrato Plus Acoustic Blade/Baffle system / Acoustek.

In contrast, Acoustek’s acoustic product is easily fitted, removed, and relocated, with higher noise absorption and improved aesthetics, whether the aim is to differentiate from or blend into existing decor. According to the company, its Opus Vibrato Plus Acoustic Blade/Baffle system achieved up to 97% absorption of reverberant noise during testing — officially listed as NRC 0.95, placing it among the top-performing acoustic solutions on the market.

For a solution with a strong focus on sustainability, Baresque’s Zintra Acoustic Solutions meet the Global Recycled Standard, with their PET being made of 100% recyclable content. That’s 60% post-consumer recycled fibre, 35% pre-consumer fibre and 5% bio-based fibre.

The product line includes Zintra Premium Wood, a photorealistic, lightweight, and easy-to-fabricate alternative to real wood that features prints of 12 artisan species from around the world, such as maple, redwood, white oak, and Australian walnut. There is also a Premium Materials collection designed to recreate the aesthetics of architectural finishes including terrazzo, travertine, concrete and terracotta.

According to the company, its wide range of acoustic products, versatile applications and expert consulting services deliver effective solutions for spaces that help support mental health by reducing cognitive fatigue, improving communication, and fostering a sense of calm across learning environments.

This is exemplified by Zintra’s use at Westcare Early Learning Centre in Adelaide, designed by D’Andrea Architects. The goal was to create a nurturing, acoustically comfortable environment that supports children’s wellbeing and development. Zintra’s Box Baffles Random were chosen as the acoustic solution, not only due to their strong acoustic diffusion properties, but also for the inherent design advantage of their box shape.

The internal air gap within each baffle significantly boosts the NRC rating by capturing sound energy inside, acting like a spring that enhances absorption and reduces reverberation. This helped the designers reduce noise, minimise sensory overload and foster a calm, focused learning environment throughout the centre.

Above: Zintra Box Baffles Mixed in Ironbark / Baresque / Photo credit: Cat McKenzie from Occhio.

The Box Baffles were selected in Spotted Gum and Eucalyptus timbers, combining acoustic performance with a cohesive aesthetic that perfectly complemented the neutral tones and natural materials used throughout the centre. At the same time, the baffles created a visually engaging element on the ceilings of the centre — an element that can spark curiosity and creativity in young minds.

The result was a space that not only meets the acoustic needs of the centre but also reflects its approach to early childhood development.

Improving acoustics in a range of educational environments

For those looking for a solution made from natural wood, the Troldtekt acoustic panels (supplied by CSR Himmel) are cement-bonded wood wool panels designed to improve acoustics in a range of environments.

According to the supplier, the combination of wood and cement results in unique sound-absorbing properties, ensuring excellent acoustics in any room. The panels can be installed on ceilings and walls, either directly onto wooden battens or in a suspended profile system.

Available in various textures and patterns, the panels allow for creative and aesthetic flexibility. Troldtekt acoustic tiles also have a Group 1 fire certification and can handle moist environments, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly in sporting halls and indoor pools.

An example of these panels in use can be seen in Penola Catholic College, a secondary school located in the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows. To create a mature and flexible learning environment for its year 12 students, the college decided to expand its campus by adding a modern, university-style senior learning facility.

Above: Penola Catholic College / CSR Himmel.

One of the key challenges was addressing the acoustic requirements of these new spaces, especially considering that large, open areas like hallways and auditoriums tend to struggle with echo and ambient noise, while classrooms need to maintain a quiet environment conducive to learning.

The architectural team from Mclldowie Partners turned to Himmel Troldtekt Design acoustic panels to address this — marking the first time that Troldtekt Design panels were used in an academic setting.

“[The] acoustic panels offer exceptional sound absorption, while also being sustainable and durable,” says Tony Di Lorenzo, Associate Director of Mclldowie Partners.
“Their unique surface structure reduces reverberation, helping to manage noise effectively while adding a contemporary aesthetic the college was looking for.”

For classrooms, an optimal Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating of at least 0.70 is recommended. In combination with specialised insulation, Himmel’s Troldtekt Design panels can achieve NRC ratings of 0.90 to 0.95, significantly enhancing sound clarity and reducing echo.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal and acoustic benefits, the panels are also designed for easy installation and maintenance. Because the panels are pre-finished and ready to use, there is no need for on-site painting. The panels’ modularity also allows for easy removal, facilitating future adjustments or repairs behind walls and ceilings, which is an important advantage for large public spaces like schools.

“We’ve seen a remarkable improvement in our learning environment, which is exciting as we continue to develop our campus,” says college principal Tracey Kift.

Main Image: Nazareth Catholic College / Knauf.

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Acoustek

Autex Acoustics

Baresque

CSR Himmel Interior Solutions

Knauf

Stephanie Stefanovic

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