Worship Spaces
Enhancing the Sounds of Worship
Worship spaces are diverse, from the size and shape of the venue to the programs and performances that are offered.
ACOUSTICAL GOAL
Add absorption for speech clarity and combine with diffusion for optimal music and vocal sounds.
DESIGN OPTIONS
Range from subtle to dramatic with choices of wood, laminate, fabric, and other finishes.
PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES
Diffusive and absorptive wall and ceiling treatments.
Absorptive and Diffusive Wood Finishes
The Acoustical Wood Collection provides the ultimate in acoustic and aesthetic flexibility. This versatile family of acoustic treatments allows you to design absorptive and diffusive surfaces with the beauty of wood.
Absorption
Normally reflective wood surfaces are transformed into aesthetically-pleasing acoustical finishes, which are available in natural wood veneers or manufactured laminates specified by you.
Diffusion
Diffusers balance sounds that reflect unevenly off walls and ceilings. In large spaces with tall ceilings, reflectors prevent late-arriving sound, delivering a clear message to the audience.
ALTO
SOUND ABSORBER
Linear-grooved patterns
PICADO
SOUND ABSORBER
Micro-perforated patterns
SERENO
SOUND ABSORBER
Symmetrical hole patterns
TAD REVEALED
SOUND ABSORBER
Acoustically-randomized
HIGHTONES
DIFFUSER
Solid wood diffusers in cherry, maple, oak, and poplar.
Use HighTones for frequencies greater than 2,500 Hz.
WOOD FINISH
PAINTED FINISH
MIDTONES
DIFFUSER
Solid wood diffusers in cherry, maple, oak, and poplar.
Use MidTones for frequencies between 630 Hz and 2,500 Hz.
WOOD FINISH
PAINTED FINISH
OVATION
REFLECTOR
Large reflective panels are placed on ceilings and side walls to provide acoustic clarity in large venues.
Finished in
GEL-COAT
WOOD VENEER
LAMINATE
Fabric and Other Finishes
More traditional acoustic finishes can be integrated attractively into worship centers.
In this sanctuary, Geometric Diffusers in the ceiling disperse sound evenly across worshippers, enhancing musical and choral performances. Acoustical panels on the walls absorb reflections, improving the clarity of sound in worship.
GEOMETRIC DIFFUSERS
DIFFUSER
Deep diffusers in two distinct shapes that scatter sound in multiple directions.
COPOLYMER FINISH
FABRIC FINISH
PAINTED FINISH
HIGH IMPACT HARDSIDE
SOUND & IMPACT
Impact-resistant panels with better absorption than traditional panels. Effective for speech frequencies.
FABRIC FINISH
HARDSIDE
PANELS
ABSORBER
Cost-effective absorbers, efficient for speech frequencies in 1" thicknesses. Flush-mountable on walls and ceilings.
FABRIC FINISH
VERSATUNE
ACOUSTIC PANELS
BALANCED
Low-frequency absorbers with excellent balance across all frequencies.
FABRIC FINISH
TAD
TUNED PANEL
ABSORBER / DIFFUSER
Specially-tuned absorbers that preserve high frequencies in musical spaces.
FABRIC FINISH
WOOD FINISH
How Much Absorption?
Acoustically, sanctuaries have similar needs as auditoriums and performing arts venues, where musical instruments and lyrics are paired with the spoken word for large audiences.
T60 (or reverberation time) refers to the amount of time it takes for a sound to decay 60 dB. Optimal times vary for different spaces and frequencies. T60 times can be modeled using the absorption data of each acoustical product and the elements of the room.
T60 times in sanctuaries should typically range between 1.5 and 2.2 seconds. Longer times reinforce choral and organ performances, while shorter times favor amplified instruments and speech.
In addition to primary worship spaces, other types of rooms in worship facilities can benefit from acoustical treatment. See also Classrooms, Offices, Lobbies (for fellowship halls), and Gymnasiums for more ideas.