Acoustic Ceiling Treatment for Inkofoods Cafeteria

Project Overview

Inkofoods, a fast-growing food company with a network of pizza restaurants, approached DECIBEL with an acoustic issue in their central cafeteria. The space, used both for staff lunches and public degustation events, suffered from excessive echo due to its large volume, hard reflective surfaces, and high ceilings.

DECIBEL conducted a full on-site acoustic assessment and developed a tailored ceiling treatment that resolved the reverberation problem while preserving the visual style of the space.

Challenge

The cafeteria’s open architecture, glossy flooring, and ceiling height made it prone to harsh reflections and prolonged reverberation. These conditions made conversations difficult and disrupted the ambience during gatherings.

The added complexity came from having to fit acoustic treatments around existing ceiling-mounted light fixtures, requiring precision work to ensure seamless integration.

Scope of Work

• On-site acoustic analysis and reverberation time measurement

• Acoustic study and solution proposal tailored to space usage

• Production of non-standard, large-sized textile acoustic panels

• Installation in a chessboard layout using two different panel thicknesses

• Custom fitting around pre-existing lighting to preserve interior design flow

Solution

DECIBEL designed and produced oversized textile acoustic panels in two thicknesses, which were installed across nearly the entire ceiling area in a chessboard pattern. This layout balanced both visual rhythm and acoustic performance by targeting a broad frequency range.

Working closely with the interior design team, the panels were colour-matched and cut precisely to fit around light fixtures, ensuring the treatment enhanced, rather than disrupted, the look of the space.

Result

The acoustic transformation was immediate. The echo was significantly reduced, and the space became far more comfortable for both everyday use and events. The custom panels also elevated the interior visually, adding depth and softness to the high-ceilinged room.

Inkofoods was highly satisfied with the results, which allowed them to bring back group events and social gatherings without compromise in comfort or clarity.

Can acoustics influence food experience

Food service environments are often overlooked when it comes to acoustics, yet they play a key role in guest experience. In multipurpose spaces like cafeterias, effective acoustic design can dramatically improve both ambience and usability. This project reflects DECIBEL’s ability to deliver reliable and visually refined solutions, even in challenging architectural contexts.

Get in touch today to improve the acoustic quality of your space!