Improved acoustics at Kindergarten Auffen, Austria

Project Overview

Kindergarten Auffen is a new and modern early education facility located in the peaceful rural region of Styria, Austria. Every day, the kindergarten welcomes around 20 children into a warm and supportive learning environment.

The school management reached out to DECIBEL with a request to improve the acoustic conditions in two large rooms used for play, learning, and reading. The goal was to reduce reverberation and create a quieter, more focused space for both children and teachers.

Improving Comfort in Educational Spaces

In educational environments, clear sound is essential. When noise levels are high, children can become stressed, and teachers have to raise their voices to be heard. At Kindergarten Auffen, hard surfaces such as concrete walls, glass panels, and parquet floors were causing sound to bounce around, creating a loud and echo-filled space.

The acoustic treatment is needed to reduce echo, improve speech clarity, and maintain the bright and playful atmosphere of the kindergarten.

Challenge

The two main rooms had many hard surfaces that reflected sound in all directions. This led to high reverberation times and poor speech intelligibility, which affected communication and increased discomfort during group activities. The solution had to reduce these effects while blending into the existing interior design of the space.

Scope of Work

• On-site acoustic assessment of the main rooms
• Selection of suitable wall and ceiling acoustic panels
• Coordination with local drywall installers for mounting
• Installation of Beelive honeycomb panels in two colours
• Placement of ceiling acoustic sails in the wooden beams above the reading corner

Solution

DECIBEL recommended the use of Beelive acoustic panels, shaped like honeycombs, to be installed on both the walls and the ceiling. These panels were selected for their excellent sound absorption and their visual appeal, which fits well in an educational setting. Two colours were used to add variety and make the walls more lively.

To further improve the acoustic comfort in the reading area, acoustic ceiling sails were installed between the wooden beams, creating a quiet and calm space for reading aloud and storytelling.

Result

After the installation, the reverberation time in both rooms was significantly reduced. Teachers noticed an immediate improvement in speech clarity, and the children responded positively to the calmer environment.

In fact, one child even asked, "Are all the kids here today? It’s so quiet!" - a clear sign of how much the acoustic treatment changed the atmosphere. Both staff and students are now enjoying a more peaceful, focused, and relaxed space for learning and play.

Ready to Improve Sound in Your Kindergarten or School?

DECIBEL provides acoustic treatment solutions for educational environments. Contact our team to create a better sound experience for children and teachers.