Speech comes first
Set the acoustic objective around language intelligibility, appropriate relative level and even coverage across the audience area.
JHS ACOUSTIC / SPEECH-LED SPACES
Speech clarity
acoustic treatment
Clear speech, composed interiors and controlled reflection paths for meetings, presentations and multi-purpose events.
Start a Conference Hall brief01Speech clarityEarly reflection controlConfident specification
01 / DESIGN INTENT
Make every word arrive with clarity—wherever the audience sits.
Conference halls, lecture theatres and multi-purpose auditoria need intelligible speech, even coverage and a room that remains free from echo, flutter, focusing, resonance and intrusive equipment or external noise.
Control the volume
When auditorium volume exceeds 1,000 m³, coordinate a sound reinforcement system and speaker positions as part of the acoustic design—not after it.
Shape useful energy
Use early reflections to support the presenter, while treating late energy that reduces clarity and fatigues the audience.
Keep noise outside
Resolve plant, AV, projection, door and external-noise paths before the visible finishes are finalised.
02 / THE 50 MS RULE
Design the first reflections. Do not leave them to chance.
For naturally reinforced halls, distribute early reflected sound evenly. Its delay relative to direct sound should be no more than 50 ms—approximately a 17 m path difference—so it strengthens speech rather than becoming a separate audible event.
0 msDirect sound
→≤50 msUseful early reflection
→>50 msLate reverberant energy
03 / HALL GEOMETRY
Plan the room around sightlines, volume and reflection paths.
Use spatial proportions as the first acoustic decision. The figures below are source-reference design checks; validate the final geometry in the approved acoustic and architectural model.
3.5–5.0 m³Indicative volume per seat
D ≤ 1.5HMaximum balcony overhang relative to the clear opening height
C ≥ 120 mmMinimum sightline-rise reference for naturally reinforced seating
04 / REVERBERATION TIME
Give speech enough support. Not enough to blur.
Evaluate reverberation at 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 Hz, using the 500–1,000 Hz range as the primary reference. Shorter reverberation improves articulation but can sound dry; longer reverberation increases fullness but can reduce intelligibility.
For speech-led conference halls, the supplied material indicates a reference range of 0.8–1.0 s. The correct target depends on volume, occupancy, programme, sound system and governing standard.
125 Hz1.0–1.2
250 Hz1.0–1.1
500–1,000 HzReference band
2,000 Hz0.9–1.0
4,000 Hz0.8–1.0
05 / FINISH STRATEGY
Every surface should have a job to do.
Conference-room comfort is built from a varied, layered palette. Do not apply the same absorber everywhere: combine absorption, diffusion, soft finishes and isolation so no frequency band is over-treated and no reflection path is ignored.
- Shape walls with uneven, ribbed or faceted acoustic surfaces
- Use broad-band ceiling absorption with varied ceiling planes
- Use thick, breathable carpet to reduce high-frequency build-up
- Set heavy curtains away from glazing to create an absorptive cavity
- Use upholstered seating and rounded or oval tables to reduce hard reflections
06 / DETAIL THE BOUNDARIES
Good finishes control reflections. Good construction stops noise from arriving.
Visible acoustic materials and hidden building details work together: ceiling treatments, curtains and seating shape the internal field; sealed openings, thick doors and controlled services protect the room from outside.
A
Ceiling plane
Break up uniform surfaces and combine integrated acoustic boards with the lighting and ventilation layout.
B
Soft perimeter
Use fabric, curtains and carefully chosen seating to absorb broad-band energy without making the room acoustically flat.
C
Doors & openings
Thicken weak door and window assemblies, use double layers where appropriate, maintain seals and select dense acoustic door cores.
07 / CONCEPTUAL CASE STUDIES
Professional spaces, tuned for attention.
Visual studies for briefing and material discussions. These are conceptual case studies, not representations of completed JHS projects.
MAKE THE ROOM EASIER TO HEAR
Bring the programme.
We will shape the room.
Send the plan, volume, seating, presentation format, AV strategy and finish ambition. We will help establish the appropriate acoustic material system and layout direction for your Conference Hall.
Discuss your Conference Hall project