Acoustic Panels

How Acoustic Panels Improve a Space

Acoustics elevate architecture beyond form, defining how a space is truly experienced. When echo takes over, conversations blur. When sound is swallowed, people strain to connect. What most projects truly need isn’t a patchwork of panels but a system that delivers clarity, balance and control. Sculptform integrates acoustic performance and design into one solution, so spaces both look and sound exceptional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What Acoustic Panels Actually Do?

Acoustic panels absorb sound within a space, while soundproofing prevents noise from passing between rooms. By cutting down reflections, known as RT60 or the time it takes for sound to fade, panels make speech easier to understand and listening more comfortable.

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Benefits at a Glance

Acoustic absorption delivers several benefits.

  • Speech clarity: Listeners can follow the conversation without strain.
  • Lower reverberation time: Music and speech sound more natural.
  • Privacy: Conversations stay contained within a room.
  • Comfort: Background noise feels less harsh in busy spaces.

 

Common Panel Types and Cores

Acoustic panels come in a variety of constructions:

  • Fabric-wrapped cores: Timber or mineral wool wrapped in fabric, common in offices.
  • Perforated timber or aluminium: Hard face with drilled holes backed by insulation.
  • PET felt: Recycled fibre boards used in education and offices.
    Mineral wool backers: High absorption when hidden behind a decorative surface.
  • Each type offers a balance of performance, cost and appearance. Timber acoustic panels remain a popular choice for warmth and natural finishes.

Where Acoustic Panels are Used?

High-impact spaces demand acoustic control:

  • Auditoria and theatres: Absorption ensures audiences hear performance detail.
  • Lecture halls and classrooms: Support speech intelligibility for large groups.
  • Corporate meeting rooms: Improves clarity during presentations and calls.
  • Transport halls: Reduce harsh echo in large volumes.
  • Restaurants and stadiums: Keep noise levels manageable for comfort.

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Limits of Stand-Alone Panels

Loose timber acoustic panels can work, but they often compromise aesthetics. They can clutter walls, break visual rhythm and restrict creative freedom for designs. Performance may also be uneven when coverage is patchy. There is a smarter way to achieve consistent results.

Integrated Acoustic Solutions with Click-on Battens

Sculptform’s Click-on Battens integrate acoustic layers directly behind a continuous batten screen. Designers gain both absorption and a seamless timber finish. This approach removes the need for scattered panels and creates controlled results across walls and ceilings. The design freedom of acoustic timber slats within the Click-on Battens system means absorption can be delivered without breaking visual continuity.

How the System Works

The system is built from a track, battens and a concealed acoustic blanket or scrim backed with insulation. Because coverage is continuous, absorption is even. Hidden fixings maintain the design intent while the backing delivers measurable performance.

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Tuning Performance with the NRC Calculator

Our Price & Spec tool includes an NRC calculator. By selecting batten size, spacing and backing type, designers can see absorption values shift in real time. This lets you target a specific NRC band during design, before tender. Numbers confirm that acoustic goals are achievable.

Design in Price & Spec

Design Levers that Move the Numbers

Key factors that influence performance:

  • Open area: Wider spacing increases absorption.
  • Depth and cavity: Greater depth raises low-frequency control.
  • Substrate: Backing type changes absorption across bands.
  • Continuity at corners: Full coverage avoids weak spots.
  • Ceiling vs. wall coverage: More surfaces treated means lower RT60.
  • Blanket density: Heavier layers increase absorption.

Visual Outcomes Without Compromise

With this integrated system, design and performance work hand in hand. Battens can flow seamlessly over ceilings, walls and curves without visible interruptions. Services remain accessible, and fixings stay hidden. The acoustic layer does its work in the background, leaving only sharp lines and consistent finishes in sight. A before-and-after photo pair can highlight how the system delivers both cleaner design lines and stronger acoustic control.

Theatre and Auditorium Case Highlights

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

The redevelopment aimed to preserve heritage character while improving acoustics for modern performances. Sculptform Click-on Battens in White Oak were paired with a custom acoustic backing to reduce reverberation, delivering both clarity and a striking curved timber interior.

Project Story
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Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC)

The goal was to capture the tropical character of Cairns while creating a world-class performance venue. Sculptform Click-on Battens in Spotted Gum formed large interior screens that doubled as acoustic solutions, improving performance while maintaining a strong architectural identity.

Project Story
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Sydney Coliseum Theatre

The goal was to create a landmark venue that combined grandeur with acoustic control. Sculptform Click-on Battens in Blackbutt, paired with layered acoustic backing, delivered the required NRC while shaping a striking interior that supports both theatre and live concerts.

Project Story
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Getting it Right on Site


Success depends on coverage and detailing. Ensure corners, penetrations and junctions are sealed. Confirm NRC settings with the calculator before tender. This coordination ensures the system delivers as designed. 

Ready To Specify?

Bring performance and design together with Click-on Battens. Open the Price & Spec tool and tune your NRC in minutes. Need some help? Reach out to our support team below.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Click-on Battens actually absorb sound or only diffuse it?

Yes. Absorption comes from the acoustic layer behind the battens, not just surface diffusion.

Can we hit a specific NRC with this system?

Yes. Use the NRC calculator to adjust batten spacing, backing and cavity depth to meet your target.

Are integrated systems better than loose panels in large rooms?

Often yes. Continuous coverage and controlled open area create more even results than scattered panels.

Can we curve the batten surface and keep performance?

Yes. Curved batten runs retain absorption as long as spacing and cavity depth are maintained.

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Ready to chat about your next project

Our clients are at the heart of every project and it’s our job to deliver on the big picture and the smallest detail. If you have any questions about our Click-on Screens range, contact us or request a sample.