Improving acoustic comfort in city theatre

On 21 May 2024, thorough renovation works were started at the Sint-Niklaas Municipal Theatre.  Both the auditorium and the foyer hall were completely redesigned to the design of arQ architects Sint-Niklaas.  The architectural firm's assignment was to rethink the old auditorium into an improved experience and comfort to provide visitors with a unique experience.  Both in the hall and the foyer, warm wood tones (black oak and American smoked walnut) were chosen for walls and fixed furniture from Decospan's veneer range. These panels combined with new carpet and ochre yellow seating contribute to the modern look of the space.      

Acoustic engineering firm Daidalos Peutz was called in to determine the acoustic comfort.  For the hall, 3 products were combined: black oak veneer walls with nano perforations were provided for the front stage, while in the hall and foyer a combination of grooved Dr panels in warm American walnut veneer on black MDF boards was chosen, combined with solid panels of Am. Walnut. In the hall, part of walls were set under degrees for perfect combination absorption, reflection and diffusion of the hall sound.

On 30 January 2025, the renovated hall was put back into use thanks to good communication and coordination between manufacturers (including Triplaco for sheet material walls and furniture) and finishing company NOVO I.B. .