Bellevue Elementary Cafeteria Acoustic Treatment

James CoxJames began his acoustical career over 25 years ago as a project manager, focusing on sound attenuation with operable and accordion partitions. He transitioned into specified product sales, creating solutions for designers and contractors. Outside of work, James enjoys activities with his kids and exploring Richmond. 1-800-782-5742 Ext. 0122

Bellevue Elementary reduced sound levels in their cafeteria using AlphaSorb® Wall Panels and PolyPhon™ Panels mounted to ceiling.

The Issue

The cafeteria at Bellevue Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia had a huge problem — the large basement space was all brick and concrete parallel surfaces, with little to absorb the chatter of students and clattering of lunch trays. Noise was such an issue that it caused stress for students and staff, and even traveled down hallways, which disrupted lessons in nearby classrooms. Knowing little about soundproofing a cafeteria, the faculty was at a loss. They tried to mitigate the problem by rotating students through the space so the fewest number of children were eating at a time. When this didn’t work, the PTA pooled their resources to find a solution for their students.

Acoustic panels on the wall and ceiling reduce sound in the Bellevue Elementary cafeteria.

The Challenge

The President of the Bellevue Elementary PTA, Christina Mastroianni, spoke with friends in architecture and interior design, who told her she needed more sound-dampening or absorbing materials. Christina then posted in a community blog asking if anyone knew where she could get acoustical panels without emptying the PTA’s budget. Acoustical Solutions responded. Bellevue Elementary is located less than 10 miles away from AS headquarters, so the owner took a visit to look at the space themselves.

The Solution

“It’s one of the loudest cafeterias we’ve experienced,” says Dave Ingersoll, “and we’ve worked with a lot of them.” The team at Acoustical Solutions recommended AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels and PolyPhon™ Polyester Acoustic Panels. The acoustical materials and installation hardware needed to lower noise in the space were delivered. PTA members, community residents, and volunteers from local nonprofit organization (HandsOn Greater Richmond) came together on Martin Luther King Day to install the treatment. The results are quite noticeable, thrilling the staff that monitors the cafeteria during hectic meals.

In the Customer's Own Words

"It’s more than we hoped for—it’s a dream come true!" — Christina Mastroianni, President, Bellevue Elementary PTA

To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.

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