Rose Garden Arena

The Issue

When most people think of acoustical treatment, they probably think cushy or foamy, available in a variety of off-white colors. It is not always considered something that would contribute to a chic appearance. The creators of the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon, however, know better.

The Challenge

The Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon, now known as the Moda Center, is a $267 million multi-purpose arena that opened in the fall of 1995 and serves as the home of the NBA Portland Trail Blazers. In addition to games, the Rose Garden Arena hosts a wide variety of events such as concerts and family shows.

A unique feature of the 20,000 seat Rose Garden Arena is the club level, which includes a sports bar, executive banquet facility, lounge with a restaurant, concession stand, grill and outdoor terraces. Acoustics are always an issue that needs to be considered in an environment that is filled with speech, music, and other sound. Noises can become unclear or even uncomfortable for the patrons. These issues needed to be addressed while maintaining the high-end look and feel of the club level.

The Solution

Sonex^® Squareline Acoustic Ceiling Tiles were installed during the arena’s redesign last Spring. 1600 sq. ft. of the Squareline medium 24-by-48-inch metal ceiling tiles with a grey backer were used. Sonex^® Squareline Acoustic Ceiling Tiles let you create a ceiling in a simple design that is both attractive and acoustically efficient, scattering and absorbing sound waves.

“We wanted the club level to have the feel of intimate lounges for casual gatherings within a broad concourse,” says Michael Roberts of LRS Architects, which designed the current club level of the Rose Garden. “We upgraded the club level and wanted a ceiling application that conveyed a higher-end impression. I was familiar with Sonex^® Squareline Acoustic Ceiling Tiles from previous projects and thought it would be perfect. The color we selected is distinctive but isn’t distracting. When you’re on the club level, the finishes, furnishings and fixtures leave no doubt that you’re on a premium level of the Rose Garden.”

The Rose Garden Arena using Sonex^® Squareline Ceiling Tiles by Pinta Acoustic, Inc. to reduce noise levels and control sound.

The Result

Sonex^® Squareline Acoustic Ceiling Tiles are a fresh alternative to traditional, linear or perforated metal ceiling tiles. These galvanized, powder-coated, expanded metal ceiling tiles are pre-bonded to Class 1 Fire Rated melamine foam. Depending on the thickness of the foam insert, melamine absorbs 55 to 80 percent of the sound that reaches them.

Sonex^® Squareline Acoustic Ceiling Tiles are available in three patterns: Squareline Standard, Squareline Medium, and Squareline Ultra, in white, chrome, or black metal panels, with or without a light grey or black fleece backing. Tile sizes are 24 by 24 inches or 24 by 48 inches, and easily drop into other standard 15/16-inch ceiling grids. The expanded metal is made with 35–55% recycled content and is impervious to heat sources.

There are many noise control and soundproofing products made with aesthetic design in mind, available from Acoustical Solutions.