Credit: iStock
Part of a series on the use of Cork for acoustics.
Most people prefer a restaurant that is ‘buzzy and fun’ to one that is empty or where you can hear ‘a pin drop’. But they would also agree that in many pubs and restaurants, the ambient sound is so loud that having a conversation is often difficult.
“British restaurants are getting louder – not just frightfully loud, we’re talking the same decibels as a lawnmower.”
According to restaurant critic William Sitwell, “the noisy restaurant phenomenon is out of control”. “Research shows,” he says, “British restaurants are getting louder – not just frightfully loud, we’re talking the same decibels as a lawnmower…”
In Australia too, Professor David McAlpine, Director of Hearing Research at Macquarie University, says, “The amount of reflected sound energy is enormous … to the point where it’s impossible to have a conversation with someone half a metre away from you”. “In many restaurants,” he continues, “people shout across the table, making the situation even worse.”
Credit: Alexander Faé on Unsplash
What is the reason for this?
The reason is firstly because modern restaurant architectural styles favour large glass windows, bare walls and concrete floors – all of which have terrible acoustics and frequently echo or even reflect and enhance sound.
Secondly, since acoustics are invisible, considerations of likely ambient noise are largely overlooked or even completely ignored.
When carpets and soft furnishings were the norm, problems with ambient noise did not occur so frequently because of the inherent acoustic properties of these materials. In today’s architecture, commercial priorities frequently outweigh other considerations such as customer comfort and many restaurant chains aim to push people through as fast as possible.
Why cork is a great material for solving acoustic problems
Credit: Amorim Cork Solutions
Take a look at cork’s unique cellular structure. This is the key to its impressive sound-absorbing properties. Each cubic centimetre of cork contains an average of 40 million tiny air sealed cells. When sound energy passes through cork, the energy is converted to vibrational energy by the air molecules. Cork is thus able to trap an immense amount of energy which is why it is an excellent absorber of sound.
Credit: Portuguese Treasures
Each tiny, air-filled cell acts as a mini sound barrier, dispersing and absorbing sound waves rather than allowing them to bounce back. Just 3mm of the cork material blocks 10 decibels of sound. That is the equivalent to turning the volume down from a lively conversation to a whisper.
The science behind cork’s sound absorption
To fully appreciate the sound-absorbing prowess of cork let’s look at some of its technical properties:
First there is its Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): This measures how effectively a material absorbs sound, with a range from 0.00 to 1.00. Cork boasts an impressive NRC of 0.7, meaning it absorbs a remarkable 70% of sound waves that hit its surface. Compare this with Hardwood, Laminate, and Tiles for example. These common flooring choices have a decibel reduction rating of 0 dB.
Sound Transmission Class (STC): This rating indicates how well a material blocks airborne noise transmission. Cork’s STC performance varies depending on the thickness and the site of the installation, but is generally excellent at reducing the impact of footsteps, music, and other ambient noise.
Different types of cork acoustic panel products
Credit: Sound Pro Solutions
Unlike thin cork tiles used for decoration, these are panels engineered for acoustic use. That means they’re made from thicker denser cork which makes them highly effective at handling mid and high frequencies such as voices, phones ringing, and general restaurant room noise.
They are often combined with materials like recycled felt, MDF, or fabric-wrapped finishes to enhance both functionality and visual appeal. They’re also increasingly used in hotels, open-plan offices, auditoriums, and buildings with high sustainability credentials.
Credit: Coverd
‘EcoSonix’ is a modular suspended ceiling system that offers advanced acoustic performance and high sound absorption from the Italian company Coverd.
Each hexagonal tile measures 138 cm from tip to tip and 120 cm from side to side, with a thickness that combines solidity, lightness, and sound-absorbing properties.
The cork surface of each panel is treated to significantly reduce reverberation, improve speech clarity and sound comfort and finished in printed fabric or microfibre in a range of nature-inspired colours to blend with different types of architectural environments.
Credit: Coverd
The latest 3D acoustic Cork designs
Credit: Portuguese Treasures
Credit: Nyquista
Nyquista Acoustic Design utilises cork as a key sustainable, acoustic material in their interior design products, notably through their EcoWall by Nyquista 3D wall panels.
Nyquista’s EcoWall 3D Panels are crafted from agglomerated cork using advanced compression moulding technology, combining excellent acoustic insulation with unique, modern textures. The use of cork provides outstanding sound-dampening performance while also delivering a natural, attractive aesthetic.
Credit: Granorte
With thanks to
Amorim Cork Solutions – amorimcorksolutions.com
Portuguese Treasures – portuguesetreasures.com
Sound Pro Solutions – soundprosolutions.com
Coverd – coverd.it
Nyquista Acoustic Design – nyquista.pl
Granorte – granorte.co.uk
#CorkAcoustics #HospitalityDesign #SustainableInteriors
