Controlling sound and reducing reverberation for Chinchilla Cultural Centre
The Challenge
The Chinchilla Cultural Centre is a vibrant community hub that plays host to a range of events, from cinema screenings and local theatre productions to meetings and public events. Yet this very success meant that, with multiple adjoining spaces in constant use – particularly the auditorium, cinema, and Wattle (function) Room – noise transfer between rooms had become a growing issue.
Local feedback highlighted a need to control sound leakage – especially when simultaneous events were scheduled. The auditorium itself also suffered from poor reverberation, which affected sound clarity for performers, presenters and audiences.
The Centre engaged Avenue Interior Systems to provide a solution that would reduce sound transfer between spaces, improve internal acoustics, and be delivered with care around limited site access and existing fixtures.
The Avenue Solution
Our team worked closely with Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) to develop a practical, install-ready plan that could be delivered within regular business hours. All materials, adhesives and fixings were supplied and installed by Avenue’s professional team.
Overcoming noise in the auditorium
To reduce noise transfer through the cinema and Wattle Room side walls, Avenue Interior Systems installed a custom design between the wall columns, achieving a total acoustic rating of more than RW28. This was followed by plywood sheeting across the same area to enhance mass, seal the barrier, and create a smooth base for the final acoustic layer.
The team then installed a custom configuration of high-performance Calando Acoustic Panels, with NRC 0.85 and absorbing 85% of reflected sound. A stunning layout was created by Betty-Jo Interior Designs, comprised of cream-coloured panels along with custom-printed timber-look Boston Oak panels.
Columns and doors throughout the auditorium were repainted from a retro mustard yellow to a modern, stylish olive green, and new lighting was installed by contractors. This combination of lighting, colours, textures and natural-look timber helped balance noise control with a visually warm, professional finish.
In the hallway adjacent to the auditorium, Avenue added six plain white Calando Acoustic Panels (2400mm x 1200mm) to absorb leaking noise and limit transfer through this thoroughfare. To acoustically seal gaps, five sets of RW34-rated acoustic door seals were installed on the double doors; four on one wall and one on the opposite wall.
Solving sound transfer in the Wattle Room
In the Wattle Room, sound transfer between the storeroom and staff room was addressed using the same layered approach. Avenue added sound-blocking and sound-absorbing materials to the dividing wall to reduce echo and volume within the storeroom, lowering the impact and disruption on staff working in the adjacent area. To further reduce acoustic leakage, two sets of acoustic door seals (RW34) were installed on doors connecting the Wattle Room, storeroom, and staff room.
Results achieved by Avenue
Avenue’s comprehensive acoustic solution delivered a noticeable improvement in both sound isolation and internal acoustic clarity. The space is now more flexible, comfortable, and usable for a wide variety of community functions. Chinchilla Cultural Centre now enjoy:
- Significantly reduced sound transfer between key adjoining rooms.
- Lowered reverberation inside the auditorium, enhancing speech intelligibility and audience experience.
- Discreet, attractive finishes, with a mix of fabric and timber-look panels.
- Fire-safe materials (Group 1 Fire Rated) that are impact-resistant and designed for high-traffic areas.
- Efficient on-site project completion with minimal disruption to the Centre’s operations.
By combining sound-blocking, absorption, and acoustic sealing strategies, Avenue delivered a cost-effective solution that not only solved immediate noise issues but also future-proofed the venue for expanded use.
To discuss how we can help you achieve quality acoustics and noise control within your facility, call our team on 1300 827 177.
We design your silence.
