🍽️🇸🇬SS 553:2016 · Singapore

Restaurant Acoustic Design in SingaporeSS 553:2016 Requirements

Restaurants, cafes, bars, food halls. Typical volume: 200-2,000 m³.

RT60 Target
≤ 0.8s
Background Noise
NC-40
STI Requirement
N/A
Regulation
SS 553:2016
RT60 (Reverberation Time)
The time, in seconds, for sound to decay by 60 dB after the source stops. SS 553:2016 requires ≤ 0.8s for restaurant spaces in Singapore.
Reference: SS 553:2016 — guidance

What SS 553:2016 Requires for a Restaurant in Singapore

Regulation: SS 553:2016 — guidance

RT60 target: ≤ 0.8s

Background noise limit: NC-40

Local note: Singapore F&B scene highly competitive — acoustic design as differentiator.

How to Calculate SS 553:2016 Compliance for a Restaurant in Singapore

  1. 1

    Identify the applicable Singapore standard and target

    Look up SS 553:2016 for restaurant spaces in Singapore. The RT60 target is ≤ 0.8s. SS 553:2016 — guidance.

  2. 2

    Measure or model the room geometry

    Record the length, width, and height of the room to calculate the volume. A typical restaurant has a volume of 200-2,000 m³.

  3. 3

    List all surfaces and their absorption coefficients

    For each surface (floor, ceiling, walls, windows, doors), find the absorption coefficient at each octave band frequency (125 Hz to 4 kHz) from ISO 354 test data or a materials database.

  4. 4

    Calculate total absorption and apply the Sabine or Eyring equation

    Sum all surface absorption values: A = sum of (alpha x area). Then apply T60 = 0.161 x V / A (Sabine) or T60 = -0.161 x V / (S x ln(1 - alpha_avg)) (Eyring). Use Eyring when average alpha exceeds 0.20.

  5. 5

    Compare result against SS 553:2016 and specify treatment

    If the calculated RT60 exceeds the target of ≤ 0.8s, specify additional absorption. Typical treatment cost in Singapore is S$90–S$170/m².

Cost of Compliance in Singapore

Treatment Cost Range

S$90–S$170/m²

Currency: S$

What Affects Cost

  • • Room volume and surface area
  • • Target standard strictness
  • • Existing acoustic conditions
  • • Finish and material quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does SS 553:2016 require for a restaurant in Singapore?

SS 553:2016 requires a reverberation time of ≤ 0.8s for restaurant spaces in Singapore. SS 553:2016 — guidance. Measurement should be performed per ISO 3382-2 methodology.

What is the background noise limit for a restaurant in Singapore?

The background noise limit is NC-40 under SS 553:2016. This typically refers to HVAC and building services noise measured with the room unoccupied.

How much does acoustic treatment cost for a restaurant in Singapore?

Typical acoustic treatment for a restaurant in Singapore costs S$90–S$170/m². Costs vary based on finish quality, room size, and existing conditions.

Calculate SS 553:2016 Compliance for Your Restaurant in Singapore

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