Kitchen Acoustics in Restaurants & Cafés

Acoustic performance in a kitchen directly impacts the functionality and occupant experience of restaurants & cafés buildings. The RT60 target of ≤1.5s is set to ensure that the space meets its intended purpose, whether that involves speech intelligibility, noise control, or sound isolation from adjacent areas.

The key metric of STC 45+ to dining addresses the primary acoustic concern for this room type. Achieving this target typically requires a combination of absorptive surface treatments, appropriate construction mass, and careful attention to flanking paths and HVAC noise contributions.

Balancing noise suppression with desired ambience levels — overly dead rooms feel sterile and uncomfortable, while excessive reverberation causes the Lombard effect where diners progressively raise their voices.