🍽️NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 · Australia / New Zealand

Restaurant Acoustic Design to NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016

Restaurant acoustics must balance conversation intelligibility with ambient atmosphere. Excessive reverberation triggers the Lombard effect, where diners progressively raise their voices, creating an escalating noise spiral that can reach 85+ dBA at peak service.

TL;DR

Under NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016, a restaurant of 300-500 m³ (typical dimensions 15m × 10m × 3.5m) requires an RT60 of ≤ 0.8s at 500-2000 Hz. Background noise must not exceed 55 dBA. AS/NZS 2107:2016 provides guidance for restaurant acoustic environments with ambient noise of 45-55 dBA acceptable and RT60 <= 0.

RT60 Target

≤ 0.8s

Noise Limit

55 dBA

STI Minimum

N/A

Frequency Range

500-2000 Hz

Specific Requirements

Parameter	Target	Clause Reference	Notes
Reverberation Time (RT60)	≤ 0.8s	AS 2107 Table 1	500-2000 Hz, Furnished, unoccupied
Background Noise Limit	≤ 45 LAeq	AS 2107 Table 1	HVAC + building services, unoccupied
Frequency Range	500-2000 Hz	—	Octave bands for compliance assessment

Step-by-Step Compliance Calculation

1
Reference AS/NZS 2107
Set restaurant acoustic targets per AS/NZS 2107 Table 1: RT60 0.8s, ambient 45-55 dBA.
2
Design treatment
Specify ceiling baffles or rafts and wall absorption to compensate for hard floor and glass surfaces.
3
Address indoor-outdoor transition
Design acoustic buffer between alfresco and indoor dining areas to manage noise transmission.
4
Verify post-fit-out
Measure RT60 in furnished condition and monitor peak-service noise levels for ongoing quality assurance.

Recommended Materials

Surface	Material Category	Min NRC	Coverage %
Ceiling	Acoustic baffles or rafts	0.80	55%
Walls	Decorative absorptive panel	0.65	25%

Browse the full acoustic materials database for absorption coefficients and product specifications.

Common Failure Modes

⚠️Alfresco noise

Australian restaurants with indoor-outdoor dining face noise ingress from traffic and neighbouring venues.

⚠️Hard polished concrete floors

Polished concrete floors popular in Australian restaurants provide zero absorption, requiring extensive ceiling treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 require for a restaurant?

NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 requires a reverberation time of ≤0.8s at 500-2000 Hz for restaurant spaces. AS/NZS 2107:2016 provides guidance for restaurant acoustic environments with ambient noise of 45-55 dBA acceptable and RT60 <= 0.8s recommended. Australian restaurant design increasingly prioritises acoustic comfort as a competitive differentiator in the dining market.

What is the maximum background noise level for a restaurant under NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016?

NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 sets a maximum background noise level of 55 dBA for restaurant spaces. This includes noise from HVAC systems, building services, and external intrusion, measured with the room unoccupied. Exceeding this limit degrades speech intelligibility and occupant comfort.

How much acoustic treatment does a restaurant need to comply with NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016?

A typical restaurant (300-500 m³) requires Acoustic baffles or rafts (NRC ≥0.8) covering 55% of the ceiling as the primary treatment. Additional wall absorption on 1 surface(s) is typically needed. Use the AcousPlan calculator with the pre-loaded dimensions (14m × 10m × 3.5m) to calculate the exact absorption deficit for your room.

Calculate NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 Compliance for Your Restaurant

Pre-loaded with typical restaurant dimensions (14m × 10m × 3.5m) and an RT60 target of 0.8s per NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016. Enter your actual dimensions, select materials, and verify compliance instantly.

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