🍽️NRA 2000 · France

Restaurant Acoustic Design to NRA 2000

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 NRA 2000, 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. French NRA provides guidance for restaurant acoustic environments as ERP (public-facing establishments).

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	Arrêté du 25 avril 2003	500-2000 Hz, NRA canteen criteria
Background Noise Limit	≤ 40 dBA	—	HVAC + building services, unoccupied
Frequency Range	500-2000 Hz	—	Octave bands for compliance assessment

Step-by-Step Compliance Calculation

1
Identify NRA and environmental limits
Determine restaurant acoustic targets from NRA and environmental noise emission limits for the building context.
2
Design treatment within constraints
Specify acoustic treatments compatible with heritage restrictions and architectural character of the space.
3
Manage noise emission
Design facade and partition insulation to meet environmental noise limits at neighbouring residential boundaries.
4
Document compliance
Prepare acoustic impact assessment as required for restaurant licensing in the French regulatory framework.

Recommended Materials

Surface	Material Category	Min NRC	Coverage %
Ceiling	Acoustic plaster or baffles	0.80	55%
Banquettes	Upholstered seating	0.60	30%

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

Common Failure Modes

⚠️Neighbour noise complaints

French restaurants in mixed-use buildings face strict environmental noise limits that restrict operating hours and music levels.

⚠️Heritage ceiling restrictions

Historic plaster ceilings in Parisian buildings cannot be modified, limiting overhead acoustic treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does NRA 2000 require for a restaurant?

NRA 2000 requires a reverberation time of ≤0.8s at 500-2000 Hz for restaurant spaces. French NRA provides guidance for restaurant acoustic environments as ERP (public-facing establishments). The Activiteitenbesluit environmental noise regulations limit noise emission from restaurants to neighbouring residential properties. French dining culture values conversation quality, driving demand for acoustic design.

What is the maximum background noise level for a restaurant under NRA 2000?

NRA 2000 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 NRA 2000?

A typical restaurant (300-500 m³) requires Acoustic plaster or baffles (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 (12m × 9m × 3.2m) to calculate the exact absorption deficit for your room.

Calculate NRA 2000 Compliance for Your Restaurant

Pre-loaded with typical restaurant dimensions (12m × 9m × 3.2m) and an RT60 target of 0.8s per NRA 2000. Enter your actual dimensions, select materials, and verify compliance instantly.

Open Calculator with Preset