Urban Bar Gets Acoustic Makeover with Tailored Solutions

Project Overview

Barbakan is a lively city-centre bar known for its vibrant atmosphere, but it suffered from high noise levels. With hard surfaces and steady foot traffic, the space often became uncomfortably loud during peak hours, making conversation difficult for guests.

To improve the acoustic environment without altering the bar’s urban aesthetic, the owners turned to DECIBEL for a tailored solution.

Challenge

The main challenge was to reduce the overwhelming reverberation and echoes caused by reflective surfaces and high occupancy in the bar.

The acoustic treatment had to be both effective and visually integrated into the bar’s design language.

Scope of Work

• Acoustic consultation and site assessment
• Acoustic treatment of the ceiling using suspended baffles with textile covers
• Installation of CIRCULO panels along key wall sections
• Placement of bass traps in the upper corners of the venue

Solution

DECIBEL designed a solution that included a mix of vertical and horizontal absorption. Hanging acoustic baffles with textile finishes were suspended from the ceiling to reduce reverberation.

CIRCULO wall panels were installed to break up flutter echoes across flat surfaces, while bass traps were added in the top corners to target low-frequency build-up.

Result

The intervention significantly reduced overall noise levels and improved speech intelligibility across the bar, all without compromising on aesthetics. The space now supports both lively gatherings and comfortable conversation, enhancing the customer experience.

In busy hospitality venues, acoustic discomfort can lead to shorter visits, poor reviews, and decreased return rates.

Proper acoustic treatment not only improves guest satisfaction but also increases stay time and overall revenue potential. This project is a textbook example of how acoustic upgrades can support business outcomes.

Get in touch with DECIBEL to create a sound environment that supports both design and function in hospitality spaces.