A need for speech clarity
The council chamber of the town of Voerde in western Germany, built in the 1980s, no longer met contemporary expectations – both visually and acoustically. During council meetings, lectures, and debates with multiple speakers, speech intelligibility was noticeably compromised. The brief called for a comprehensive modernisation of the hall while preserving the traditional wall panelling and complying with the German standard DIN 18041 Acoustic quality in small and medium-sized rooms.
An acoustic strategy across two planes
Working closely with the acoustic consultants Balzen & Schön, the technical building management department of the city of Voerde and Rockfon developed a cohesive acoustic strategy, which centres on two products installed by Ausbau Osterkamp.
38 Rockfon Canva Wall panels in the colour Sage are integrated into wood panelling. With Class A sound absorption, the panels improve acoustic comfort while maintaining visual continuity. A combination of formats was used: full-height panels create calm, continuous surfaces, while slimmer inserts softly juxtaposition the wooden tones. The door is fully incorporated into the layout, preserving a clean geometry.
Approximately 200 square metres of Rockfon Blanka acoustic ceiling tiles with the X edge were installed to ensure consistent sound absorption across the ceiling plane. The X edge features varied cuts along adjoining sides, creating a refined, near-seamless appearance with a concealed grid aesthetic. The ultra-white, matte surface enhances light reflection and contributes to a brighter interior. Service elements were easily integrated within the ceiling system without disrupting the visual clarity.
Measurable success for the city hall
With sound absorption addressed across both walls and ceiling, the renewed chamber now fulfils the requirements of DIN 18041. Speech clarity during meetings and presentations has improved substantially, creating an environment that supports focused discussion and comfortable listening. The interaction between the Sage wall panels and the light wood panelling reinforces the chamber’s character – balanced, bright, and dignified.
