Why Installing Acoustic Rafts into an Echoey Space Can Be So Beneficial

If you’ve ever walked into a large hall, open-plan office, or classroom and noticed that sounds seem to bounce endlessly around the room, you’ve experienced the problem of poor acoustics. Echoey spaces can feel uncomfortable, make conversations difficult, and even lead to fatigue over time. Whether you’re managing a busy school environment, designing an office, or upgrading a community space, finding the right acoustic solution is essential.

One of the most effective and aesthetically pleasing ways to reduce echo and improve sound quality is by installing acoustic rafts. 

What Are Acoustic Rafts? 

Acoustic rafts are suspended ceiling panels designed to absorb sound energy in large, open areas with high ceilings or hard surfaces. Unlike traditional acoustic ceiling tiles, rafts hang below the ceiling and provide a greater surface area for sound to interact with, increasing the effectiveness of sound absorption. 

Because they don’t need to cover the entire ceiling, acoustic rafts offer greater flexibility in design while delivering excellent acoustic performance. 

What Are Acoustic Rafts? 

1. Improved Speech Clarity 

In educational settings, clarity of speech is critical. Students must be able to hear their teacher without straining. In offices, clear communication enhances productivity and reduces misunderstandings. Acoustic rafts help control reverberation time (RT60), reducing echo and making spoken words easier to hear and understand. 

2. Enhanced Aesthetics and Design Flexibility 

Rafts can be designed to complement the interior style of any space. Whether you prefer bold colours or a minimalist aesthetic, acoustic rafts are available in various finishes and shapes to blend into or enhance your décor. 

3. Targeted Acoustic Treatment 

One of the major advantages of rafts is their adaptability. They can be installed directly above problem areas like meeting tables, reception desks, or busy circulation zones to tackle localised acoustic issues without major structural work. 

4. Efficient Sound Absorption 

Acoustic rafts absorb sound from both their front and rear surfaces, making them highly efficient. This is particularly important in rooms with hard floors, glass walls, and minimal soft furnishings where traditional wall-mounted treatments might not be enough. 

Our Acoustic Raft Solutions 

At The Acoustics Store, we offer two high-performance acoustic raft options that combine sustainability, aesthetics, and effectiveness. 

Sunda™ Raft 

The Sunda™ Raft is a fabric-wrapped acoustic raft made from a sustainable glass wool core. It offers Class A sound absorption and is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, allowing for creative design solutions while maximising acoustic performance. Ideal for offices, classrooms, and hospitality environments. 

Petra™ Raft 

The Petra™ Raft features the same high-performance glass wool core but with a white painted surface finish, giving it a simple, minimalist look. Also achieving Class A sound absorption, the Petra Raft is a cost-effective choice for anyone seeking reliable acoustic control without compromising on style. 

Get Expert Advice 

If you’re dealing with a noisy, echoey space and want to improve the sound environment, installing acoustic rafts is a smart and flexible solution. Whether you’re unsure what product is right for your space or need help with layout and design, we’re here to help. 

👉 Contact us today for advice and product recommendations.