Olivia, a high-end Italian restaurant located in South Tampa, opened its doors in late 2019, offering a refined dining experience with American-Italian cuisine. While the restaurant’s design featured elegant elements such as exposed ceilings, wood slats, and floor-to-ceiling glass, it inadvertently created significant acoustic challenges. The combination of tile flooring, reflective surfaces, and an open ceiling design led to excessive reverberation, making conversations difficult for diners and detracting ceiling design tampa from the overall dining experience.
Recognizing the need to address these acoustic issues, Olivia’s management team reached out to Commercial Acoustics for a comprehensive solution. A site visit and reverberation assessment were conducted, revealing that the space’s acoustics required immediate attention to enhance guest comfort. The team recommended the installation of custom acoustic ceiling clouds to effectively reduce noise levels and improve speech intelligibility without compromising the restaurant’s aesthetic appeal.
The installation process involved several key considerations. The restaurant’s exposed white metal deck featured spray insulation and a sprinkler system positioned approximately 4 inches from the ceiling at 8-foot intervals. This configuration limited the available space for installing acoustic panels. To comply with fire safety regulations, it was essential to position the acoustic ceiling clouds above the sprinkler lines to prevent obstruction of water flow in case of an emergency. Additionally, the ceiling height of 16 feet required the use of a scissor lift for safe and efficient installation.
Commercial Acoustics fabricated resin-hardened acoustic panels and wrapped them in acoustically transparent fabric from Guilford of Maine, matching the off-white color of the existing ceiling. A total of 40 panels were initially installed, with the option to add 20 more if necessary. This phased approach allowed the restaurant to assess the impact of the acoustic treatment before committing to additional panels. The installation was carried out during morning hours before the restaurant opened, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
The results of the acoustic treatment were immediately noticeable. The reduction in reverberation significantly improved speech clarity, making conversations more comfortable for diners. The restaurant’s ambiance was enhanced, providing a more pleasant and intimate dining experience. By addressing the acoustic challenges with tailored solutions, Olivia was able to maintain its sophisticated design while ensuring guest comfort.
This project highlights the importance of considering acoustics in restaurant design, particularly in spaces with reflective surfaces and open ceilings. Through thoughtful planning and the implementation of effective acoustic treatments, restaurants can create environments that enhance both the dining experience and guest satisfaction.
For more information on how acoustic ceiling clouds can improve restaurant acoustics, visit Commercial Acoustics’ case study on Olivia Restaurant in Tampa.