For over 20 years, Little Kingshill Baptist Church envisioned a space that would serve the wider community, offering a welcoming café and a versatile hall for local events. Following the success of a pop-up coffee shop during the pandemic, the demand for a permanent community hub became clear.

With support from local donors and grant funding, the church embarked on a transformative renovation project, creating a modern, energy-efficient space designed to foster social connections and support diverse activities, including fitness classes, yoga, workshops, and toddler groups.

As part of this transformation, the church needed to address sound challenges within the newly built spaces. With high ceilings and open-plan layouts, noise control became a key consideration to ensure comfortable acoustics for visitors.

That’s where we came in.

The church required an effective sound absorption solution that would:

• Reduce echo and reverberation in the main hall for fitness classes, community gatherings, and children’s events.
• Ensure clear and comfortable sound levels in the café, making conversations more enjoyable.
• Maintain a visually appealing and serene atmosphere.

To achieve this, we installed:

Ecophon Solo™ Triangle and Ecophon Solo™ Rectangle panels in Fresh Clover

These free-hanging acoustic absorbers were selected for their:

• Class A sound absorption properties, significantly reducing background noise.
• Flexible installation options, allowing placement in key areas without compromising the space’s aesthetic.
• Sustainability benefits, as they are 100% recyclable with a low environmental impact.

By strategically positioning the panels, we helped create a balanced acoustic environment where events and conversations could take place without disruptive background noise.

Since opening, the newly renovated church has exceeded expectations, providing a warm and inviting space for the local community.

• Footfall to the café has doubled, with visitors enjoying a relaxed, comfortable environment.

• The main hall is fully booked for events ranging from yoga and fitness classes to craft workshops and community lunches.

• Visitors have praised the acoustic improvements, noting that the space is comfortable and enjoyable to use.

A Thoughtful Approach to Acoustic Design: Balancing Sound, Functionality, and Aesthetics

Achieving the right acoustic balance in a multi-use community space requires more than just sound absorption—it demands a carefully considered approach that enhances functionality while maintaining visual harmony.

At Little Kingshill Baptist Church, the challenge was to create a space where conversations in the café remained clear, fitness classes felt energising, and events in the main hall were free from excessive echo. By installing Ecophon Solo™ Triangle and Rectangle panels in Fresh Clover, we ensured the space not only sounded better but also complemented the church’s warm, welcoming aesthetic.

This project highlights how acoustic solutions can seamlessly integrate into a thoughtfully designed space, enhancing user experience without compromising design intent.

Balanced Acoustic Environment – The installed ceiling rafts help control sound and improve speech clarity, making the workspace more comfortable for focused and collaborative work.

Seamless Architectural Integration – Our installation ensured the panels aligned perfectly with MCM’s contemporary design, maintaining the clean, open aesthetic.

Future-Proofed for Adaptability – The removable suspension system allows for easy access to services, supporting long-term workspace flexibility.

Sustainable Approach – The materials used align with the project’s sustainability goals, reflecting Condé Nast’s commitment to responsible design.

The renovation of Little Kingshill Baptist Church was about more than just creating a new space—it was about building a vibrant community hub where people could connect, learn, and socialise. With high ceilings and open areas, achieving the right balance of sound control and aesthetics was essential.

By installing Ecophon Solo™ Triangle and Rectangle acoustic panels in Fresh Clover, we helped enhance speech clarity in the café and reduce reverberation in the main hall, ensuring the space remained both functional and welcoming. The result is a modern, multi-use environment that successfully supports social gatherings, fitness classes, and church events, while maintaining a calm, inviting atmosphere.

This project highlights the power of collaboration and thoughtful design, demonstrating how strategic acoustic solutions can enhance not just a building, but the experiences of the people who use it every day.