Industry: Wellness and Event Venues

Background:

Nestled in the serene mountains of Los Angeles, the Luna Dome is a stunning 40-foot transparent pavilion designed to foster wellness, creativity, and connection. With its frameless design, the geodesic dome offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and mountains, providing an idyllic setting for sound baths, acoustic concerts, and restorative retreats.

However, while the Luna Dome’s design celebrated natural light and seamless integration with nature, the sound reflective nature of its walls interfered with the sound-sensitive events held within.

Challenge:

The Luna Dome faced significant acoustical challenges:

• Reflection Issues: Domes, especially when 100% reflective, will cause sound to behave erratically – reverberation, focusing effects and creep can make it difficult to achieve the peaceful ambiance required for events.
• Preserving Natural Light: Any solution needed to maintain the dome’s 360-degree panoramic views and abundant natural light.
• Invisible Integration: The acoustical treatment had to blend seamlessly with the minimalist, transparent architecture of the dome.

Solution:

To address these challenges, Kevin Sanford of Solotech Inc. partnered with the Luna Dome team to integrate RPG Acoustical Systems’ Clearsorber® Foil into the pavilion’s design. This innovative solution offered a perfect balance of acoustical performance and architectural preservation.

Key features of RPG’s Clearsorber® Foil included:

• Acoustical Performance: Achieved NRC ratings up to 0.55 (double layer) to eliminate echoes and reverberations.
• Unobstructed Views: 92% light transmission ensured the dome retained its natural light and panoramic scenery.
• Durability and Safety: Clearsorber® Foil’s Class A fire rating, UV stability, and chemical resistance make It a long-lasting, safe choice for the space.

The Clearsorber® Foil was mounted using the dome’s existing structural hardware, ensuring a seamless, unobtrusive installation.

Key Successes

• Transformative Acoustics: The Luna Dome now delivers pristine sound quality, perfect for its events and retreats.
• Preservation of Aesthetics: The invisible integration of Clearsorber® Foil maintained the space’s minimalist design and connection to nature.
• Enhanced Functionality: The dome is now optimized for sound-sensitive events, becoming a sanctuary of harmony for all who visit.

Conclusion

The Luna Dome at Butterfly Mountain is a “clear” example of how thoughtful design and innovative acoustical solutions can work together to create a truly transformative space. With Clearsorber® Foil, the venue now offers an unparalleled experience where sound and nature exist in perfect harmony.

For more information about Clearsorber® solutions, contact us today!

Industry: Hospitality – Private Country Club Facility

Background:

The Boca Bay Pass Club, an exclusive private country club in Southwest Florida, faced consistent feedback from members regarding excessive sound levels in its multi-purpose restaurant space during peak occupancy. Known for its stunning design and panoramic coastal views, the club needed a solution to reduce the sound levels without detracting from the beautiful view of the dunes and the ocean through (6) large glass multi-door bays. Seeking a balance between function and form, the club turned to RPG’s Clearsorber® Foil as a solution that could be tailored to its unique needs.

Challenge:

The challenge was multifaceted. The club needed a system that could:

• Effectively reduce loudness and reverberation during peak occupancy, creating a more enjoyable dining atmosphere.
• Preserve the breathtaking views provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Be easy to use and integrate seamlessly into the existing design.
• Meet fire safety standards with clear, visually unobtrusive materials.
• Allow for installation without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Solution:

Siebein Associates was independently contracted by the club to evaluate the acoustics of the dining room and provide management with solution options. Management selected Clearsorber® Foil for its unique combination of crystal clarity, durability, UV stability, fire-rating and sound-absorbing properties. To optimize for the best functionality of the space, a Clearsorber® GO operable roller blind system was selected as a retrofit solution that featured dual Clearsorber® Foil layers for maximum sound absorption, wireless rechargeable motors to eliminate the disruption and cost of hardwiring, and remote controls for easy and flexible operation.

RPG assigned a dedicated project manager to oversee every phase of the project, ensuring coordination with the club’s management through design, manufacturing and installation. The project manager worked closely with the club to schedule the installation during off-peak hours, minimizing any impact on operations.

Products Used:

• Clearsorber GO – Clearsorber® Foil incorporated into custom motorized roller blinds for effective and flexible acoustic control.

Special Features:

• Crystal clarity, Class A Fire Rating, High Durability, Chemical Resistance, UV Stability.
• Dual-layer Foil system engineered to provide maximum sound absorption.
• Rechargeable motorized blinds with remote control for easy, flexible operation.
• Retro-fit installation eliminates the need for custom electrical wiring or visible cords.

Statistics and Measurable Success:

• Significant reduction in sound levels, enhancing the dining experience for members and guests.
• Smooth integration of acoustical treatment with existing design elements, ensuring unobstructed views.
• On-time delivery and installation of a complete, turn-key system with minimal disruption to club activities.

Project Overview:

This project demonstrated RPG’s ability to combine advanced acoustic solutions with elegant design. The Clearsorber® GO provided the ideal balance of performance and aesthetics, ensuring that the Boca Bay Pass Club’s dining room met the expectations of its discerning clientele. The system’s seamless functionality and understated design allowed the club to reduce sound levels generated during peak occupancy without compromising its visual appeal.

Conclusion:

The Boca Bay Pass Club acoustical optimization project exemplifies RPG’s commitment to delivering custom, innovative solutions tailored to each client’s unique challenges. By blending cutting-edge acoustical technology with thoughtful design and meticulous project management, RPG ensured that the club could provide a more comfortable, enjoyable experience for its members while maintaining its signature elegance.

Client: Louis Armstrong House Museum
Location: Corona, Queens, New York City
Industry: Museums
Architect: Caples Jefferson Architects PC
Acoustical Consultant: Creative Acoustics
Contractor-Purchaser: Nu-Tech Furnishings, Inc.
Products: RPG Perfecto Micro Walls and Ceiling Soffits

Project Overview

The Louis Armstrong House Museum, a historic landmark, preserves the legacy of the world-renowned jazz musician Louis Armstrong. In 2021, the museum undertook a significant renovation of its “Jazz Room,” a space dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience with an intimate and immersive atmosphere reflecting Armstrong’s iconic sound and influence.

To achieve superior acoustics and visual harmony in the Jazz Room, Caples Jefferson Architects PC collaborated with Creative Acoustics to create a space where sound, history, and design meet. RPG was selected to provide acoustic treatment solutions to optimize the auditory environment while maintaining the room’s aesthetic appeal.

Challenges

The Jazz Room required precise acoustic control to authentically reflect the sounds of jazz while preserving the historical integrity of the space. Given the room’s angular design, traditional acoustic solutions would not suffice, necessitating custom-built acoustic treatments that could blend seamlessly into the architecture while ensuring the clarity and richness of the sound.

RPG’s Solution

RPG was tasked with enhancing the room’s acoustics without compromising its design. RPG’s Perfecto Micro walls and ceiling soffits were the perfect solution, custom-engineered and installed on various angles to complement the unique architecture of the Jazz Room.

• Perfecto Micro Walls and Ceiling Soffits: These high-performance acoustic panels provided precise sound absorption while fitting neatly into the room’s angular design. The panels were installed at strategic points to manage reflections and sound diffusion, ensuring that visitors would experience the fullness of jazz as it was intended to be heard—clear, warm, and vibrant.
• Custom Installation: The soffits were placed at angled positions to accommodate the room’s layout, adding both acoustic functionality and a sleek, modern aesthetic to the historic space.

Results

The transformation of the Jazz Room delivered the following benefits:

• Improved Sound Quality: The Perfecto Micro panels significantly reduced sound reverberation, allowing the rich tones of jazz music to be heard clearly without distortion.
• Aesthetic Integration: The custom-angled installation of the panels preserved the room’s historic charm while introducing a subtle modern touch that complemented the museum’s overall design.
• Enhanced Visitor Experience: The acoustic improvements created a more immersive and authentic auditory experience for museum-goers, allowing them to feel more connected to Louis Armstrong’s musical legacy.

The success of this project demonstrated RPG’s ability to deliver customized acoustic solutions that enhance both form and function in high-profile, historically significant spaces.

Conclusion

RPG’s involvement in the Louis Armstrong House Museum’s Jazz Room renovation highlights the company’s expertise in creating acoustically and aesthetically superior environments. Through the integration of Perfecto Micro walls and ceiling soffits, RPG was able to elevate the auditory experience of this iconic space, ensuring that Armstrong’s legacy continues to resonate with visitors for years to come.

At RPG, we are thrilled to introduce our latest innovation in acoustical solutions: the Omniffusor® U Family. Designed for utility-grade applications without compromising on performance or budget, these polymer diffusers represent a new standard in affordability and versatility.

 

Understanding the Omniffusor® U Family

The Omniffusor® U Family consists of lightweight, durable panels available in white or black finishes. The white panels are ideal for environments like band rooms and choral spaces where high ceilings benefit from discreet diffusion. Meanwhile, the black panels are perfect for areas where acoustic performance takes precedence over visibility, such as black box theaters and spaces behind stretch fabric installations.

 

Key Features and Benefits

• Broadband Diffusion: Designed to scatter sound uniformly across all angles of incidence, ensuring optimal acoustic performance.
• Fire-Rated: Class I or A rating, ensuring safety and durability.
• Easy Installation: Panels can be surface or flush-mounted or dropped into a standard 15/16″ HD T-grid system, making them adaptable to various architectural designs and acoustic needs.
• Range of Models: The Omniffusor® U Family includes:
  • Omniffusor® U58
  • Omniffusor® U76
  • Omniffusor® U84
  • Omniffusor® U113

 

Applications

These panels are designed for spaces where performance is critical, but the finish or color is less so. They offer a cost-effective solution that bridges the gap between basic molded diffusers and higher-end wood options, providing superior diffusion and less absorption at a more accessible price point.

 

Discover More

Experience the versatility and functionality of RPG’s Omniffusor® U Family today. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or acoustic consultant, these panels offer unmatched performance and design flexibility.

Visit our website to learn more about how the Omniffusor® U Family can enhance your next project.

We are thrilled to share the news that our very own Dr. Peter D’Antonio has been awarded the Wallace Clement Sabine Medal by the Acoustical Society of America. This honor is in recognition of his significant contributions to the theory, design, and application of acoustic diffusers.

Dr. D’Antonio’s journey in acoustics is as rich and diverse as the soundscapes he has enhanced throughout his career. From his early days inspired by the music of big bands to his innovative contributions to architectural acoustics, his work has been a blend of art and science.

His innovations have transformed many spaces, making them better sounding and more functional. The designs he pioneered are not only used in studios and performance venues but have also set standards that are followed worldwide in the field of sound diffusion.

The presentation of the Wallace Clement Sabine Medal at this year’s ASA Conference in Ottawa is a testament to his pioneering work and enduring impact on the field of architectural acoustics.

We invite you to learn more about Dr. D’Antonio’s work and join us in celebrating his remarkable achievements.

For more on Dr. D’Antonio’s contributions to acoustics you can check out the related press release.

RPG is proud to announce the launch of VIPR, an engaging online tool designed to revolutionize the way architects, designers, and clients envision and select the perfect acoustic solutions for their spaces.

VIPR allows users to interactively explore a vast range of perforated patterns projected on a wide selection of wood species and paint colors. VIPR is tailored to enhance decision-making processes, streamline project development, and provide a dynamic and immersive experience in acoustic design.

“We understand that seeing is believing, especially when it comes to design,” said an RPG spokesperson. “That’s why we’ve created VIPR—to give our partners and clients the power to instantly view and compare different perforated finishes, helping them make the most informed and creative choices for their projects.”

In addition to the visual advantage the tool provides, the filter options allow the user to search by open area percentage (products range from less than 5% to greater than 30%) as well as by an NRC value.

VIPR is accessible through the RPG Acoustical Systems website and is available for use now at RPG Acoustic’s Create Page. Experience the future of acoustic design visualization and let RPG help bring your vision to life.

Project Spotlight: LaGuardia Central Hall

 

Acoustical Precision Meets Design Excellence

 

Client: Elli NY Design Corporation – Tomasz Bartosiak

 

Project Industry Type: Transportation Facilities-Airports

 

Products Provided:

• 10,000 SF of Perfecto Micro Perforated Panels
• Danzer Vinterio Walnut Engineered Veneer with custom trim moldings

 

Architectural and Acoustical Visionaries:

• HOK NY – Design Architect
• Lubrano Ciavarra Architects – Design Architect
• SH Acoustics – Acoustical Consultant

 

The Challenge:

Faced with an aggressive schedule and the immense pressure of an approaching final dedication date, Elli NY Design Corporation needed to advance rapidly through the construction phases of LaGuardia’s Central Hall. With the project’s walls and areas not yet prepared for formal field dimensioning, RPG stepped in to provide the essential local support and on-site supervision, ensuring that the progress remained steadfast.

 

Our Strategy:

• A dedicated Project Manager was assigned to bridge the coordination between RPG’s operations and production teams, releasing materials on an ongoing, as-ready basis.
• Periodic site visits were conducted to preemptively assess job status and align with the evolving product installation sequences.

 

Project Deliverables:

• Adherence to a critical final dedication date set early in the project timeline.
• Maintenance of pace with the construction schedule, adapting to its dynamic nature.
• Supply of a premium micro-perforated acoustical wall panel system as specified by the architectural and acoustical consultants.

 

Key Successes:

• Custom-engineered Danzer Vinterio Walnut veneer with complementary matching wood trim reveals, seamlessly integrated into the Central Hall, Conference Rooms, and Circulation & Events Center, was provided on schedule.
• RPG’s agility and adaptability were pivotal in keeping up with production demands, ultimately contributing to the project’s on-time completion.

 

Installation Scope:

• Central Hall
• Conference Rooms
• Circulation & Events Center

RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC is thrilled to unveil the latest innovation in our lineup of absorptive acoustic solutions: the Perfecto® Micro MOTIF. This creative product combines superior acoustic performance with unparalleled design flexibility, allowing architects, and designers to unleash their creativity without compromise.

 

With Perfecto® Micro MOTIF, the possibilities are endless. Offering 12 standard design options and an unlimited array of custom patterns provided by the design team—including logos and thematic elements—this product can transform any space into a visually stunning and acoustically optimized environment. Each panel features 0.4mm laser micro-perforations on 2mm staggered centers, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also exceptional sound absorption capabilities, achieving an NRC up to 0.85.

 

Crafted from high recycled content, ULEF, Class A fire-rated, and FSC®-certified MDF core, Perfecto® Micro MOTIF panels have a Health Product Declaration (HPD) and a California Department of Public Health certification (CDPH) – they are as responsible as they are beautiful. With a limitless range of pattern possibilities and factory color matching to a wide range of light and dark color themes, Perfecto® Micro MOTIF provides the ultimate in design flexibility.

 

Discover the Perfecto® Micro MOTIF and let your spaces tell their stories. Visit our product page for more information.