Our Project of the Year 2025

School recording studio · Gymnázium a Obchodní akademie Mariánské Lázně

Recording studio for music education – a case study

Gymnázium a Obchodní akademie Mariánské Lázně – from an IT classroom to a fully equipped studio

1️⃣ Introduction – the project and what makes it interesting

We were asked to design and build a new music classroom, intended not only for teaching but also as a fully equipped school recording studio. The space was created by converting a former IT classroom.

The project is interesting for several reasons:

• our originally strongly technical proposal was selected by the school as the winning proposal

• we were able to use the potential of our own production of designer acoustic elements

• we achieved an excellent balance of price, performance and design

• the resulting space is technically advanced, attractive and practical for teaching

The project included:

• a complete room acoustics solution including tuned bass resonators

• studio audio equipment – from microphones to studio monitors

• musical instruments for teaching and recording

2️⃣ Initial condition and challenges

The former IT classroom was unsuitable for music in almost every respect.

• particularly long and uneven reverberation time

• poor speech intelligibility

• complications caused by the vaulted ceiling

• an acoustically problematic washbasin area with ceramic tiles

The room was highly reverberant, with poor sound clarity and no suitable environment for music, let alone recording.

3️⃣ The proposed solution

Based on an acoustic study we determined the required types and quantities of acoustic elements, including resonator placement and tuning.
The aim was not to create a “professional commercial studio”, but the best and most balanced acoustic environment possible within the school’s budget.

The key aims were:

• significantly shorten reverberation time

• achieve acoustic balance across frequency bands

• design a solution that is technically effective and visually appealing

4️⃣ Solutions and technologies used

We wanted the acoustics to offer not just good figures, but also a distinctive design identity.

We therefore created a visualisation with our architect, which guided the final solution:

• full wall coverage with PET acoustic panels V-Acouboard

• acoustic wall linings incorporating:

  • four Helmholtz resonators

  • in two sizes with two tunings

• parts of the walls featured AcouDelta 3D modular panels

• the front of the mixing desk features custom 3D floating PET slat panels

• retaining the original vaulted ceiling → reflected in the design

• a custom suspended PET slat baffle system

• two sets of acoustic screens to separate loud instruments

• floor levelling and carpet installation

The resulting space is functional and also feels professional, modern and inspiring.

5️⃣ Installation and project delivery

Installation took place during the summer holidays and lasted approximately 20 days.

The main challenges included:

• levelling significantly uneven walls

• removing the washbasin and neatly covering the tiles

• precise construction of custom acoustic structures

The extra preparation allowed us to explore custom solutions in detail and create a carefully detailed acoustic installation.

6️⃣ Results and benefits

The space was transformed from floor to ceiling and is now a fully equipped classroom / studio that we are proud of.

We also have actual measurement results:

Frequency	RT (s)
125 Hz	0,79 s
250 Hz	0,60 s
500 Hz	0,46 s
1 kHz	0,29 s
2 kHz	0,27 s
4 kHz	0,24 s
8 kHz	0,25 s
10 kHz	0,23 s

The result:

• a very pleasant listening environment

• balanced acoustics

• a well-equipped studio

• suitable for individual and small-group teaching, as well as recording the school band

7️⃣ Photo gallery of the result

8️⃣ Technical details

• the original blackboard was replaced by a large-format display

• HDMI connectivity allows recording sessions and sheet music to be displayed

• the main acoustic wall is backlit with LED strips, which switch on automatically with the display

• the combination of absorption, tuned resonance and a limited budget gives the project technical interest and an “engineering signature”

9️⃣ Summary

The former IT classroom became a modern space that:

• improves teaching quality

• gives students real musical experience

• encourages creativity

• and represents the school through both design and technology

If you are considering improving the acoustics of a classroom, hall, studio or another space, we would be happy to help with design and installation.
👉 Just get in touch.