Auditorium Renovation at Waverly High School

As part of a $125 million bond proposal passed in 2021, Waverly High School renovated its auditorium.

The upgrades included plaster asbestos remediation, new finishes, acoustic reflectors and diffusers, an updated sound system, new seating, a modern mechanical system, and full stage rigging, among other enhancements.

Before demolition and construction began, Soundscape Engineering conducted measurements of the existing acoustic conditions and consulted with staff about their goals for the future sound environment. Soundscape found that the existing auditorium was acoustically dead with a loud HVAC system. With the administration aiming for a versatile auditorium capable of accommodating both band performances and dramatic theater, it was determined that a more reverberant acoustic environment was needed. The renovation also provided an opportunity to improve wall and ceiling geometry to enhance early sound reflections.

Soundscape was brought onto the project to provide holistic acoustic design support. Soundscape used computer modelling to predict the acoustic impact of removing the existing ceiling, reducing the balcony depth, altering the sidewall geometry, introducing sound reflective ceiling clouds, and applying new sound absorptive room finishes.

In addition to improving the rooms acoustics, Soundscape collaborated with the project architect and engineers to design a quieter HVAC system and isolate the auditorium from noise produced in adjacent spaces.