Transforming Church Spaces with Acoustic Treatment: Insights from Jake Gosselin and Adam Beranek

Churches are more than just places of worship; they’re community hubs where conversations, collaboration, and creativity happen. That’s why getting the acoustics right is vital—not just in the sanctuary but across all the spaces where life happens in the church. Recently, we had the opportunity to help Riverstone Church tackle some significant acoustic challenges. In this blog, Adam and I, Jake, are walking you through five ways acoustic treatment can transform your church’s spaces.

1. The Sanctuary: Reducing Reverb Without Killing Energy

Adam: The sanctuary is the heart of the church, and this one presented a unique challenge. It’s a gym—a space notorious for echoes and reflections. Before, it only had a few acoustic panels high on the walls. The flat drywall everywhere else created an overwhelming reverb, making it difficult for people to hear clearly or engage during worship.

We installed Primacoustic Hercules panels—ideal for spaces like this where there’s a risk of impact (think kids tossing balls). We also added cloud panels to the ceiling to address floor-to-ceiling reflections. Now, sound reflections are controlled, and the room feels balanced.

Jake: A completely dead room can feel lifeless, like a recording studio, which isn’t what you want for a worship setting. Before, a hand clap here would echo for four or five seconds. Now, it’s closer to two seconds—just enough to keep some energy in the room without losing clarity. It’s perfect for congregational singing, where people can hear each other and feel connected to the worship experience.

2. The Lobby: Creating Space for Conversations

Adam: People often overlook the lobby, but it’s a critical space. At Riverstone, it’s the first area people walk into and where they gather before and after service. The problem? It was loud. Conversations would quickly build up into a cacophony, and sound would spill into the sanctuary, disrupting the service.

We tackled this by installing Primacoustic Slat Wall panels for diffusion, blending them seamlessly into the existing aesthetic. We also added cloud panels on the ceiling and placed acoustic panels behind the welcome desk and TV. Now, people can chat comfortably without straining their voices or disrupting the sanctuary.

Jake: Funny enough, I didn’t even notice the Primacoustic Ecoscapes in the lobby at first because they blended in so well. That’s the beauty of these panels—they’re highly effective but don’t scream, “Hey, I’m acoustic treatment!”

3. The Café: Reducing Noise for Relaxed Gatherings

Jake: Cafés in churches are great gathering spots, but they can quickly turn into a noisy mess. In this café, we installed Primacoustic Ecoscape panels in two finishes—oak and pine—which not only absorb sound but look stylish. Cloud panels were also added to further manage noise.

We’ve all been in those café spaces where noise levels escalate because everyone’s raising their voice to be heard. With these panels in place, conversations remain clear, and the room feels much more relaxed. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about making the space more enjoyable for people.

4. The Production Room: Precision for Mixing Audio

Adam: The production room is where the magic happens for online services and video production, so it needs to be as acoustically accurate as possible. We treated this room with Broadway Panels in linen fabric, strategically placing them behind the mixing station and on key reflection points around the room.

We also added an unplanned feature—a wall of Primacoustic Slat Wall panels in pine—for both aesthetics and additional acoustic treatment. This room is now dialed in for mixing with clarity and accuracy.

Jake: Online worship experiences start in spaces like this. Having a well-treated room ensures that the mix translates well to the stream, allowing the online congregation to engage without distraction.

5. Meeting Rooms: Encouraging Clear Communication

Jake: Meeting rooms are where collaboration happens. At Riverstone, we treated a meeting space used by young adults for events like Friendsgiving. The room had the usual acoustic culprits—flat walls and a hard ceiling—but we added Broadway wall panels and Nimbus cloud panels to bring it under control.

Adam: One of my favorite features here is the Ecoscape slat wall with a white finish. Not only does it help with sound absorption, but it also doubles as a projection screen. It’s functional, modern, and fits the vibe of a space designed for younger audiences.

Why Acoustic Treatment Matters

Jake: Great acoustics aren’t just about better sound; they’re about better experiences. Whether it’s worship, fellowship, or collaboration, acoustic treatment reduces fatigue—for both speaking and listening—and creates environments where people can fully engage.

Adam: If your church is struggling with noisy spaces or unclear sound, acoustic treatment could be the game-changer you need. We’d love to help you figure out the right solutions for your church, whether that’s a DIY installation or having us come out to assist.

Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Sound Environment

If you’re ready to transform your church spaces, we’re here to help. Whether you need guidance on selecting the right Primacoustic panels or want us to handle the install, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us through the link below, and let’s start making your spaces sound—and feel—amazing.