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Project Details

Fabric 1

Serge Ferrari Alphalia Silent AW Acoustic Mesh
Producer/Manufacturer: QCD Ltd.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Please describe the project specifications

Our clients run a busy waterfront restaurant. Following numerous customer complaints, they were looking to reduce noise levels whilst maintaining the overall aesthetics of the restaurant. They wanted the best coverage of the restaurant seating area and entrance without any obstruction. We initially designed nine panels made from Serge Ferrari Alphalia Acoustic mesh that had 25mm x 25mm tube inserted the end pockets with eye strap saddles attached through cut outs in the mesh. Turnbuckles attached to eye pad fittings were used to tension the panels.

The mesh was chosen for it's performance in acoustic and flammability tests, anti-microbial properties and ease of cleaning. Ability to manipulate the fabric to make it billow to mimic the sails on yachts in the adjacent harbour was also a factor in the choice of fabric.

Initially the panels were installed in December 2023 however to accommodate a refurbishment of the restaurant the panels were removed in August 2024.

In October 2024, following substantial refurbishment of the restaurant, we had to completely re-size the panels, re-design some of them and make new ones to accommodate the changes in the restaurant design. While it was important to re-use as much of the fabric from the original job as possible, we also had the challenge of a very tight timeframe and limited additional available stock. We had to work with a completely different entryway design and bar area, new light fittings, sound system speakers, and fire systems.

The timeframe for re-installation was extremely tight and involved working at height, working around multiple other trades including painters and the issue of wet paint, and a restaurant that had not been cleared of tables and chairs which were stacked high impeding access.

The panels needed to be wrapped and only unrolled for install, holding them aloft to prevent them becoming dirty. Each panel required four glove wearing staff persons to assist with the install. Each panel had to be individually tensioned to obtain a uniform billow look.

Final installation was complete in November 2024 once the last of the structural changes to the restaurant were finished enabling us to modify and install the last panel.

The client was delighted with the end result and the feedback from his customers about the change in acoustics has been extremely positive.

What is unique or complex about the project?

Usually we design and fabricate most projects from scratch. The project was unique in that we used a previously designed and installed product, re-designing it and reusing the materials. Most hardware and fabric was upcycled from the old job and wastage was minimal. No additional fabric was ordered in.
In today's world where sustainability is an increasingly important factor this was something that really set this project apart.

The opportunity to enhance peoples experience through modifying the acoustic environment, is not an opportunity we get very often either.

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