As schools move toward more flexible, collaborative and student-centred environments, acoustic performance is becoming a critical design consideration rather than a compliance exercise.

Architects are increasingly tasked with creating spaces that can support a wide range of learning modes, from quiet, focused instruction to active group collaboration, often within the same footprint. In this context, acoustics play a central role in shaping how spaces function and feel.

“Poor acoustics can impact speech clarity, increase fatigue and reduce the overall effectiveness of learning spaces. This is particularly true in primary education, where activity levels tend to be high,” Renee McGinty says.

At Glen Waverley South Primary School, acoustic performance was embedded early in the design process, with Sibling Architecture working alongside the Victorian School Building Authority to deliver a contemporary learning environment.

The campus features a mix of specialist learning areas, administration spaces and flexible learning neighbourhoods, with classrooms arranged around shared zones to support different styles of teaching and interaction.

“These types of environments are often the most acoustically demanding. Breakout spaces, circulation areas and open learning zones encourage movement and interaction, which naturally increases noise levels. By contrast, classrooms require a more controlled acoustic environment,” Renee says.

Strict acoustic requirements set by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) meant each space needed to meet defined standards for reverberation, background noise and sound insulation.

“The VSBA have quite strict acoustic requirements, so each room has to meet a specific rating,” Amelia Borg says.

“Given those requirements, all of the products we chose had to help achieve those ratings.”

In high-activity areas such as breakout and circulation zones, Himmel Troldtekt Ultrafine acoustic panels were specified for their ability to absorb sound and reduce reverberation. Their wood-wool composition also introduces warmth and texture to the space.

“Performance wasn’t the only driver. We really like the natural feeling the fibres give off,” Amelia says.

“The material has that natural finish, which brings warmth and texture into the spaces, rather than just regular white ceilings.”

In classrooms and general learning areas, Gyprock Rigitone perforated ceiling panels were used to create a more controlled acoustic environment, supporting speech clarity while maintaining a clean, seamless architectural finish.

Rather than applying a single solution across the project, the design team adopted a layered acoustic strategy, tailoring materials and systems to the function of each space. High-absorption materials were used in collaborative zones, while more controlled environments were created in classrooms and specialist areas.

Projects like Glen Waverley South Primary School highlight how early integration of acoustic strategy can deliver spaces that are both high-performing and architecturally cohesive.

The result is a learning environment where sound is carefully considered as part of the design language, supporting comfort, clarity and flexibility across the entire campus.