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Enhancing Acoustic Design at BEAM – Hertford Theatre

The Project

BEAM is poised to become a vibrant cultural hub for East Hertfordshire, integrating seamlessly into the town’s historical and natural landscape. The development centres around five distinct blocks, which are carefully arranged around the existing ‘malthouse’ fly tower that houses the main theatre space.

Project Team

Architect

Bennetts Associates

Installer

Resonics

Project Details

Location

East Hertfordshire

Industry

Hospitality

Blending Acoustic Innovation with Cultural Regeneration

Nestled in the heart of Hertford, the building’s design visually connects with the River Lea and a nearby medieval castle, while also playing a pivotal role in revitalising the riverside and making it accessible to the public. This project represents a significant investment in the town centre, marrying cultural enrichment with urban regeneration.

Objective

The primary goal of the project was to enhance both the acoustics and visual appeal of key areas within BEAM, with a particular focus on the theatre and the bar/café space. To achieve this, Autex Acoustics® products were selected for their versatility in both function and design.

Cube™ Panels were applied to the soffit, helping to manage sound while contributing to a clean, modern finish. Meanwhile, Lanes™ were installed on the theatre walls and across the ceiling in the bar/café area, offering effective acoustic control along with a distinctive architectural touch. Together, these solutions helped create a welcoming, acoustically optimised environment that supports the theatre’s cultural mission and elevates the overall visitor experience.

Product Zoom

Custom Lanes™ Peak in Beehive

Product Zoom

Lanes™ Peak in Sargazo

Key Challenges

One of the significant challenges of the project was incorporating functional elements such as services and power switches into the Lanes product. This required precise planning and coordination to ensure that the aesthetic integrity of the design was not compromised. Additionally, the variety of spaces within the building demanded tailored acoustic solutions that addressed the unique needs of each area, while maintaining a cohesive design language.

The Solution

Autex Acoustics delivered customised solutions to meet both the acoustic and aesthetic needs of the project. In the bar/café area, Lanes were installed in the ceiling to help manage sound in what is often a lively, high-traffic space, while their sleek, linear design added refined architectural appeal. In the main theatre, Lanes were also applied to the walls to enhance sound clarity and reduce reverberation, creating a more immersive experience for the audience.

Cube Panels were used on the soffit to control sound reflection and introduce a polished, contemporary finish. By combining acoustic performance with thoughtful design, these acoustic solutions not only addressed functional challenges but also contributed to the building’s striking interior.

Value Provided

Bringing the design vision for BEAM to life involved close collaboration and support throughout the project’s lifecycle. A comprehensive design proposal was developed in partnership with architects and designers, ensuring that each solution was tailored to the unique needs of the space. Regular site visits, carried out via Resonics, helped maintain high standards of quality and design during installation. Monthly project meetings kept all stakeholders aligned, allowing for ongoing refinements and adjustments as the project progressed.

These efforts resulted in solutions that not only met the functional goals but also elevated the visual and cultural impact of the space, helping to establish BEAM as a standout cultural destination in East Hertfordshire.