HARO Acoustics turn the RVT employee cafeteria into a feel-good zone

When RVT Process Equipment, a company located in the northern Bavarian town of Marktrodach, moved into its new headquarters in 2021, its more than 80 employees were treated to something more than new offices. They also could not wait to dig into the lunches that would be served by the company cafeteria. RVT, a company that employs 160 people around the world, supplies the refining and chemical industries with complete systems as well as mist eliminators, column internals, mass transfer trays, biological carrier media, structured packings and random packings.
Unfortunately, employees experienced something of a letdown when they initially headed to the new cafeteria: Even though a sound-absorbing floor had been laid, it still produced a hollow tapping sound when people walked on it. The result: Employees soon steered clear of the cafeteria. The problem was caused by two sources: First, the walls of the cafeteria lacked the type of accoutrements that normally absorb sound. Second, the lively conversations that employees have while enjoying lunch produce a constantly high level of sound.

A clear case for HARO Akustik: The HARO elements are capable of absorbing up to 80 percent of a room’s sound and literally swallowing it. The technical effect is far from this product’s only impressive quality. HARO Akustik elements become real eye-catchers in particular if they are only partially installed on walls and ceilings. The homogeneous appearing surfaces are perforated in such a way that the sound waves penetrate the surfaces. They are then soaked up by acoustic absorbers, an open-pored foam, and are no longer reflected back into the room. The result: sound absorption of up to 80 percent.

The wood professionals of the Thalhofer Group based in Niderfüllbach installed an approximately 30-square-metre HARO Akustik element from the Flex Line series on one entire wall in the cafeteria. The elements did much more than improve the optical atmosphere of the cafeteria. The wooden surfaces of the elements also gave the room a more cosy feel. Sound in the room was reduced by a full 80 percent, an improvement that soon led to a full house at lunchtime – and satisfied employees who can now enjoy their midday break to the fullest.