Two important factors set the Françoys-Bernier concert hall apart: the absence of noise silence and its natural acoustics as well as their flexibility made possible by the curtains that surround the hall and the travelling panels at the rear of the stage. Depending on the musician or the ensemble that is performing, the hall can be tuned, it can sound more “dry” or less “live” depending on the technical demands of the performance. Reverberance can me minimized or maximized.

The acoustic finishes

Main floor, the walls are lined with fireproofed 100% felt glued to a 19mm fireproof particle board installed 40mm from the concrete walls.

Balcony level, the walls are lined with 3mm fireproofed felt glued directly onto the concrete.

Technical ledge, the walls are lined with 13mm veneer panels installed 50mm from the concrete walls. 50% of this space is filled with insulation.

Heavy curtains can be extended or retracted along the entire surface of the walls, at all three levels. The curtains nestle in curtain pockets when completely retracted. The curtains are 100% velour cotton, 25 once gauge and are completely lined.

The underside of the balcony and technical ledge is lined 15mm wood panels. The ceiling of the hall is 25mm pyroc.

Platform area, the rear of the platform is lined with pivoting panels, one side is lined with dense insulated panels covered with felt while the other side is finished with maple panels. The shell around the platform and on either side of the balcony level above the platform is lined with 19mm hardwood panels covered by quartered maple panels.

The lighting and acoustic canopy above the platform is tilted at an 2.5° angle.

The concrete floor has an glazed epoxy finish.

By extending or retracting the curtains the reverberation time can go from 1.4 to 2.5 seconds

Finally, the pivoting panels complete the adjustments for the acoustics.