Through our long-standing relationship with main contractor G F Holding, we were appointed to deliver the specialist acoustics package for the refurbishment of the stage end of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra auditorium, a highly prestigious and technically demanding project.

Given the profile of the venue and its world-class performers, the acoustic requirements were exacting. This necessitated close collaboration throughout the design and delivery phases with Nicholas Hare Architects and Imagine Sound, whose detailed acoustic strategy drove both the form and performance of the finished installation.

Our scope of works encompassed the entire orchestra end wall, the visual and acoustic centrepiece of the auditorium. This included:

• Bespoke solid oak, shaped and steam-bent acoustic diffusing wave panels

• Solid oak wall panelling with integrated oak dado and recesses for LED lighting

• High-level stretched fabric acoustic absorption panels

• Slatted maple and stretched fabric acoustic absorption panels to the new retractable stage risers

• Acoustic wall panels flanking the stage entrances

• Removable acoustic dress curtains to retractable stage sections and moveable timpani platforms

A key feature of the project was the manufacture and installation of our bespoke SoundDiffuse solid oak wave panels. Almost one cubic metre of 30mm prime grade A solid oak was used to create these elements. The architect and acoustic consultants required the waves to vary horizontally in width and to curve away from and return to the rear wall in precisely defined wavelengths.

To achieve this, each panel was first carefully shaped in flat form before undergoing a controlled steam-bending process. All work was carried out in-house, with bespoke steam boxes and custom-made curved templates designed and manufactured specifically for this project. The process involved an intense period of testing and refinement, with the final installation standing as a testament to the skill, experience, and craftsmanship of our joinery team.

In parallel, we designed and manufactured bespoke adjustable, acoustically isolated mounting brackets to support the solid oak wave panels. These were developed in collaboration with our trusted partners Powell Cinema Engineers, ensuring precise alignment while maintaining acoustic isolation from the rear wall structure.

All timber elements, including oak wave panels, oak wall panelling, and maple slatted components were treated with a clear-coat fire retardant finish to achieve Euroclass B-s1,d0 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2018, while maintaining a refined 10% sheen appropriate for the auditorium setting.

We would like to thank G F Holding for the opportunity to collaborate on this exceptional project and to be part of the wider team that delivered such a significant enhancement to one of the UK’s most respected performance venues.

“G F Holding have worked with Sound Solutions for over 20 years, and we have consistently been impressed with their work ethic, both on and off site.

When this prestigious, fast-track project arose, it was clear that it would require bespoke acoustic treatments delivered with exceptional attention to detail — and Sound Solutions were the natural choice.

The finished project speaks for itself, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Sound Solutions in the future.”

Lee Chadwick
Associate Director
G F Holding (Contractors) Ltd