Highpoint Gallery owners David Morrison and Claire Accardo envisioned a space where the gallery's architectural elements could naturally shape its sonic environment. Rather than default to the application of traditional acoustic panels, they were open to exploring how their desired design of the room could also achieve their desired acoustic profile. 

Our minimalist acoustic design centered on two architectural interventions.

Angular Wall Design 
The shoebox shape of the room, which would otherwise create problematic reflections across the width of the space, was modified with a shingle-like pattern to better diffuse sound.

In addition to providing sectioned viewing surfaces for hung art, the shingles operate as an acoustic system, consisting of four interacting components providing a blend of absorption and diffusion.  

• The long end of the shingle is a hard reflective surface that diffuses sound on an angle throughout the room. 

• The corners of the shingles are rounded, to diffuse sound on a radius.

• The short end of the shingle is “acoustically transparent” allowing sound to pass through it. 

• Behind each shingle is an absorptive insulation.

Exposed Wood Ceiling
The roof structure was deliberately left exposed. The wooden beams were sandblasted to enhance their natural porosity. By leaving the wood unsealed, we maximized its acoustic absorption properties.

The ceiling works in concert with the glossy floor, which is untreated and highly reflective. 

Because sound waves are large, there is a limit to how absorptive the porosity of sand-blasted wood can be. This intervention alone would not have been enough to bring about the desired result. The gallery retains more reverberation than typical standards might suggest, but this aligned with Morrison’s and Accardo’s vision for creating an immersive acoustic feel. Understood as one element within a system of acoustic interventions, it proves effective. 

The result is successful. The space achieved its acoustic goals without requiring additional acoustic treatment and the room preserves its look as a repurposed space in Richmond’s historic district. It offers a flexible environment suitable for presenting a variety of art installs, and also provides a unique and immersive acoustic experience conducive to openings, gatherings, or quiet viewing.