acoustic sprays for exposed soffits: seamless sound control without hiding the structure
Exposed soffits have become a defining feature of contemporary interiors. From workplaces and hotels to restaurants, galleries, universities and leisure spaces, designers are increasingly choosing to reveal the building’s structure rather than conceal it behind suspended ceilings.
It’s easy to see why: exposed concrete, high ceilings and open-plan layouts can give a space more character. However, they also create challenges when it comes to acoustics.
Hard, uninterrupted surfaces reflect sound. In busy commercial environments, that can quickly lead to excessive reverberations, difficulties hearing people speak clearly and an uncomfortable level of background noise. The result is a space that looks impressive but feels difficult to use.
At Oscar Acoustics, we help architects, designers and contractors solve that problem with our SonaSpray acoustic sprays. They provide seamless sound absorption directly to exposed soffits, ceilings and other suitable substrates, helping to control reverberations without compromising the original design.
why exposed soffits need acoustic treatments
An exposed soffit can be visually striking, but concrete, plasterboard, steel and other hard surfaces are naturally reflective. When sound hits these materials, much of it bounces back into the room. In spaces with high ceilings, open layouts and minimal soft furnishings, such reflected sound can build up.
That is when people start to notice problems. Conversations become harder to follow. Restaurants feel louder than they should. Meeting areas become impractical. Receptions become tiring spaces to be in. In education, hospitality and workplace settings, poor acoustics can affect everyone’s comfort, concentration and the overall experience.
The challenge is that many traditional acoustic treatments change the look of the ceiling. Suspended ceiling grids, rafts, baffles and panels can be useful, but they are not always right for exposed soffit design. They can hide the structure, interrupt sightlines and dilute the architectural detail that the design team worked hard to preserve.
Acoustic sprays offer a different approach.
how acoustic sprays work on exposed soffits
Acoustic sprays are applied directly to the chosen substrate to create a continuous sound-absorbing finish. Instead of reflecting sound energy back into the room, the spray absorbs it, helping to reduce reverberation times and overall levels of noise.
Our SonaSpray range is designed for exactly this type of challenge. It follows the lines of the surface beneath, which makes it particularly valuable for exposed soffits where the structure, shape or ceiling geometry is part of the design. The result is a seamless acoustic finish that supports the space visually and acoustically.
For architects and designers, this means sound control does not have to feel like an afterthought. It can become part of the interior.
preserving architectural details
One of the main reasons specifiers choose our SonaSpray acoustic sprays is that they allow acoustic treatment to sit quietly within the design. Rather than adding visual clutter, the finish works with the ceiling plane.
This is especially important in interiors where exposed soffits are used to create height, a sense of openness and texture. A spray-applied acoustic finish can retain the simplicity of the ceiling while improving the way the space sounds. It can also suit areas where standard panels would look too heavy, too modular or too visually disruptive.
acoustic sprays for new builds and retrofits
Exposed soffits appear in both new-build and refurbishment projects. In new builds, acoustic sprays can be considered early as part of the overall ceiling and acoustic strategy. This helps align the finish, performance, substrate and detailing from the start.
In retrofit projects, acoustic sprays can be especially useful because they allow existing spaces to be upgraded without introducing a conventional suspended ceiling. This can be valuable in restaurants, offices, hotels, studios, cultural spaces and public buildings where the interior already has a clear identity.
At Oscar Acoustics, our in-house specialist teams install SonaSpray across Great Britain. We work across all sectors and support projects where acoustic comfort, design quality and practical installation all need to come together.
sustainable sound absorption for exposed interiors
Modern specification is not only about performance and appearance. It is also about sustainability, indoor air quality and long-term responsibility.
The SonaSpray range contribute to sustainable building certifications including BREEAM, WELL, SKA, the Living Building Challenge and LEED. It also supports low VOC goals, with credentials including GREENGUARD Gold Certification, CDPH/CA Section 01350 compliance, M1 Low Emitting Materials rating and Cradle to Cradle Certification.
For designers creating healthier and more responsible interiors, acoustic sprays can play an important role.
fire-rated acoustic sprays
Fire performance is a key part of any acoustic specification. Our SonaSpray range exceeds the latest fire requirements set under the updated Fire Safety: Approved Document B.
SonaSpray has Class 0 to BS476 and B-s1,d0 fire ratings, providing little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets. This can assist in the safe escape of occupants and gives specifiers added confidence when selecting an acoustic spray for commercial interiors.
We always recommend obtaining a copy of the fire test report before using any product. It is an important step in responsible specification and should never be overlooked.
where acoustic sprays work best
SonaSpray acoustic sprays are suitable for a wide range of interior environments, particularly where hard finishes and open volumes create acoustic challenges.
They are often specified for offices, meeting rooms, receptions, restaurants, bars, hotels, music venues, classrooms, lecture theatres, libraries, museums, galleries, theatres and public spaces.
In these environments, exposed soffits can look impressive, but they must also support the people using the building. Acoustic comfort makes a real difference. It helps people focus, relax, talk, listen and enjoy the space.
Sownd Certification for audio inclusive spaces
Around 60% of the UK population are noise-sensitive, including people with hearing or visual challenges and neurodivergent individuals.
Projects that specify Oscar Acoustics acoustic sprays automatically qualify for Bronze level Sownd Certification, the world’s first independent standard for audio-inclusive spaces, developed by Sownd Affects.
The framework gives architects and designers an evidence-based way to specify, verify and communicate acoustic performance. Sownd Certification is a credential that clients are beginning to ask for, and one that reflects genuine commitment to the people who use a building every day.
All testing is carried out by the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton.
choosing the right SonaSpray finish
Every project is different. Some spaces need a refined, smooth appearance. Others benefit from a more natural character. Some require a particular colour or texture. Others are driven by environmental targets, fire performance or acoustic values.
Our acoustic experts can help you decide which product best suits your project, performance requirements and design vision.
seamless sound control from Oscar Acoustics
Exposed soffits do not have to mean poor acoustics. With the right acoustic spray, it is possible to keep the structure visible, preserve the architectural detail and create a calmer, more comfortable interior.
At Oscar Acoustics, we supply and install SonaSpray acoustic sprays through our in-house specialist teams across Great Britain. We support architects, designers, contractors and clients across every sector, from early specification advice through to installation.
Whether you are working on a new build, a retrofit or a complex exposed soffit design, we can help you achieve seamless sound control without visual compromise.
Get in touch with our acoustic experts today to discuss your project and request a quotation.