Industry: Wellness and Event Venues
Background:
Nestled in the serene mountains of Los Angeles, the Luna Dome is a stunning 40-foot transparent pavilion designed to foster wellness, creativity, and connection. With its frameless design, the geodesic dome offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and mountains, providing an idyllic setting for sound baths, acoustic concerts, and restorative retreats.
However, while the Luna Dome’s design celebrated natural light and seamless integration with nature, the sound reflective nature of its walls interfered with the sound-sensitive events held within.
Challenge:
The Luna Dome faced significant acoustical challenges:
- Reflection Issues: Domes, especially when 100% reflective, will cause sound to behave erratically – reverberation, focusing effects and creep can make it difficult to achieve the peaceful ambiance required for events.
- Preserving Natural Light: Any solution needed to maintain the dome’s 360-degree panoramic views and abundant natural light.
- Invisible Integration: The acoustical treatment had to blend seamlessly with the minimalist, transparent architecture of the dome.
Solution:
To address these challenges, Kevin Sanford of Solotech Inc. partnered with the Luna Dome team to integrate RPG Acoustical Systems’ Clearsorber® Foil into the pavilion’s design. This innovative solution offered a perfect balance of acoustical performance and architectural preservation.
Key features of RPG’s Clearsorber® Foil included:
- Acoustical Performance: Achieved NRC ratings up to 0.55 (double layer) to eliminate echoes and reverberations.
- Unobstructed Views: 92% light transmission ensured the dome retained its natural light and panoramic scenery.
- Durability and Safety: Clearsorber® Foil’s Class A fire rating, UV stability, and chemical resistance make It a long-lasting, safe choice for the space.
The Clearsorber® Foil was mounted using the dome’s existing structural hardware, ensuring a seamless, unobtrusive installation.
Key Successes
- Transformative Acoustics: The Luna Dome now delivers pristine sound quality, perfect for its events and retreats.
- Preservation of Aesthetics: The invisible integration of Clearsorber® Foil maintained the space’s minimalist design and connection to nature.
- Enhanced Functionality: The dome is now optimized for sound-sensitive events, becoming a sanctuary of harmony for all who visit.
Conclusion
The Luna Dome at Butterfly Mountain is a “clear” example of how thoughtful design and innovative acoustical solutions can work together to create a truly transformative space. With Clearsorber® Foil, the venue now offers an unparalleled experience where sound and nature exist in perfect harmony.
For more information about Clearsorber® solutions, contact us today!
