Acoustic Solutions for Schools in Qatar

Karmah Trading & Services (KTS), established in 2004 in Doha, provides comprehensive acoustic solutions for schools, universities, nurseries, and training centres across Qatar. As the only manufacturer of acoustic panels in Qatar, KTS Acoustic Studio understands the critical role that classroom acoustics play in student learning outcomes and teacher well-being.

Research published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America demonstrates that poor classroom acoustics can cause students to miss up to 33% of spoken words, with the impact being even more severe for younger students, non-native English speakers, and students with hearing impairments. In Qatar's multilingual educational environment — where instruction occurs in English, Arabic, and French across international and national curricula — speech intelligibility is paramount.

The acoustic standard for classrooms, ANSI S12.60, recommends a maximum reverberation time (RT60) of 0.6 seconds and a maximum background noise level of 35 dB(A). In Qatar's typical concrete-and-tile school buildings, untreated classrooms often measure RT60 values of 1.5 to 2.0 seconds — three times the recommended maximum. KTS addresses this with ceiling-mounted acoustic panels and wall panels that bring classrooms within standard in a cost-effective, single-day installation.

For classrooms, KTS supplies fabric-wrapped ceiling panels (NRC up to 1.05) that mount to existing ceiling grids or suspend from the structural slab. Wall panels in durable, stain-resistant fabrics are installed at heights that absorb speech-frequency reflections while remaining above the reach of younger students. Custom printed panels featuring educational graphics, school logos, and motivational quotes add visual engagement while serving as acoustic treatment.

School assembly halls and multipurpose rooms present additional challenges. These large-volume spaces host everything from morning assemblies to drama performances to examinations, each requiring different acoustic conditions. KTS foldable acoustic partitions (STC up to 56 dB) allow these spaces to be divided into acoustically isolated zones, and portable acoustic screens provide flexible treatment that can be repositioned as needed.

KTS also supplies gym flooring (rubber and PVC sports surfaces), playground equipment (EN 1176 certified), and EPDM safety surfacing for outdoor play areas — making us a single-source supplier for schools' acoustic, flooring, and play equipment needs across Qatar.

We have completed acoustic and flooring projects in international schools, Qatar Foundation schools, Ministry of Education schools, and private nurseries throughout Doha. Contact +974 44505001 or karmah@kts-qatar.com for a school acoustic assessment.