The problem
Nature reserve “Gerhagen” in Tessenderlo was the first area in Flanders to be promoted with the Flemish quality label “Stiltegebied (EN: Silent area)”. Such an area should be protected, because of the silence and quiet that prevail there. ‘Silent’ doesn’t have the regular connotation here of the absence of sound, but instead the present sounds create a harmonious balance. In other words, an area with good acoustics.
In this peaceful environment, Petra Volders runs the “Brasserie – Hotel Eikelhof (EN: Restaurant - Acorn Yard”). Lots of nature enthusiasts can enjoy a nice meal or have a relaxing visit to the hotel or wellness. When the proprietor Petra decided to brighten up her establishment last year, she made the smart choice to address the acoustics in her dining room. The establishment had been very busy throughout the entire year. But both the employees as well as the guests were getting tired of the persistent noise. In the context of a “Stiltegebied”, the persistent noise had to be ‘silenced’ in order for the restaurant to become a place of peace and quiet.
