Goodwood Art Foundation Café

Project: Goodwood Art Foundation Café and Staff areas

Segment: Leisure

Country/city: United Kingdom, Chichester

Architect: Studio Downie Architects

Installer: Vertex Acoustics Ltd (Fade) / Spraywall Interiors Ltd (Hygiene Performance Ds)

Photographer: Fred Howarth

Project size: 144 m²

Production year: 2025

Café 24 – Where architecture, nature, and acoustic comfort meet

Nestled among the trees with sweeping views toward the Sussex coastline, Café 24 at the Goodwood Arts Foundation in Chichester offers a truly immersive experience for visitors and staff alike. Designed by the acclaimed Studio Downie Architects, this innovative leisure space is more than just a café – it is a testament to thoughtful design, community, and the seamless integration of art and environment.

The elegant openness of Café 24’s interiors – characterised by expansive glass panels, high ceilings, and sophisticated minimalism – creates a vibrant, airy atmosphere that enhances the overall aesthetic. Yet with these hard surfaces and open spaces comes the challenge of managing acoustics to ensure a comfortable environment for conversation, relaxation, and creativity.

Recognising this need, the project team selected Ecophon Fade™ ONE Smooth, a high-performance acoustic plaster solution installed by Vertex. This product was chosen not only for its effectiveness in sound absorption but also for its ability to blend seamlessly with the café’s contemporary design. The result is a space that offers both visual and acoustic harmony, where guests can gather, collaborate, and unwind without distraction.

Behind the scenes, the café’s kitchen is equipped with the Ecophon Hygiene Performance™ Ds acoustic ceiling system – a solution tailored for humid environments where hygiene and durability are essential. Its smooth, hard-wearing surface is easy to clean and withstands frequent washing, meeting the strict standards of a professional kitchen. By controlling noise levels, it creates a safer, more comfortable workspace for staff, complementing the café’s commitment to both design and functionality.