How Blacknest Country Club Eliminated Noise Complaints with Directional Speaker Technology​

Overview and Challenges

Blacknest Country Club, situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park, is a long-established golf course and activity club that has diversified into weddings and events in recent years. As part of its expansion, the venue introduced a Big Hat Nordic tipi from The Tipi Company for outdoor events and celebrations, complemented by on-site accommodation cabins and the club’s existing hospitality infrastructure.

The transition into hosting events began in earnest in 2018, when Blacknest sought seasonal planning permission to keep the tipis up over the summer period. However with the location surrounded by farmland, residential properties, and open green space, it posed a significant acoustic challenge. The topography of the land caused sound to travel particularly far across the golf course and into neighbouring areas, resulting in environmental health concerns and strong scrutiny and complaints from the local authority and neighbours.

Despite initial setbacks, including a refusal of planning permission that later went to appeal, Blacknest worked collaboratively with Direct Acoustics and Sustainable Acoustics to present a controlled sound strategy. Through multiple rounds of on-site demonstrations, our team were able to demonstrate that directional speaker technology could effectively contain sound within the event space and satisfy environmental health requirements.

One of the first things guests comment on is how they can have a proper conversation in one part of the tipi while the dance floor is still going strong just metres away. The drop-off in volume is so sharp it always surprises people. During show rounds, we just plug in a phone and do a quick demo. It’s become one of our biggest selling points because people can hear the difference instantly.
Vicky Luff
Head of Hospitality

The Impact of Direct Acoustics’ Solution

Following planning approval, Blacknest installed the Zone Array– our highly directional speaker system designed to minimise sound spill while maintaining excellent sound quality and level on the dance floor. This decision proved critical to the venue’s success in launching and sustaining its events business.

Since the installation, noise complaints have been completely eliminated. The system allows event audio to be focused where it’s needed; on the dance floor, while maintaining quiet zones within the tipi and protecting the tranquillity of surrounding areas, including the venue’s own accommodation cabins a mere 40 metres from the Tipi, with plans to increase this offering.

The Zone Array system has also allowed Blacknest to confidently implement and enforce a structured sound policy, backed by the volume and frequency controlling technology that now form part of the venue’s non-negotiable client terms including:

  • 8:30pm curfew for outdoor music
  • 10:30pm cut-off for live bands inside
  • Midnight curfew for DJs
  • Strict use of electric drum kits only

Installation and Implementation

The plug-and-play design of the Zone Array means the system requires little support from the venue during events. DJs and bands easily connect their equipment, simply plugging in their mixer and they’re ready to play music.

For the venue managers they have peace of mind music will never exceed their set limit and complete control through the Arc remote unit. They can easily change the volume level, music source and wireless microphone settings. Crucially they’re able to reduce the volume of the background speakers independently to the Zone Array to suit the atmosphere of the surrounding tables and relaxing areas. 

The whole installation process was really smooth and straightforward; the team at Direct Acoustics were professional, helpful, and easy to work with from start to finish. The system itself blends in perfectly with the tipi; they even colour-matched it to the canvas, so it doesn’t distract from the look of the space. It’s subtle, but the sound quality is spot on.
Vicky Luff
Head of Hospitality

Measurable Outcomes

 

  • 100% reduction in noise complaints

  • Successful planning appeal supported by acoustic demonstrations

  • Improved relationships with local residents and environmental health

  • Enhanced guest experience with zoned sound inside the tipi

  • Preserved tranquillity for guests staying in nearby accommodation cabins

  • Clear, enforceable licensing compliance and operating confidence

  • Increased conversion during client show rounds

Reflections and Recommendations

The investment in directional sound technology has empowered Blacknest Country Club to grow its events business with confidence, while upholding the peace and character of the surrounding area.

The system has provided the venue with a powerful sales tool. During show rounds, clients are often amazed by the live demonstration and appreciate the thoughtful noise control measures. This experience regularly helps close bookings.

Blacknest Country Club strongly recommends the Zone Array from Direct Acoustics to any venue facing sound sensitivity issues, particularly those in planning-restricted or residential-adjacent locations.

It’s absolutely brilliant and fits our tipi and our business model perfectly. When we demo it, guests are blown away. It’s powerful, discreet, and totally effective. We wouldn’t be trading successfully without it.
Vicky Luff
Head of Hospitality

A closer look at Zone Array- our highly directional speaker system

 

Take a look at our detailed demonstration and walk through of the Zone Array in action at Blacknest Golf and Country Club

How to upgrade your events venue

 

Zone Array focuses sound directly onto the dance floor while dramatically reducing spill into surrounding areas. It’s already installed in 300+ venues across the UK and Europe, helping spaces in noise-sensitive environments play club-level music without disturbing neighbours.

 

If you’re working in events, hospitality, or venue management, get in touch

Get in touch