recurve acoustic shell storage size
recurve acoustic shell storage size

Minimum footprint. Minimum effort. Maximum sound.

Minimum footprint. Minimum effort.

Maximum sound.

Minimum footprint. Minimum effort.
Maximum sound.

Minimum footprint.

Minimum effort.

Maximum sound.

An elegant acoustic shell

An elegant acoustic shell

An elegant acoustic shell

Recurve acoustic shell rolls into position and can be easily unfolded by one person to support the sound of small ensembles and soloists on large stages.

Recurve acoustic shell rolls into position and can be easily unfolded by one person to support the sound of small ensembles and soloists on large stages.

Recurve acoustic shell rolls into position and can be easily unfolded by one person to support the sound of small ensembles and soloists on large stages.

Recurve acoustic shell can be moved into position and unfolded by one person.

Recurve acoustic shell can be moved into position and unfolded by one person.

Minimum footprint

Minimum footprint

Minimum footprint

Recurve acoustic shell uses a scrolling panel design. 

Fully open, Recurve stretches 40 feet across a stage. Coiled for storage, its footprint is only 7 feet x 2 feet, or roughly one-third that of a concert grand piano. 

At 6 feet tall, Recurve easily rolls through a standard doorway, meaning you can use Recurve to transform your largest stage and then quickly tuck it away almost anywhere.

Recurve is ideal for chamber ensembles, soloists, presentations, and guest speakers wishing to bring acoustic intimacy to the seating capacity of larger venues.

Recurve acoustic shell uses a scrolling panel design. 

Fully open, Recurve stretches 40 feet across a stage. Coiled for storage, its footprint is only 7 feet x 2 feet, or roughly one-third that of a concert grand piano. 

At 6 feet tall, Recurve easily rolls through a standard doorway, meaning you can use Recurve to transform your largest stage and then quickly tuck it away almost anywhere.

Recurve is ideal for chamber ensembles, soloists, presentations, and guest speakers wishing to bring acoustic intimacy to the seating capacity of larger venues.

Recurve acoustic shell uses a scrolling panel design. 

Fully open, Recurve stretches 40 feet across a stage. Coiled for storage, its footprint is only 7 feet x 2 feet, or roughly one-third that of a concert grand piano. 

At 6 feet tall, Recurve easily rolls through a standard doorway, meaning you can use Recurve to transform your largest stage and then quickly tuck it away almost anywhere.

Recurve is ideal for chamber ensembles, soloists, presentations, and guest speakers wishing to bring acoustic intimacy to the seating capacity of larger venues.

acoustic shell dimensions
acoustic shell dimensions
acoustic shell dimensions

  • Stored footprint: 14 square feet

  • Stored dimensions: 7 x 2 x 6 feet

  • Standard dimensions: 40 x 14 x 6 feet 

  • Stored footprint: 14 square feet

  • Stored dimensions: 7 x 2 x 6 feet

  • Standard dimensions: 40 x 14 x 6 feet

  • Stored footprint: 14 square feet

  • Stored dimensions: 7 x 2 x 6 feet

  • Standard dimensions: 40 x 14 x 6 feet

Would your venue benefit from different dimensions? Request a free consultation and we’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs.

Would your venue benefit from different dimensions? Request a free consultation and we’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs.

Would your venue benefit from different dimensions? Request a free consultation and we’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs.

Minimum effort

When was the last time you described a 40-foot wall as “nimble”?

Unlike modular acoustic shells that require assembly every time they are used, Recurve is a single-unit acoustic shell. Each side smoothly scrolls open in one continuous motion, making it nimble enough to be set up and removed several times throughout the course of a busy day of rehearsals and performances. 

No extra tools are required for setup, and there is no risk of smaller pieces getting lost or being damaged. 

The industrial, non-marking casters and steel frame construction ensure that Recurve will endure decades of continuous use. 

acoustic shell movement

I have rarely, if ever, encountered such a dynamic solution that covers a wide range of applications without sacrificing both aesthetics and quality. Recurve is simply exquisite in function, form, and finish - there is nothing like it.

I have rarely, if ever, encountered such a dynamic solution that covers a wide range of applications without sacrificing both aesthetics and quality. Recurve is simply exquisite in function, form, and finish - there is nothing like it.

I have rarely, if ever, encountered such a dynamic solution that covers a wide range of applications without sacrificing both aesthetics and quality. Recurve is simply exquisite in function, form, and finish - there is nothing like it.

Adam A. Wier
Designer | San Francisco, CA

Adam A. Wier
Designer | San Francisco, CA

Adam A. Wier
Designer | San Francisco, CA

Maximum sound

Maximum sound

Maximum sound

Building a rolling wall that can be used for decades requires heavy duty construction. Fortunately, building a wall that offers effective acoustic support does too. 

Recurve uses honeycomb core panel construction to achieve the stiffness, mass, and dimensions necessary to support the full frequency range of acoustic performance. String quartets, pianists, singers, and even chamber orchestras and jazz combos will feel the difference performing in front of Recurve. 

But it’s not just its mass that makes Recurve unique. Recurve is precisely curved to maximize the important influence of early sound reflections, allowing performers to hear themselves better on large stages, and audiences to receive more sound energy from the stage.

Building a rolling wall that can be used for decades requires heavy duty construction. Fortunately, building a wall that offers effective acoustic support does too. 

Recurve uses honeycomb core panel construction to achieve the stiffness, mass, and dimensions necessary to support the full frequency range of acoustic performance. String quartets, pianists, singers, and even chamber orchestras and jazz combos will feel the difference performing in front of Recurve. 

But it’s not just its mass that makes Recurve unique. Recurve is precisely curved to maximize the important influence of early sound reflections, allowing performers to hear themselves better on large stages, and audiences to receive more sound energy from the stage.

Building a rolling wall that can be used for decades requires heavy duty construction. Fortunately, building a wall that offers effective acoustic support does too. 

Recurve uses honeycomb core panel construction to achieve the stiffness, mass, and dimensions necessary to support the full frequency range of acoustic performance. String quartets, pianists, singers, and even chamber orchestras and jazz combos will feel the difference performing in front of Recurve. 

But it’s not just its mass that makes Recurve unique. Recurve is precisely curved to maximize the important influence of early sound reflections, allowing performers to hear themselves better on large stages, and audiences to receive more sound energy from the stage.

The Recurve story

The Recurve story

The Recurve story

Famed acoustician Larry Kirkegaard (1937 - 2024) spent his professional life working in and thinking about concert halls. Not only did he understand how to make concert halls sound their best, he observed all the day-to-day activities that take place inside concert halls other than orchestra concerts. He understood that concert halls are vital, prominent gathering spaces, central to the cultures of the institutions supporting them.

Wishing to complement the many uses of large concert halls, he envisioned a graceful, agile, single-unit acoustic shell that could be set up easily and divide a stage for a range of activities. The orchestral shells and choir shells already on the market were too large and cumbersome for many facilities and types of events, the mobile acoustic shells too small and flimsy for daily long-term use in major venues. He designed a prototype of the acoustic shell he imagined in Aspen, Colorado, to prove the concept.

For the second generation acoustic shell, Larry engaged industrial designer and high-end furniture builder, Michael Hahn. Numerous design iterations and improvements were made as well as raising the finish quality of the acoustic shell to the highest levels. 

The next generation of Recurve builds on Larry’s vision and Michael’s material and construction finesse by incorporating the acoustic expertise of Zackery Belanger, an innovator of acoustic material and form who worked under Larry in the early 2000's. 

Recurve now incorporates a refined shape, smoother mechanical operation, and is designed to enhance performance spaces across decades of daily use. 

Famed acoustician Larry Kirkegaard (1937 - 2024) spent his professional life working in and thinking about concert halls. Not only did he understand how to make concert halls sound their best, he observed all the day-to-day activities that take place inside concert halls other than orchestra concerts. He understood that concert halls are vital, prominent gathering spaces, central to cultures and institutions supporting them.

Wishing to complement the many uses of large concert halls, he envisioned a graceful, agile, single-unit acoustic shell that could be set up easily and divide a stage for a range of activities. The orchestral shells and choir shells already on the market were too large and cumbersome for many facilities and types of events, the mobile acoustic shells too small and flimsy for daily long-term use in major venues. He designed a prototype of the acoustic shell he imagined in Aspen, Colorado, to prove the concept.

For the second generation acoustic shell, Larry engaged industrial designer and high-end furniture builder, Michael Hahn. Numerous design iterations and improvements were made as well as raising the finish quality of the acoustic shell to the highest levels. 

The next generation of Recurve builds on Larry’s vision and Michael’s material and construction finesse by incorporating the acoustic expertise of Zackery Belanger, an innovator of acoustic material and form who worked under Larry in the early 2000's. 

Recurve now incorporates a refined shape, smoother mechanical operation, and is designed to enhance performance spaces across decades of daily use. 

Famed acoustician Larry Kirkegaard (1937 - 2024) spent his professional life working in and thinking about concert halls. Not only did he understand how to make concert halls sound their best, he observed all the day-to-day activities that take place inside concert halls other than orchestra concerts. He understood that concert halls are vital, prominent gathering spaces, central to the cultures of the institutions supporting them.

Wishing to complement the many uses of large concert halls, he envisioned a graceful, agile, single-unit acoustic shell that could be set up easily and divide a stage for a range of activities. The orchestral shells and choir shells already on the market were too large and cumbersome for many facilities and types of events, the mobile acoustic shells too small and flimsy for daily long-term use in major venues. He designed a prototype of the acoustic shell he imagined in Aspen, Colorado, to prove the concept.

For the second generation acoustic shell, Larry engaged industrial designer and high-end furniture builder, Michael Hahn. Numerous design improvements were made as well as raising the finish quality of the acoustic shell to the highest levels. 

The next generation of Recurve builds on Larry’s vision and Michael’s material and construction finesse by incorporating the acoustic expertise of Zackery Belanger, an innovator of acoustic material and form who worked under Larry in the early 2000's. 

Recurve now incorporates a refined shape, smoother mechanical operation, and is designed to enhance performance spaces across decades of daily use. 

Famed acoustician Larry Kirkegaard (1937 - 2024) spent his professional life working in and thinking about concert halls. Not only did he understand how to make concert halls sound their best, he observed all the day-to-day activities that take place inside concert halls other than orchestra concerts. He understood that concert halls are vital, prominent gathering spaces, central to the cultures of the institutions supporting them.

Wishing to complement the many uses of large concert halls, he envisioned a graceful, agile, single-unit acoustic shell that could be set up easily and divide a stage for a range of activities. The orchestral shells and choir shells already on the market were too large and cumbersome for many facilities and types of events, the mobile acoustic shells too small and flimsy for daily long-term use in major venues. He designed a prototype of the acoustic shell he imagined in Aspen, Colorado, to prove the concept.

For the second generation acoustic shell, Larry engaged industrial designer and high-end furniture builder, Michael Hahn. Numerous design iterations and improvements were made as well as raising the finish quality of the acoustic shell to the highest levels. 

The next generation of Recurve builds on Larry’s vision and Michael’s material and construction finesse by incorporating the acoustic expertise of Zackery Belanger, an innovator of acoustic material and form who worked under Larry in the early 2000's. 

Recurve now incorporates a refined shape, smoother mechanical operation, and is designed to enhance performance spaces across decades of daily use. 

FAQs

FAQs

FAQs

Will Recurve fit our stage?

Definitely. Each Recurve acoustic shell is built to suit your venue within safe and functional parameters. If your stage requires Recurve's overall length to be shorter or longer we'll take this into consideration before production begins. In most cases our professional team will visit your venue, and an integration assessment is an option for a reasonable fee.

How much storage space will it occupy?

We understand that storage space is a precious commodity in most venues. Recurve's footprint is about 3 feet by 6 feet, or about 1/3 of the size of a concert grand piano.

How long does it take to setup?

In most venues, Recurve can easily be rolled on stage, unfolded, and be ready for use in under 10 minutes by one person familiar with its operation.

Will performers hear themselves and other musicians better?

Yes. Recurve brings early reflections closer, offering chamber-sized ensembles and soloists the acoustic performing experience of a small venue on the stage of a large one. When musicians work in smaller groups on large stages, they can experience an inability to hear themselves while rehearsing and performing, and report feeling "unsupported" by the space, even if that is not the sonic experience of the audience.

Why is Recurve effective?

The surfaces around stages are designed to reflect sound in important ways. Large venues are designed to support large ensembles (full orchestras, large choirs, symphonic bands, jazz orchestras), which means these surfaces are further away than they should be for small ensembles using those spaces. Recurve's construction ensures that the shell supports the full range of instruments and voices, and is able to offer a "small stage experience" on a large stage, increasing the utility and complementing the aesthetic of larger venues.

What makes Recurve different from other acoustic shells?

Full-stage acoustical shell systems are intended to support large ensemble performance in multi-purpose venues. Portable acoustic shells often lack the mass needed to be effective across the full spectrum of instrumental and vocal sound. Neither option combines ease of setup and minimal storage footprint into a single unit capable of transforming a large stage into a small stage. This is where Recurve comes in.

Is it tall enough to be effective in our space?

The height of Recurve meets two important goals: ease of storage and acoustical support of performers. The standard height of the shell is 6 feet: short enough to easily fit through a standard doorway, and tall enough to be effective in reflecting the sound of the full range of instruments and voices.

How do I order a Recurve acoustic shell?

First, let's connect. Reach out to the Recurve team using the Contact form below. We'll schedule a consultation with an acoustician and designer during which we can learn about your specific needs and answer additional questions. We'll then take what we've learned and provide a plan for your review. This plan often includes an option for an onsite visit from our team to gather any additional details that we enable us provide the best possible service for you and your organization's long-term needs.

Schedule a call

Schedule a call

Schedule a call

For questions about Recurve or to book a complimentary call with Zackery and Michael, please fill out the form below.

For questions about Recurve or to book a complimentary call with Zackery and Michael, please fill out the form below.

For questions about Recurve or to book a complimentary call with Zackery and Michael, please fill out the form below.

concert hall audience
concert hall audience
concert hall audience

Minimum effort

When was the last time you described a 40-foot wall as “nimble”?

Unlike modular acoustic shells that require assembly every time they are used, Recurve is a single-unit acoustic shell. Each side smoothly scrolls open in one continuous motion, making it nimble enough to be set up and removed several times throughout the course of a busy day of rehearsals and performances. 

No extra tools are required for setup, and there is no risk of smaller pieces getting lost or being damaged. 

The industrial, non-marking casters and steel frame construction ensure that Recurve will endure decades of continuous use. 

Minimum effort

When was the last time you described a 40-foot wall as “nimble”?

Unlike modular acoustic shells that require assembly every time they are used, Recurve is a single-unit acoustic shell. Each side smoothly scrolls open in one continuous motion, making it nimble enough to be set up and removed several times throughout the course of a busy day of rehearsals and performances. 

No extra tools are required for setup, and there is no risk of smaller pieces getting lost or being damaged. 

The industrial, non-marking casters and steel frame construction ensure that Recurve will endure decades of continuous use. 

Minimum effort

When was the last time you described a 40-foot wall as “nimble”?

Unlike modular acoustic shells that require assembly every time they are used, Recurve is a single-unit acoustic shell. Each side smoothly scrolls open in one continuous motion, making it nimble enough to be set up and removed several times throughout the course of a busy day of rehearsals and performances. 

No extra tools are required for setup, and there is no risk of smaller pieces getting lost or being damaged. 

The industrial, non-marking casters and steel frame construction ensure that Recurve will endure decades of continuous use. 

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