A Designer’s Guide to Implementing Acoustics in Office Spaces

1. Open area

Sound disturbance is a key concern in open areas, especially in professional settings. The noise from colleagues chit chatting, devices or machinery being used and multiple conversations overlapping can add up to cause significant sound disturbance.

These concerns can be addressed by strategic installation of sound absorption elements.

2. Cabin area

In the case of cabin rooms, it is important to ensure that there is no occurrence of sound leaks, so that loud sounds coming from one cabin do not disturb the occupants of the adjacent rooms.

The acoustics of cabin rooms can be optimised by implementing key elements such as soundproof walls and doors, wall panels to ensure sound absorption and acoustic ceiling to further control the reverb within the room

3. Conference rooms

With hybrid work models gaining popularity, you will find a mix of physical as well as digital attendees in meeting spaces. This makes noise reduction and clear acoustics all the more important in conference areas.

Acoustics optimisation in conference rooms allows sound to travel clearly and disturbance-free, which greatly enhances the atmosphere of business meetings.

4. Cafeterias, pantries and kitchen areas

Sound insulation is a measure of how effectively a surface can obstruct sound waves from passing through it

Cafeterias and kitchen areas tend to be busy around the clock. The noise from multiple conversations and clinking cutlery can cause quite the din. In such areas, suspended cloud ceilings and wall panels can help improve sound absorption and reduce the noise levels.

5. Lobbies and waiting rooms

The layout of lobbies and waiting rooms is important in building a good first impression for your company. If these areas face noise issues and sound disturbances, it can impact your company's image. Implementing simple acoustic measures, such as carperted floorings and acoustic ceilings, contributes to creating a pleasant atmosphere in waiting rooms.

6. AHU and server rooms

Heavy machinery in AHU and server rooms generate loud sounds which can be unpleasant for the other occupants of the space. The following highlighted measures can make a great difference in the acoustics performance of AHU and server rooms.

7. Others

Here are some general tips for improving the acoustics of spaces which don't fit into the aforementioned criteria.

• Floating floor
• Sound insulation of floor
• Soundproof door
• Vibration isolation of technical equipment