Office acoustic treatment

What is office acoustic treatment?

Office acoustic treatment is the design discipline that systematically resolves noise sources and reverberation issues in open-plan workspaces. Unlike classic residential acoustics, the parameters include many users, video-conference density and dynamic space usage.

The ABC method

A — Absorb

To reduce reverberation, sound-absorbing materials are added to surfaces:

• Acoustic ceiling panel (NRC ≥ 0.80)
• Suspended baffle / cloud panel
• Wall absorber fabric-wrapped panel
• Carpet tile, acoustic divider

B — Block

To break the direct sound path between workstations:

• Acoustic dividers of sufficient height (1.3-1.7 m)
• Phone / focus booth
• Meeting-room partition wall
• Manager glass partition (acoustic glass)

C — Cover

Sound masking systems play pink noise; speech intelligibility at neighbouring stations drops, creating the feeling of privacy.

Target parameters

• RT60: 0.5-0.7 s
• NC: 35-40
• STI at neighbouring station: under 0.50 (privacy)
• Privacy Index: 0.80+

Panel calculation per workstation

Our practice targets at least 2-3 m² of sound-absorbing surface per worker. The acoustic ceiling supplies most of this; if it falls short, wall and cloud panels are added.

Hybrid working — phone booth essential

Post-pandemic offices have an increased video-call density. Our designs target 1 phone booth per 4-6 workers. A phone booth delivers Rw 30-35 dB; significantly improving the feeling of privacy.

Productivity impact

Harvard Business Review research: office noise can drop cognitive performance by up to 66%. World Green Building Council: turnover is 12% lower in acoustically comfortable offices. The acoustic investment is a small share of office furniture budget; it amortises in the first year through productivity.

Lead time and phasing

Renovation in an existing office 1-2 weeks (night/weekend work option). New office design 3-4 weeks. Cycle: measurement + worker survey + design + application.