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Acoustics

by | Dec 5, 2024 | Workspaces

Acoustics

The Problem with Office Noise

Office noise can be a real pain, especially in open spaces. Think constant chatter, phone calls, or that one loud typist—it’s hard to stay focused. If the space is full of hard surfaces like glass or concrete, sounds bounce around, making things even worse. On top of that, quiet areas can feel awkwardly loud when every small noise is magnified. Over time, all this noise can get on people’s nerves, making them stressed or less productive.

How to Fix It

  1. Add Sound-Absorbing Stuff
    Put up acoustic panels on the walls or ceilings to soak up the noise. Bonus: You can get ones that look stylish too.
  2. Bring in Soft Furniture
    Rugs, cushions, and sofas don’t just make the space cozy—they also help muffle sound.
  3. Use Partitions or Create Zones
    Divide the office with screens or partitions to separate noisy areas from quiet ones.
  4. Tweak the Ceiling and Floors
    Install acoustic tiles on the ceiling or lay down carpets to stop sounds from bouncing around too much.
  5. Add Some Background Noise
    White noise machines or sound-masking systems can cover up distracting sounds and make the office feel quieter overall.
  6. Add Plants
    Plants don’t just look great—they actually help absorb noise too. Plus, they make the air fresher!
  7. Be Mindful of Noise
    Sometimes, it’s just about people being aware—keeping phone calls short or moving to a meeting room for long chats.
  • Tile
  • Screen
  • Mobile Screen
  • Sound Masking
  • Sound Management
  • Room Divider
  • Pods

 

Concepts

  •  Reduce distractions – increase productivity
  •  Improve well being
  •  Unwanted sound from adjacent spaces doesn’t intrude or interfere
  •  Control noise pollution
  • Background noise pollution – colleagues, machines and phones
  • Mid and high frequencies are the most common sound waves produced in an office environment.
  • Noise bounce
  • High ceiling, hard surfaces, concrete floors

 

Julian Treasure Vid

Turndown the volume –

Absorption

  • Wall Tiles
  • Flooring
  • Panels – Acoustic Felt

Blocking

  • Baffles
  • Acoustic Room Divider
  • Masking background noise

© Robert Deitchler / Gensler

To improve the acoustics of your office, consider these solutions based on the issues you’re addressing (e.g., echo, soundproofing, noise reduction):

Wall Solutions

  1. Acoustic Panels
    • Install foam or fabric-wrapped acoustic panels to absorb sound and reduce echo.
    • Use decorative panels to match your office’s design.
  2. Acoustic Wall Coverings
    • Fabric-covered walls or sound-absorbing wallpaper can minimize sound reflection.

Ceiling Solutions

  1. Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
    • These tiles absorb noise and are easy to install in dropped ceilings.
  2. Cloud Panels or Baffles
    • Suspended acoustic panels improve sound quality and add a modern aesthetic.

Floor Solutions

  1. Carpeting or Rugs
    • Thick carpets or area rugs absorb sound, reducing noise from footsteps and furniture.
  2. Acoustic Underlay
    • Install underlay beneath flooring to dampen sound transmission.

Furniture and Decor

  1. Soft Furniture
    • Use upholstered furniture to absorb sound.
  2. Bookshelves and Plants
    • Place bookshelves or greenery to diffuse sound waves.

Dividers and Screens

  1. Acoustic Desk Dividers
    • Use sound-absorbing dividers to reduce noise between workstations.
  2. Movable Acoustic Screens
    • Flexible partitions can isolate noise-prone areas.

Doors and Windows

  1. Acoustic Door Seals
    • Install seals to prevent sound leakage.
  2. Soundproof Curtains or Blinds
    • Heavy curtains or acoustic blinds can block sound from outside.

Technology-Based Solutions

  1. White Noise Machines
    • Mask unwanted sound with consistent, soothing noise.
  2. Active Noise Control Systems
    • Advanced systems actively cancel specific noise frequencies.

Would you like help sourcing specific products or designing a tailored solution?  Here are some suggestions to get you started

 

Sound Solutions

3Form Elements

  • Hush Stack
  • Hush Clad
  • Hush Blocks
  • Hush Screen
  • Movable Partition

 

AMQ

3F Hanging Panels

3F Wall Tiles

 

Loftwall

New product  – Flox

                                Cut Sheet

New Product – Hedge

                                Storage – Sub Archetitural Wall

Acoustic Calculator  – Link

 

Merge Works – Link

            Acoustic Solutions Page – Link

Acoustic Calculator  – Link

Mobile Screen

 

Screenflex – Portable Room Dividers – Link

 

Sedia Systems – Akouo Systems – Link

  • Wall Tiles
  • Wall Panels
  • Baffle Systems
  • Ceiling Panels
  • Divider Screens

 

Six Inch Usa – Acoustic

Rep: The Work Life Group Kristi Nelson

 

Speech Privacy Systems – Now MPS Sound Masking

Ceiling Baffles

Baffles

Slatted Wall Covering

Wall Tiles

Room Dividers

Rep: Smart Design Options  – Rachel Smart

 

 

Quiet Earth Moss

 

Turf

Dimensional Baffles

Tiles

Screens

 

Steelcase

Everwall

Modular Wall System

 

 

Office Sounds

Need to add some ambiance to your Teams calls

Office sounds to have on in the background.  You know, like you are really working.

Office Sounds 

More Office Sounds

 

 

Vendors

 

AMQ

 

Akouo Acoustics – Link

Acoustics 101 – Link

 

Steelcase

                QT Pro – (Cambridge Sound Management)

                                White Noise v. Sound Masking – Link

                Sonet QT

                Flex Acoustic Boundary – Link

 

Sound Zero – Link

                UK Based

 

Overtone Acoustics – Link

 

Kirei  Office Acoustics: The Definitive Guide to Workplace Noise Issues – Link

 

Acoustical Solutions – Link

 

 

 

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