Good Acoustics as the Foundation of a Modern Office
Do you know that feeling when you try to concentrate, but you hear every cough from a colleague at the next desk? Or when every voice in a meeting room sounds like it’s in an empty gym? Noise can be more exhausting during the day than a complex task.
And it’s far from being just about the classic open-plan office. Poor acoustics can also be troublesome in small offices, corporate kitchenettes, and even relaxation zones. That is precisely why acoustics should be an integral part of interior design, just like the selection of materials, lighting, or ergonomics.
What Factors Influence Acoustics in an Interior
Acoustics are invisible, yet all the more audible. They determine how we perceive a space, how easily we communicate, think, concentrate, and relax within it. In an interior, sound propagates in various directions, reflecting off walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. If the space is acoustically designed correctly, it can effectively dampen these reflections, and that is precisely our goal.
It greatly depends on the type of interior. An open hall behaves differently from a meeting room with glass partitions or a narrow phone booth. The materials used play an important role. Hard surfaces like glass, concrete, or laminate reflect sound, while soft elements such as textiles, carpets, and upholstered furniture dampen it. Acoustics are also influenced by ceiling height, the amount of furniture, or the spatial arrangement. And, of course, what happens in the room, whether larger groups meet there, calls or presentations take place, or if it is a quiet zone.
Consequences of Excessive Noise in the Office
When acoustics do not function well, it very quickly begins to affect the mood and performance of people in the office. Acoustic discomfort disrupts both concentration and communication. People tend to speak louder because they hear others less clearly, thereby increasing noise for those around them. This creates a vicious cycle that leads to greater fatigue, irritation, and lower efficiency.
Room Acoustics:
Room acoustics is a field of acoustics focused on sound propagation in enclosed spaces (ČSN 73 0527). It represents a fundamental prerequisite for achieving acoustic comfort. Well-designed room acoustics significantly influence the functionality of an interior and add a new dimension to it. It examines how sound waves interact with the surfaces of walls, ceilings, and floors, and how these interactions shape the resulting sound perceived by the human ear. The main parameter of room acoustics is reverberation time.
Meeting rooms with reverberation hinder clear communication, noisy open-plan spaces make concentration difficult, and it is hard to relax in relaxation zones. Employees often seek quiet spots in hallways or use white noise headphones just to work undisturbed. Such an environment does not support collaboration or well-being, and in the long term, it reduces team satisfaction.
Acoustic Solutions by Office Type: from Open-Plan to Phone Booth
Every space has its specific characteristics and deserves an individual approach. In open-plan offices,
In meeting rooms, the problem is usually more with reverberation, which is why it is advisable to use acoustic wall coverings, soft upholstery, living green walls, or ceiling panels. Good results are also achieved with textile curtains, which can be used not only for darkening but also for improving acoustic comfort.
“Current standards also consider acoustic comfort; the recommended noise level in an office is 45 to 55 decibels. In practice, however, we find that most offices significantly exceed this value. In open-plan spaces, it is often 60 to 70 decibels, which corresponds, for example, to the noise of a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, it is crucial to address acoustics during the initial interior design phase. An effective solution can always be found. We have a full range of proven materials and acoustic elements available that will help create a more pleasant and functional working environment.” says our interior designer Kamila.
In phone booths and focus rooms, it is important to seal doors well and use sound-absorbing fillings both inside and out. Here, privacy and intelligibility are paramount; the space must be quiet and acoustically comfortable to allow undisturbed phone calls or confidential meetings.
Even relaxation zones or kitchenettes should not be overlooked. Although informal, noise often penetrates from them into surrounding work zones. Upholstered furniture, suspended decorative panels, or green walls, which have surprisingly good acoustic properties, are helpful here. They dampen noise and simultaneously enhance the atmosphere of the entire interior.
Acoustic Elements as Part of Interior Design
Not long ago, acoustic elements were perceived more as a necessary evil, a technical solution that worked but did not fit aesthetically into the interior. Fortunately, today it is completely different. Acoustic elements are not only functional but also feature beautiful design. Suspended panels, upholstered screens, or wall coverings are available
When acoustics are considered during the interior design phase, they become a natural part of the overall solution. An interior designer can work with them as creatively as with colors, light, or furniture. Wall panels do not have to be merely sound-absorbing; they can also serve as a notice board, a graphic element, or part of visual storytelling. Acoustic elements become a valuable design component of the space.
Most Common Mistakes when Addressing Acoustics in Offices
One of the most common mistakes is to address acoustics only when a noise problem arises in newly occupied offices. At that point, options are limited, and interventions often appear as temporary fixes. However, it would be sufficient to incorporate acoustic solutions into the initial design. Nevertheless, it is always possible to satisfactorily resolve noise problems even retrospectively.
Another common misconception is relying on a single universal solution. One ceiling panel is not enough, especially if sound also reflects off glass walls or if soft materials that would dampen it are missing from the room. An effective acoustic environment is created only by combining multiple elements: the ceiling, walls, floor, furniture, and the overall spatial arrangement. All of these are interconnected.
Every room has its specific characteristics, which cannot be assessed by eye alone. A professional acoustic analysis, or consultation with an expert, will help identify weak points and propose a high-quality solution.
Book an initial consultation and take the first step towards acoustic comfort in your office.