Acoustic Design in Office Interiors

21.03.25

Although it has a major impact on employee wellbeing, productivity and creativity, acoustic design is often overlooked in the modern workplace. In a world where open plan offices, industrial conversions and minimalist designs are in vogue, addressing sound quality is essential. The challenge lies in balancing privacy and collaboration with maintaining an ambiance that neither stifles nor overwhelms.

This Ultimate Guide aims to educate landlords, property professionals and interior designers as to why they should integrate acoustic solutions into their spaces.

Why Acoustics Matter in Office Design

Noise is more than just a distraction. Over exposure to noisy spaces almost always leads to stress, anxiety, and decreased productivity. High volume is a concern and the issue is, most offices lack speech privacy. Overhearing conversations or worrying about being overheard can impact employee’s concentration and performance. According to Julian Treasure from The Sound Agency “there is plenty of research that shows that the most destructive sound of all is other people’s conversations”.

Incorporating acoustic elements doesn’t just address noise issues, it transforms office environments into visually engaging spaces. Acoustic panels can double as wall art, adding colour, texture, and depth to otherwise plain walls. Ceiling tiles, like the Cube Acoustic Felt Ceiling Tiles and Flott Ceiling Tiles, can be used to create eye catching patterns or add a pop of colour, making the ceiling an active part of the overall design.

Modern office spaces face several challenges that effect noise levels:

Open plan layouts – Promoting collaboration but amplifying noise due to lack of physical surfaces to absorb and block travelling sound.

Ceiling type – High ceilings increase echo and reverberation, an increased volume of space means sound waves get lost above our heads so we can’t hear what we should be hearing. It also means that sound waves must travel further, meaning they stay in the space for longer, increasing sound volume and noise levels. Low ceilings also increase reverberation as they bounce sound waves back into the space.

Acoustic Challenges in Modern Office Design

Hard shiny surfaces – Enhancing sound reflection, leading to a noisy environment. With sound waves bouncing around, echo is increased. This means people talk louder to project their speech above the echo which in turn creates more noise, this is called the Lombard Effect.
Industrial conversions – Exposed materials like concrete and metal worsen acoustics due to their inability to absorb sound.

To mitigate these issues, architects and designers should focus on integrating acoustic solutions into the overall design strategy. At our showroom, The Hive, we showcase a variety of acoustic products, from our partner Allsfar, that blend form and function, offering inspiration for any workspace.

Flott Ceiling tiles are designed for sound absorption, reducing echoes in open spaces. They are easy to install, customisable in colour and design, and can integrate with existing office décor. The Flott Ceiling Tile not only dampens sound but also adds a modern, sleek touch to any workspace.

The Stratus ceiling tile from Allsfar introduces a new dimension to acoustic ceiling design with its distinctive tiered, stepped effect. Unlike traditional flat ceiling tiles, the Stratus tile features multiple levels or “steps” that create a visually dynamic surface. This unique design enhances the aesthetic appeal of an office space and improves sound absorption by increasing the surface area that interacts with sound waves.

Acoustic Panels

Available in various shapes, colours, and textures, acoustic panels are perfect for controlling noise on walls and ceilings. These panels can be customised to reflect brand identity while enhancing sound quality. The Hive showcases how these panels can be incorporated into existing furniture, used as wall art, or be applied to create semi-private zones within an open office.

Acoustic Screens

Our display includes a range of acoustic screens that offer privacy without compromising the open feel of the office. These screens are perfect for creating breakout zones, meeting areas, or quiet workspaces while reducing crosstalk and echo.

Acoustic design is no longer a luxury but a necessity for productive, healthy, and engaging workspaces. By integrating solutions like the Flott Ceiling Tile and other acoustic products showcased at The Hive, property professionals can transform noisy offices into havens of productivity. Book a visit to The Hive for a hands-on experience and to discover how these innovative products can work in your space.