Open office layouts have become the modern standard for collaboration and flexibility. Yet with that openness comes one of the biggest challenges in workplace design: controlling sound. Poor acoustics can lead to distraction, reduced productivity, and even stress among employees.
As organisations rethink how they design their workspaces, effective acoustic planning is no longer optional. It is essential.
Here are some best practices for improving sound performance and creating comfortable, productive open office environments.
Understanding the Acoustic Challenges
Open offices remove physical barriers like walls and partitions, allowing noise to travel freely across the space. Common sound issues include:
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Speech intelligibility: Conversations carry across long distances, making it difficult to concentrate.
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Reverberation: Hard surfaces like glass, metal, and concrete reflect sound rather than absorb it.
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Lack of privacy: Without enclosed areas, confidential or focused discussions become challenging.
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Equipment noise: HVAC systems, printers, and other devices add to the overall soundscape.
Addressing these issues requires both strategic design and the right acoustic solutions.
1. Use Sound Absorptive Materials
The first step in improving acoustics is managing how sound behaves within the space. Materials that absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it help reduce reverberation and echo.
Consider integrating:
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Acoustic ceiling panels to manage overhead reflections
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Wall-mounted panels or fabric treatments for mid-level absorption
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Soft furnishings such as carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture for natural damping
Even small material changes can dramatically improve acoustic comfort in an open office.
2. Create Acoustic Zones
Different areas of the office serve different purposes. Some require focus and quiet, while others encourage teamwork and conversation.
By applying acoustic zoning, you can design sound profiles that suit each activity.
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Use sound barriers or partitions to separate collaboration areas from quiet zones
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Install enclosed booths or pods for private calls and focused work
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Design traffic paths that keep high-movement areas away from concentration zones
Acoustic zoning helps maintain openness while supporting varied work styles.
3. Manage Background Sound
Complete silence in an open office can make even small noises disruptive. Introducing a controlled level of background sound can improve concentration and speech privacy.
Sound masking systems play a consistent, low-level ambient sound that blends unwanted noise into the background. When properly calibrated, this reduces distractions and makes conversations from a distance less intelligible.
This approach is especially effective in high-density workspaces.
4. Optimise HVAC and Equipment Placement
Mechanical systems and office equipment often contribute to unwanted noise. Proper planning can minimise these issues.
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Isolate printers, copiers, and server racks in enclosed spaces
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Select quiet HVAC systems and use acoustic duct liners
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Position air outlets and returns away from quiet zones
Good acoustic design considers both the architectural layout and the technical systems within it.
5. Design for Flexibility
As workplace needs evolve, open office layouts often change. Acoustic design should allow flexibility and easy adaptation.
Choose modular panels, movable partitions, or reconfigurable ceiling baffles that can be adjusted when the space is rearranged. This ensures long-term acoustic comfort as the office grows and adapts.
6. Integrate AV and Acoustic Planning Early
AV and acoustic systems are deeply connected. Addressing them together ensures consistent sound quality across all activities.
Early collaboration between AV consultants, acoustic engineers, and interior designers helps achieve optimal results. A well-balanced space improves audio clarity in meetings, reduces microphone feedback, and enhances hybrid conferencing performance.
Why Acoustics Matter
Research shows that employees in noisy environments can lose up to 60 percent of their productivity due to sound distractions. A well-designed acoustic strategy supports concentration, wellbeing, and effective communication.
For AV and IT integrators, providing acoustic expertise adds measurable value and helps deliver spaces that perform as well as they look.
Acoustics in open offices are not just about comfort. They directly influence communication, privacy, and overall performance. With thoughtful material selection, proper zoning, and integrated technology planning, it is possible to create workplaces that are both open and acoustically balanced.
Designing with sound in mind creates environments where people can truly focus, collaborate, and thrive.
Ready to improve the acoustic performance of your workspace? Contact BPAV to discuss tailored acoustic and AV solutions for your next project.