Open plan office acoustics comes down to three things: controlling reverberation so speech is clear, managing background noise so people can concentrate, and achieving speech privacy so conversations do not travel. The key targets for open plan offices are a reverberation time (RT60) of 0.4 to 0.6 seconds, a background noise level of around 40 to 45 dB LAeq, and a Speech Transmission Index (STI) that limits intelligible speech to the immediate vicinity of the speaker. Achieving these consistently requires an integrated approach. Acoustic panels alone are rarely sufficient without also considering layout, screening, ventilation noise, and room geometry. This guide covers the principles, the targets, and the practical steps to get there.
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We are a leading acoustic consultancy with expert acoustic consultants located around the UK. Our headquarters is in Leeds and we have a team of regional engineers based from London to Newcastle to ensure we can provide a rapid response to your project. Over the last 10 years we have been entrusted to support our loyal client base with over 10,000 projects.
Our acoustic consultants are members of the Institute of Acoustics and undertake a broad range of acoustic consultancy, design and testing services spanning all sectors. We work on projects of all scales from a main contractor delivering large scale mixed use developments to a property developer undergoing a change of use on a commercial premises. No project is too large or too small… We are here to help!
Our Vision is clear. To add value to our clients’ projects and create sustainable, compliant, and great sounding spaces.
Our Mission is set. To deliver uncompromising quality and technical excellence and to be industry leading in solving acoustic challenges with sustainable, efficient and innovative solutions.
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Led by expert acoustic consultants, we design and deliver tailored sound solutions that transform spaces.
Sustainable 40mm Polyester Fibre Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption made with >60% Recycled Material. Suitable for walls, ceilings, rafts or baffles.
40mm Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption. Available in a huge range of colours and sizes. Bespoke to order. Suitable for walls, ceilings, rafts and baffles.
40mm Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption. Self-adhesive for easy DIY Installation. Suitable for surface mounting to walls or ceilings.
40mm Impact-Resistant Acoustic Wall Panels with Class A Sound Absorption. Available in a huge range of colours and sizes. Suitable for surface mounting to walls.
12mm or 24mm Polyester Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption. Available in a huge range of colours and sizes. Bespoke to order. Suitable for walls, ceilings, rafts and baffles.
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Part E of the Building Regulations sets minimum sound insulation standards for new residential buildings and dwellings created through material change of use. Compliance is demonstrated through pre-completion sound testing, an on-site acoustic measurement carried out before a building is occupied. The key performance targets are DnT,w + Ctr ≥ 45 dB for airborne sound (walls and floors between dwellings) and L'nT,w ≤ 45 dB for impact sound (floors). Achieving these figures consistently requires correct specification of the separating construction, attention to flanking paths, and quality workmanship throughout; selecting the right product is only one part of it.
BS 4142 is the British Standard used to assess the impact of industrial and commercial noise on nearby sensitive premises. It works by comparing the rating level of a specific noise source (adjusted for acoustic character) against the prevailing background noise level at the nearest receptor. A difference of around +10 dB or more indicates a likely significant adverse impact. Around +5 dB indicates a likely adverse impact. At or below background indicates negligible impact. Most local planning authorities require a BS4142 assessment when new commercial or industrial premises are proposed near residential properties, or when fixed plant and equipment is being installed. The 2019 amendment (BS4142:2014+A1:2019) introduced important updates to methodology that all current assessments must reflect.