Designing Spaces for Concentration and Collaboration
Noise is one of the biggest disruptors of concentration in the workplace. Whether it’s a conversation between colleagues, the sound of keyboards tapping, or the occasional noise disruption, unwanted noise can break focus, making it difficult for employees to complete tasks efficiently. Acoustic panels, soundproofing materials, and other solutions help reduce noise levels, creating a more focused and peaceful environment that supports better productivity.
Precinct Screens
Hanging Screen
Park Pods
Acoustic Pods
Custom Acoustic Wall
Backdrop Screen Divider
Lovoc Screen
Hush Lighting
Acoustic solutions offer an array of benefits that can significantly improve the comfort, functionality, and productivity of any workspace
You know those screens hanging around your space or the ones separating your desk pods? They do more than just provide privacy and block you from distracting your colleagues. These screens serve as a barrier to reduce distractions from constant movement around the office. But there’s more—many of these screens can be made with acoustic properties that absorb sound, helping to cut down noise in open-plan offices.
However, screens aren’t the only solution for improving office acoustics:
Acoustic Meeting Pods: These mobile meeting rooms allow you to redesign your space without the need for demolition or costly building changes. They’re perfect for holding private meetings or phone calls. Not only do these rooms help you keep your personal calls personal, but they ensure that the rest of your colleagues are not distracted by these private phone calls.
Speech Privacy: To maintain privacy, it’s improtant to block sound from traveling between adjacent spaces, preventing conversations from being overheard. Effective sound management addresses the entire wall system, focusing on mass, isolation, insulation, and reverberation to minimise sound transmission.
Hanging Screens: These help section off the office, bringing order to the chaos. They offer a subtle acoustic solution by reducing noise disturbances while maintaining an open feel. Made from 100% polyester fibres, without chemical binders, these acoustic products contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled content (such as PET plastic bottles) and are Global GreenTag Green Rate Level A certified, so not only are they going to help reduce the noise but they are environmentally friendly as well!
Custom Wall Panels: These panels absorb sound waves rather than reflect them, which helps reduce the amount of noise traveling through a busy, open-plan office. One of our favourite fitout features was the custom acoustic wall designed for the reception area of the Convex office. This wall is composed of individual acoustic blocks arranged in a striking pattern that extends from floor to ceiling. Not only does it create a visually stunning introduction to the space, but it also effectively absorbs sound in the large, open, high-ceiling reception area
Acoustic Lighting: Hush acoustic lighting is a versatile solution that not only lightens a space but also helps mitigate noise in open-plan environments. It allows teams to collaborate more effectively by reducing background noise while also creating focused areas free from distractions for individual work. Made from polyester fibers, with 65% recycled material, Hush lighting is both safe and non-toxic. Proudly made in New Zealand, it combines functionality with sustainability, making it an ideal choice for modern workspaces.
Finally, ambient noise from environmental sources and building services plays a big role in acoustic comfort. While some of this noise—like the building’s location or mechanical systems—can’t be controlled, there are plenty of ways to manage it. Effective space zoning, choosing the right internal finishes, and using acoustic materials to control reverberation are all strategies to help reduce the impact of ambient noise.