Office Acoustic Consultancy
The acoustic design of offices can have a large bearing on the quality of environment and in turn the happiness and effectiveness of the workforce. We can assist with new development, refurbishment, or investigation of acoustic problems in existing offices. We can also provide survey work if required by the Local Planning Authority.
Poor acoustic design in offices is one of the most common causes of post-occupancy dissatisfaction, complaints and costly retrofits. Problems are often not obvious until a space is occupied, when speech privacy, distraction and reverberation become operational issues rather than design concepts. Early acoustic input allows office layouts, finishes and building services to be coordinated properly, reducing the risk of expensive remedial works and improving long-term usability.
Office Acoustic Design
Some of the factors considered in the acoustic design of offices include
- Indoor ambient noise levels caused by outdoor sources, to include ventilation strategy
- Sound insulation between spaces
- Reverberation time and sound absorption, which can be particularly important in open plan areas and meeting rooms.
There are guidance documents that cover office spaces, or bespoke criteria can be set to align with client requirements. Offices can be zoned to provide different styles of workspaces with varying soundscapes for different tasks and working preferences.
Acoustic design for BREEAM Credits
Office developments are frequently required to achieve acoustic credits under BREEAM, particularly within Hea 05 (Acoustic Performance) and Pol 05 (Reduction of Noise Pollution).
These credits cover internal acoustic comfort, sound insulation between spaces, reverberation control, and external noise impact — all of which must be addressed through design and verified by assessment.
We regularly support project teams in defining appropriate acoustic criteria, reviewing layouts and construction details, and providing the technical assistance required for BREEAM submissions, alongside wider planning and design objectives. See additional information on BREEAM surveys here.
David Garritt BEng MIOA
Director and Acoustic Consultant
Speak to an Acoustic Consultant
If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of acoustics and how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us:
e-mail: contact@sdgarritt.co.uk
Phone: Doncaster main office, 01302 854 303
David Garritt’s mobile, 07894 073 973
Elizabeth Garritt BSc AMIOA
Acoustic Consultant