Whether you are looking to reduce noise, improve productivity or increase your privacy, soundproofing your office may be the solution. Within this article we will discuss various types of office soundproofing and how partitions work to achieve your desired goals.
What is soundproofing?
Soundproofing is the process of reducing or eliminating sound from travelling between spaces. It is often used to reduce noise pollution and improve acoustic quality around a building. Soundproofing may be installed in offices, quiet-zones or areas where noise needs to be controlled or mitigated.
How does soundproofing work?
Soundproofing within a building can work using multiple methods, each slightly different but with the same goal of reducing and eliminating the movement of noise. The three primary ways to reduce sound include:
Blocking
This involves the installation of dense materials to physically block the sound waves from travelling between spaces. This may be achieved by installing thick walls, doors or glass windows. This is the most common practice in office spaces as it achieves both soundproofing and office partitioning.
Absorbing
This method involves installing material that is specially designed for acoustic absorption. This may include installing acoustic foam panels on the existing walls that absorb the sound waves and vibrations, therefore suppressing the sound. This way of soundproofing is ideal for studios or smaller rooms that cannot be altered physically.
Decoupling
This involves creating a gap or separation between two surfaces to prevent the sound vibrations from passing through. One example of this method is to install a double wall with an air gap in between as the sound vibration is eliminated in the air gap and cannot transfer its energy to the second wall.
How can I soundproof my office?
Soundproofing an office space can be achieved in multiple different ways, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In order to soundproof your office, you must first evaluate your options, budget and logistics involved. From there, you can decide on the best method to soundproof your office space.
Office partitions
Office partitions are an excellent way of soundproofing your office space using both the blocking and decoupling methods. MPC Systems supply and install many partitions that you could choose to soundproof your office, including:
- Partition walls – Brick partition walls and stud partitions are the most common type of office wall installed to reduce noise. Check out our latest article to find out more about the different types of office partition wall.
- Doors – Doors offer a simple and easy solution to reducing the transmission of sound by blocking the waves and vibrations whilst maintaining accessibility.
- Glass windows – Glass windows also have excellent soundproofing properties whilst offering more light and visual transparency between spaces.
Office partitions offer a more long-term solution to noise pollution as they are semi-permanent to permanent installations. This solution not only has soundproofing abilities but can also help to structure your office, take a look at our 2024 Guide to Office Partitions to find out how.
Soundproofing materials
Another way to soundproof your office would be to purchase and install soundproofing materials such as foam acoustic foam panels. These offer a great solution if you are looking for a quick fix to your soundproofing. They are relatively simple to install and include soundproofing properties, however they can become more costly in the long run due to replacements and reparation.
What are the benefits of soundproofing my office?
You may first think that soundproofing is simply the removal of noise or making spaces quieter, however there are actually numerous secondary effects that can benefit yourself, your environment and your colleagues.
Decreased noise pollution
Soundproofing decreases the amount of noise pollution being emitted. Noise is often overlooked as a form of pollution and can be damaging to both people and the environment. Soundproofing can help decrease this noise pollution and create a healthier working environment.
Increased productivity
By reducing the sound in your office, it can increase the productivity of yourself and your colleagues. The stimulation of constant background noise can be detrimental to your concentration and productivity. By removing this external stimulus, productivity will begin to improve.
Increased privacy
Installing office partition walls that reduce sound will also increase the privacy around your office. By separating and adding more structure to your office space, you and your colleagues will see better privacy for confidential work, meetings or calls.
Improved communication
The installation of soundproofing measures will also lead to improved communication around the workplace, whether this be for meetings, collaboration or general conversations.
How can MPC Systems help with office soundproofing?
Here at MPC Systems, we specialise in office partitioning that offers soundproofing solutions. We construct innovative ideas and flair to design a better, more productive working environment for you and your staff. We are proud to serve the Midlands, the South West and the rest of the UK.
Our experts are on hand to help through the entire process from the initial conception to the finishing touches. Whether you are looking for a concept design, a full installation or simply want to talk to our team about your options, fill in our enquiry form or give us a call.
Take a look at our other articles relating to office partitioning, including the Types of Partition Wall and our 2024 Guide to Office Partitioning.
Visit our office partitioning page for more information, look at our previous work to visualise your project or get in touch to learn more.