Fortifying acoustics
When a sound source room has a ceiling with high sound absorption, it results in a lower sound pressure in the room, which directly impacts on the sound transmitted to the adjoining room, as much of it has been partially absorbed by the ceiling. This is further enhanced when both rooms have high sound absorption.
To learn about the need for high sound absorption and sound insulation we sat down with Øivind Hansen, Facility Manager at Skanska Norway to hear about their new offices in Sundtkvartalet.
The right combination
Sundtkvartalet is a new, 31,000 m², modern office complex that blends seamlessly in with the surrounding buildings of the old Oslo neighbourhood where it is built. The building has a total capacity of 1,500 office workspaces, and Skanska Norway is the largest tenant with 400 employees, using 25% of the total space.
Skanska's needs and demands set the project agenda, where effective, flexible and good work stations were the primary focus. As Skanska works with contracts and other sensitive information, a high degree of confidentiality and privacy was high on the interior design plan. "It is crucial that conversations about such matters cannot be overheard", says Øivind Hansen, Facility Manager at Skanska.
Rockfon® Sonar® dB is installed in most offices in Sundtkvartalet. It provides enhanced room-to-room sound insulation, ensuring that noise does not travel from one office to another, and it delivers a high-level of sound absorption, creating a comfortable acoustic climate. As Øivind says, "In our previous office you were able to hear what was being discussed in the adjoining meeting rooms; this has significantly improved in the new offices".
With the right sound absorption and sound insulating ceiling, one can manage to have the most effective solution to promote collaboration while respecting the need for privacy.
