Before choosing a system, it is worth answering a few questions: which areas require full acoustic privacy, where is a visual separation of zones enough, and where do we care about letting light through? Typical office zones are:
- Concentration — work requiring focus, phone calls, video conferences. Requires acoustic insulation of at least 35–40 dB and visual separation from shared areas.
- Collaboration — open space with low desktop screens or partitions up to 140 cm. Sound separation at the source without fully cutting off the surroundings.
- Social zones — kitchen, relaxation area. Acoustically the most problematic due to the accumulation of noise. A full partition with a fabric infill or acoustic glass.
Height is the basic parameter that determines both the acoustic effect and the perception of the space. Desktop screens (40–70 cm) absorb sound at the source but do not insulate the voice. Partitions up to 140 cm provide visual privacy during seated work. Full partitions from floor to suspended ceiling give maximum acoustic insulation but require more careful planning of services: power, ventilation, fire regulations.
Modular systems differ in their load-bearing profile, types of infill and permissible configurations. System 32 is a heavy aluminium profile with 52 mm panels, reaching insulation of around 38–44 dB. Suitable for conference rooms, private offices and call centres. System 20 is a 20 mm wide profile with upholstered or glass panels. Excellent acoustic absorption, easy installation without anchoring, configurable after installation. Ideal for separating zones in an open space. Soft desktop screens, mounted on desk clamps, work well in operational offices with many workstations.
The layout of partitions has a direct impact on sound propagation. Partitions perpendicular to windows limit the transmission of reverberation along the glazing. Avoid long corridors between partitions: the sound wave can build up at the end. The entrance to a conference zone should be set back from the main circulation route. A combination of absorbing materials (fabric) and reflecting ones (glass) gives the best RT60 result — usually between 0.4 and 0.6 s.
A typical office fit-out project proceeds as follows: acoustic audit and RT60 measurement in the bare state, concept design with zoning and system selection, detailed design with layouts and a bill of materials, phased installation without interrupting office work, acoustic verification and any corrections. A properly planned fit-out can shorten the RT60 from the 0.9–1.2 s typical for an empty office to the target value of 0.4–0.6 s, which translates directly into speech intelligibility and work comfort.