TL;DR (Key takeaways):
Location: Poznań, a modern design office.
Problem: Noise from the central circulation aisle and employees distracting one another with conversations.
Solution: A hybrid of Seal desk-mounted partitions and free-standing Soft systems.
Design: A light-green colour and biophilic design (sound-dampening plants).
Acoustics: A double layer of acoustic foam in all panels.
Challenge: How to cut out noise in the very heart of the office?
Work in this Poznań design office demands enormous focus, yet the layout, with a corridor running through the centre, generated constant distraction. Employees complained about two main factors: the noise of people walking through the middle of the office and the buzz of everyone's phone and project conversations. The client was looking for a solution that would not only quieten the space but also breathe new energy into it, while avoiding the grey, "gloomy" colours typical of corporations.
Solution: SEAL and SOFT systems in the service of concentration
We proposed a comprehensive insulation system that works on several levels:
- SEAL desk partitions: At each workstation we mounted SEAL panels. Thanks to their standard acoustic foam, they create an "acoustic bubble" around the designer, absorbing sound at the source before it can spread through the whole room.
- SOFT free-standing partitions: To physically and acoustically separate the corridor from the work zone, we used mobile SOFT partitions. They were reinforced with an additional layer of foam, which effectively cuts off the buzz from the circulation aisle.
- Colour therapy and Energy Design: Everything was made in a light-green colour. This is a deliberate choice – green not only references nature but also adds energy and reduces stress, which is crucial in creative work.
- Support from nature (Biophilic Design): The client complemented the project with pots of snake plants (mother-in-law's tongue) placed on the cabinets. These plants fit perfectly into the trend of humanising the space, acting as natural sound diffusers and improving the indoor microclimate – we often suggest this solution.
How to effectively quieten a design office?
Is light-green fabric hard to maintain?
No. We use tightly woven fabrics (e.g. from the Note or Elf groups) that are stain-resistant and easy to clean by vacuuming – the light-green colour keeps its freshness and acoustic properties for years.
By how many decibels do such partitions reduce noise?
The systems used offer sound insulation and absorption of around 11–15 dB. In the case of the Soft partitions with an additional layer of foam, the effect is especially noticeable near busy circulation aisles. Combined with the plants, this turns an annoying hum into a quiet, comfortable background murmur.
Does mounting the SEAL partitions damage the desks?
Absolutely not. The Seal system is mounted with non-invasive clamp brackets that leave no marks after removal – which is key in rented offices.
Final result
The project in Poznań proved that fighting noise does not have to mean giving up aesthetics. By combining the SEAL and SOFT systems with biophilic design, the office became a quieter and more ergonomic space. Employees gained visual privacy and acoustic comfort, and the light-green colour added a cheerful accent.
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