Acoustic smog, i.e. excessive noise in the work environment, is an increasingly urgent problem both in commercial spaces and in residential areas. The new ISO 22955 standard indicates the direction of activities in the field of improving acoustics in open space offices, based on a contextual approach to the specificity of work. Its guidelines, combined with modern acoustic insulation solutions available, for example from Armacell, allow for effective control of noise levels. In today's article, you will learn what steps you can take to ensure proper acoustics in open space offices, and why it is so important for the comfort and efficiency of employees.
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How can noise reduce efficiency in the office?
Acoustic comfort is an important factor influencing our daily performance and well-being both at work and at home. Noise, regardless of its source, can significantly reduce our efficiency, negatively affecting concentration, comfort and overall well-being.
In an office environment where there is a lot of traffic and activity, external noise, such as street noises or the operation of city equipment, are one of the main sources of disruption. Lack of acoustic comfort affects our ability to focus on work and may also cause fatigue and frustration.
It's not just external noise that matters. Internal noise, both airborne and impact, also plays an important role. Household sounds, conversations, sounds of audio devices or noise related to the building infrastructure, such as pipes in shafts or ventilation ducts, may contribute to acoustic disturbances in the office.
Therefore, ensuring proper acoustics in the office is extremely important. Appropriate acoustic insulation and noise control solutions can significantly improve working conditions. Thanks to these measures, you can create a friendly and effective work environment that supports employee concentration and comfort.
A new perspective on the noise problem: ISO 22955
The ISO 22955 standard is a document that revolutionizes the approach to the problem of noise in open space offices. This standard precisely defines acoustic issues in the context of the functions of rooms and activities performed in them, opening new possibilities in designing friendly and effective office spaces.
The ISO 22955 standard identifies different types of office spaces, including areas with an unknown function and those where external communication plays a key role. The highlighted areas include places for telephone calls and videoconferencing, team work zones with active verbal communication, individual work stations, reception areas and spaces that combine various functions.
It is worth noting that although the ISO 22955 standard is not obligatory, its implementation can significantly improve working conditions in open space offices. It gives designers and acousticians guidelines that allow them to create office spaces in which employees can work effectively and comfortably. As a result, you can achieve better concentration, performance and overall well-being of employees.
Acoustic solutions from Armacell
In the fight against annoying noise in the office, every tool is worth its weight in gold. Good results in reducing noise from pipes, ventilation ducts and air conditioning devices can be achieved by using innovative acoustic solutions, such as ArmaComfort AB Alu and ArmaComfort AB Alu Plus insulation.
One of the unique solutions is ArmaComfort AB Alu Plus insulation, which combines a sound barrier with sound absorption. This advanced material technology ensures effective noise reduction, especially in the case of fan coil units. These devices, especially in rooms without suspended ceilings or only with ceiling islands, may generate noise that exceeds the standards. ArmaComfort AB Alu Plus insulation, composed of EPDM/eva barrier layers and FEF rubber foam, provides impressive results. Thanks to the acoustic tests, a noise reduction of over 6 dB was achieved in the highest fan coil speed, which is a significant drop.
Another example of an effective solution is ArmaFlex rubber foam insulation and ArmaComfort Barrier B barriers. Thanks to their use in ventilation ducts, noise reduction of over 10 dB was achieved. This confirms that local noise reductions from equipment and ventilation ducts can be achieved by selecting appropriate insulating materials and proper installation.
Armacell continually improves its acoustic solutions, ensuring effective noise control in open offices. Appropriate acoustic insulation, such as ArmaComfort AB Alu Plus and ArmaComfort Barrier B, is the key to creating a quiet and comfortable office space. They act as a protective shield against noise, which translates into improved concentration, efficiency and overall well-being of employees.