When reconstructing bare commercial spaces into a functional office environment, acoustic performance is a top priority. By investing in building materials with added sound control, you can successfully build a productive environment for your future tenants.
So if you’re planning an office fitout in Perth, read on to discover essential construction materials that will help boost the acoustics of the space.
1. Ceiling & wall partition systems
It’s easy to overlook a framing system’s role in improving a space’s acoustic performance. But as framing systems create a building’s structure that serves as pathways for sound to travel, they also significantly affect your office’s soundproofing. When planning the foundations of your office fit-out construction, opt for systems designed to control sound travel.
Recommended acoustic framing solutions
- Rondo Quiet Stud Acoustic Wall System: features an overall larger surface area than normal wall studs, helping dampen sound vibrations before they go out of a room
- Rondo KEY-LOCK® Concealed Ceiling System: available as a direct-fix or suspended solution, this ceiling system is compatible with acoustic mounts for a soundproof ceiling that prevents sound from transmitting between floors.
- Rondo Acoustic Accessories: to improve the acoustic performance of their wall and ceiling systems, Rondo also offers sound isolation clips that improve airborne and impact sound isolation.
2. Insulation
Aside from enhancing thermal comfort and improving your office space’s energy efficiency, insulation can also help with soundproofing. Filling your framing systems with wall insulation made with materials like glasswool and polyester will help absorb sound. Choosing insulation solutions specifically designed for optimal acoustic performance will act as a better barrier in preventing sound from travelling in or out of your commercial office space.
Recommended acoustic insulation solutions
- Select Insulation Ecowool Acoustic: made of recycled glass mineral wool insulation, these eco-friendly partition batts are made for both thermal and acoustic insulation. It’s also available in a variety of densities and thicknesses to suit your building specifications.
- Bradford Insulation Acoustigard Wall: used for partition walls, intertenancy walls, and even ceilings, this all-around acoustic insulation, available in multiple densities, is specifically designed to reduce sound transmission. It’s also made of non-combustible glasswool fibre and won’t add to the fuel load in the building
- Bradford Insulation Soundscreen Acoustic Wall Batts: another non-combustible acoustic insulation solution from Bradford, this high-density glasswool is perfect for reducing sound transmission between internal walls and mid-floors.
- FibreFlex Insulation SoundSupreme™ and PolySupreme™: made from 100% non-toxic polyester, FibreFlex Insulation solutions can be used for internal walls, ceilings, and between floor levels to reduce sound reverberation and airborne noise.
3. Substrate
Your substrate choice also matters in creating a productive office. For its superior soundproofing qualities, we recommend investing in specialised acoustic plasterboard instead of regular office fit-out materials. Compared to standard options, soundproof plasterboard has a higher density that more effectively reflects and blocks airborne sound.
Recommended acoustic plasterboards
- SINIAT SoundShield: with a higher-density core, it’s designed to greatly reduce noise heard through walls and ceilings, making it ideal for quiet, stress-free living environments.
- SINIAT Intershield: designed to meet the strict fire and acoustic demands of modern building codes, SINIAT Intershield is perfect for intertenancy and corridor walls in commercial spaces like offices, where standard compliance is critical.
- SINIAT Createx: used as a specialised acoustic ceiling and wall panel in settings like offices, this plasterboard solution also features a built-in air purification with CAPT’AIR® technology.
- SINIAT Creason: also featuring CAPT’AIR® technology to help purify indoor air, this acoustic plasterboard from SINIAT features perforation holes and acoustic fleece backing to absorb sound energy. They’re especially recommended for large offices as they help reduce echo.
4. Ceiling Tiles
Installing ceiling tiles can also help block noise from travelling between rooms and floors. To properly soundproof ceilings in your office fit-out construction, go for acoustic ceiling tiles made with materials that help absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it around.
Recommended acoustic ceiling tiles
- Rock SG Lunar Ceiling Tiles: made from wet-formed mineral fibre, these soundproof ceiling tiles offer great sound absorption and superior sag resistance. With a modern finish, they’re a great office fit-out material as they combine style with functionality and durability.
- Stonewall Platinum Aspect Vivid Medigrid: featuring a high-density core made from non-combustible & lightweight volcanic rock, these ceiling tiles offer serious acoustic absorption for offices. Not to mention, it’s also medical-grade, delivering hygiene and safety in shared workspaces.
5. Acoustic panels
To further calibrate internal acoustics, installing additional acoustic panels on the walls and ceilings is highly recommended. They’re perfect for constructing meeting rooms or open workspaces, as they lend better soundproofing while enhancing voice quality for those communicating within. Acoustic panels also often come in stylish designs and textures, so they can add an elegant accent to your office spaces.
Recommended soundproof panelling
- Autex Cube™ Acoustic Panel: used as a soundproof panelling for walls and flat ceilings, this 100% polyester acoustic panel offers design versatility. It can serve as a wall covering, creative medium, or stand-alone feature while reducing sound reverberation between workspaces.
- Autex Quietspace® Panel: designed to absorb a minimum of 85% of sound energy, this acoustic panel is the best choice for maximum sound insulation. Made with a compressed face and cushioned backing, it offers superior frequency control for office wall and ceiling applications.
Why choose acoustic building materials?
Any builder can choose to use basic, durable materials and still create an office that’s up to code. However, to truly transform a space into a suitable office environment, soundproof building materials are recommended as they contribute the following:
1. Workplace productivity & communication
With less noise going around, future office workers would have fewer distractions. This means they can properly focus on their tasks and improve their performance. Not only that, but offices built with proper acoustic building materials also experience improved internal acoustics, allowing teams to converse with one another effectively.
2. Fostering employee well-being
A quiet office equals less mental fatigue and less stress, as workers won’t have to filter through unwanted noise that usually causes mental overload. Not to mention, noise pollution can lead to health issues like cognitive issues, heart problems, or sleep disorders. This makes acoustic building materials even more essential if you’re planning office fit-outs where heavy vehicular traffic is expected, or in suburbs near Perth Airport.
3. Privacy
With proper acoustic building materials like soundproof panelling or ceilings, you can help control the transference of sound. This can offer confidentiality and security, allowing your tenants to discuss business matters without neighbouring offices or unqualified persons overhearing.
Building a safe place to work
Overall, to maintain a healthy work environment, WorkSafe WA recommends keeping both internal and external noise levels below the following:
- 50 dB(A) in areas where work requires high concentration or effortless conversation
- 70 dB(A) in areas where more routine work is being carried out or where it is important to carry on conversations.
Choosing the right building materials with a high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) can help build an office that meets these recommendations.
Lastly, to ensure your office fit-out is up to code, carefully inspect your chosen acoustic building materials. The above-mentioned office fit-out materials have been tested and are compliant with national standards to ensure your tenant’s safety at work. For detailed information on designing and constructing a workplace that follows health and safety guidelines, check out WA DMIRS’ guide here.
Get quality, acoustic office fit-out materials from Westgyp
Ready to get started with your office fit-out construction? Westgyp stocks all the essential acoustic building materials you need to build a safe and productive office space.
Whether you’re looking for versatile office fit-out materials that fit your clients’ branding or cost-effective acoustic solutions, we’re here to help you out. Contact us today for expert advice on the best options and installations based on your budget and needs.