Background
Softcat, a leading provider of IT infrastructure solutions, commissioned Anderson Acoustics to conduct an acoustic review for their new office fit-out project on the 9th floor of the St Botolph Building in London. The project aimed to create a dynamic and collaborative working environment while ensuring adequate acoustic privacy and comfort for various workspaces.
What we did
The primary objectives of the acoustic design were to:
- Provide appropriate internal ambient noise levels for different work activities.
- Ensure good speech comfort and room acoustics for conversations, group meetings, and video conferencing.
- Achieve acoustic privacy in rooms intended for private conversations.
Acoustic Design Considerations
- Internal Ambient Noise Levels: The design targeted specific noise levels for different office spaces, adhering to British Standards and the British Council for Offices (BCO) guidelines.
- Speech Comfort and Room Acoustics: The design focused on controlling reverberation time to support various room uses.
- Acoustic Privacy: The project required different levels of acoustic privacy, ranging from moderate to confidential. For example, the multi-faith room required confidential privacy, while general meeting rooms aimed for good privacy.
Design Recommendations
- Wall Constructions: Various wall types were proposed to achieve the required sound insulation performance.
- Glazed Screens and Doors: To maintain privacy, specific performance specifications were recommended for glazed partitions and associated door-sets.
- Reverberation Control: The design included recommendations for acoustic treatment to control reverberation time. For example, meeting rooms required Class A acoustic ceilings and carpets to achieve the desired reverberation time.
- Detailing: Attention to construction details was crucial to avoid compromising acoustic integrity. Recommendations included sealing partition connections with flexible sealant and installing acoustic cavity barriers.
Conclusion
The acoustic design for Softcat’s new office fit-out successfully addressed the project’s objectives by providing tailored solutions for different workspaces. The design would ensure a balance between a lively, collaborative environment and the necessary acoustic privacy and comfort for various activities.
Project Progress
Softcat’s London office officially relocated to the new premises in March this year. See the full details on the Softcat website here
