PROFAB ACCESS
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE
As offices begin to hum back to life following the conclusion of the government ’ s official ‘ work from home guidance ’, Marcus Parnham , Commercial Director for Profab Access , explores the increasing focus being placed on commercial office design , including the passage of sound , to create productive working environments .
COVID-19 has undoubtedly had a radical impact on the expectations and requirements of commercial offices . Creating functional , adaptable and ergonomic environments that are designed around fostering employee productivity , whilst also providing individuals with the privacy and space to work in isolation , is essential .
Photo : Morley von Sternberg
From group discussions and presentations , to individual research projects , the modern office environment must support a wide range of tasks and working habits , with its interior structure at the centre of achieving this .
Here successful acoustic management is essential , particularly for areas such as boardrooms , interview rooms or meeting areas , where privacy is paramount . Blocking out background noise throughout an entire office will also help to decrease distractions , subsequently enabling employees to concentrate better , as they continue to make the transition back to busy office environments .
Approved Document E , which outlines the Government ’ s guidance on compliance with the Building Regulations , details a comprehensive set of requirements for building components in a variety of settings , and should be the starting point for architects and specifiers looking to achieve the highest standards of acoustic performance .
As defined within Approved Document E , any corridor wall or door , including riser doors , must have a minimum mass per unit area of 25 kilograms per square metre , or achieve a minimum sound reduction index of 25 decibels . Such components must be tested in laboratory conditions according to BS EN 140-3 , by a UKAS accredited third party facility .
By exceeding these minimum requirements through the specification of access solutions that deliver superior performance , architects can not only create efficient working environments , but successfully futureproof the building against potential future legislative changes .
For example , professionals should here consider steel doors , riser doors and access panels that surpass the requirements set out in Approved Document E , whilst also offering a number of additional benefits . This includes the specification of steel doors that are available with an acoustic rating of over 50 dB , in addition to riser doors that are manufactured to over 40 dB and access panels over 30 dB .
However , achieving a consistent visual appeal is just as important when creating an effective and welcoming workplace . Here , riser doors can be painted or clad in a number of materials to support architects and specifiers in achieving either a discreet or distinctive visual appeal , dependent on the chosen interior design scheme . This includes the specification of riser doors that can be clad in materials such as stone , marble or ceramic tile , to create a unique finish that achieves a visually impacting design for any project .
As the landscape of commercial office environments continues to change in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic , architects and specifiers have an opportunity to create effective work spaces that foster productivity and creativity , by achieving the highest standards of acoustic performance and aesthetics .
For further information on Profab Access and its range of riser doors , access panels , and steel doors , call + 44 ( 0 ) 1827 718222 or visit www . profabaccess . com .
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