Introduction: Understanding Office Pod Acoustics
The modern open office aimed to boost collaboration but created acoustic chaos that can slash productivity by up to 66% (Resonics) and increase workplace stress. Office pods offer a transformational solution when designed with proper acoustics and soundproofing to create quiet, productive spaces within noisy environments.
We have combined trusted products with expert guidance and a people-first approach. For us, understanding the science behind pod acoustics isn’t just technical knowledge, it’s the foundation for creating workplaces where focus, collaboration, and wellbeing thrive.
The Fundamentals: How Sound Behaves in Your Workspace
Sound is vibration – pure and simple. When a colleague takes a phone call, their voice creates pressure waves that radiate outward through the air at approximately 343 meters per second. These vibrations travel through walls, floors, ceilings, and other mediums until stopped or dissipated.
In an office pod, the challenge is twofold:
- Keep inside sounds in (for privacy).
- Keep outside sounds out (for focus).
But it’s not just about blocking noise. The acoustic environment inside the pod also needs to:
- Support natural conversation.
- Prevent echo buildup.
- Maintain psychological comfort so users don’t feel trapped or disconnected.
The Three Pillars of Office Pod Soundproofing
Professional acoustic design relies on three key strategies. The most effective pods integrate all three.
1. Absorption
Taming the Sound Waves – Acoustic absorption converts sound energy into small amounts of heat through friction within specialised materials. Absorptive surfaces include acoustic foam, fabric panels, and perforated materials. They reduce echo and reverberation, making speech clearer and less tiring. They also prevent sound buildup that could leak outside the pod.
Key insight: absorption isn’t just about soft surfaces. It’s about strategically placing the right type and thickness of materials where sound naturally concentrates.
2. Blocking
The Mass Barrier Strategy – Sound blocking depends on mass and density to resist sound transmission. Common materials include, multi-layer drywall, mass-loaded vinyl, acoustic barriers. It works like a winter coat, the denser the material, the less energy passes through. Effectiveness depends on sound frequency:
- Low-frequency sounds (HVAC, traffic) require different strategies.
- High-frequency sounds (typing, conversations) need lighter blocking methods.
This is why customised guidance is essential, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.
3. Decoupling
Decoupling means stopping sound vibrations from jumping from one solid surface to another. Noise doesn’t just travel through air, it shakes floors, walls, and ceilings. By separating those parts with a small air gap or a springy layer (rubber, foam, springs), you “break the bridge” so the shaking can’t pass through.
Everyday examples: rubber pads under a washing machine, a speaker sitting on a foam pad, or a treadmill on a mat. Building examples: a floating floor on rubber mats, a ceiling hung on springs, or two walls built with an air gap between them. The result is much less sound getting through.
Breaking the Vibration Path – Sound can bypass blocking and absorption by traveling through solid structures via vibration. Decoupling disrupts this path. It is achieved with air gaps, resilient materials, or spring-loaded systems. Example: floating floors, isolated wall systems, or carefully designed air spaces.
Analogy: pressing your ear to a wall lets you hear more clearly than standing a few inches away – that air gap makes the difference.
The Integrated Approach: Why Combination Matters
The most effective pods use absorption, blocking, and decoupling together:
- Absorption → manages reflections and clarity.
- Blocking → prevents direct sound transmission.
- Decoupling → stops vibrations sneaking through structures.
But there’s also a human dimension, even the most technically perfect pod can fail if users feel isolated or claustrophobic. Successful pod culture balances acoustic performance with comfort and workplace integration.
Beyond Decibels: The True Goal of Pod Acoustics
The science of office pod acoustics goes beyond simple decibel reduction. It’s about creating spaces where people naturally want to:
- Focus on deep work.
- Collaborate without disturbing others.
- Perform at their best while feeling comfortable and connected.
In the next section, we’ll explore how these principles translate into real-world performance metrics and what to consider when evaluating office pod solutions for your workplace.
How soundproofing is measured
Measuring acoustics and soundproofing in office pods is a critical part of evaluating their performance and ensuring they provide privacy and noise control. The acoustic performance of office pods directly impacts productivity, confidentiality, and user comfort in modern open-plan workspaces. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of how comprehensive acoustic testing is conducted:
Soundproofing Measurement (Sound Isolation)
Soundproofing refers to how effectively the pod prevents sound transmission through its structural elements – walls, ceiling, floor, door seals, and ventilation system. This bi-directional isolation is crucial for both containing confidential conversations within the pod and blocking distracting external noise from entering.
Primary Acoustic Ratings For Offices & Buildings:
- STC (Sound Transmission Class): A single-number rating system predominantly used in North America that quantifies how effectively a structure attenuates airborne sound transmission across a frequency range of 125-4000 Hz. The rating is derived from transmission loss measurements at 16 one-third octave band frequencies, then compared against standard reference curves (ASTM E413). Higher STC values indicate superior sound isolation performance. For office pods:
- STC 25-35 (minimal privacy, suitable for non-confidential work)
- STC 30-40 (moderate privacy for general meetings)
- STC 45+ (high privacy for confidential discussions and phone calls)
- STC 50+ (maximum privacy for sensitive conversations)
- Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction Index): The internationally recognized metric following ISO 717-1 standards, measured in decibels (dB). This European-standard measurement provides a more globally applicable assessment than STC. The Rw value is determined by comparing measured transmission loss data against a reference curve, with the curve shifted to find the best fit. Spectrum adaptation terms (C and Ctr) are often added to account for different noise sources like traffic or human speech.
- DnT,w (Weighted Standardized Level Difference): This field measurement standard (ISO 717-1) accounts for both the inherent sound insulation properties of the pod structure and the acoustic characteristics of the surrounding environment, including reverberation time and room volume. This metric is particularly valuable because it represents the actual privacy level users experience in real-world office conditions, not just laboratory conditions. DnT,w values typically range 5-10 dB lower than laboratory Rw measurements due to flanking transmission and real-world acoustic conditions.
Applicable Standards and Certification Framework for Pods
Standards:
ISO 23351-1:2020 – The definitive standard used by the majority of leading office pod manufacturers, specifically addressing acoustic measurement and rating of furniture ensemble products including office pods. This recent standard fills the gap left by traditional building acoustic standards that don’t adequately address furniture-scale acoustic products.
- Take two measurements: 1) Speaker playing in an empty room (no product), 2) the same speaker inside the product where a person would be (e.g., inside a phone booth or car cabin).
- Level reduction = measurement(1) − measurement(2), per 1‑octave band from 125–8,000 Hz
(think: how much a closed car/booth muffles a portable speaker). - Speech level reduction: one A‑weighted number showing how much standard speech is cut across 125–8,000 Hz (like how well a phone booth keeps your call from being heard outside).
| ISO Class | Speech Level Reduction | Speech Privacy Level | Typical Performance | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A+ | 33+ dB reduction | Excellent | Complete speech privacy in all office environments | Premium |
| Class A | 30–32 dB reduction | Excellent | Guaranteed speech privacy in typical offices (40–50 dB ambient) | High |
| Class B | 25–29 dB reduction | Good | Speech privacy in typical offices, reduces normal speech to whisper level (~30 dB) | Moderate |
| Class C | 20–24 dB reduction | Fair | Limited privacy, requires quieter office environments | Budget |
| Class D | 15–19 dB reduction | Minimal | Basic noise reduction, not suitable for confidential conversations | Entry-level |
ISO 717-1:2013 – Older standard that establishes methods for rating airborne sound insulation using single-number quantities and spectrum adaptation terms, providing the foundation for Rw measurements. Most manufacturers have moved away from this standard.
- Uses single-number quantities (e.g., R’w) to represent the sound insulation.
- Includes spectrum adaptation terms (e.g., C, Ctr) to account for different noise sources, such as internal building noise or external traffic noise.
- Provides rules for determining these quantities from the results of sound measurements according to related standards like ISO 10140.
ISO 3382-2:2008 – Covers acoustic measurement procedures in ordinary rooms applicable to office pod internal acoustics assessment.
- Purpose: How to measure room reverberation time (how long a clap fades) in ordinary rooms.
- Covers: the test steps, needed gear, number of mic/source positions, data analysis, and report format.
- Use: to correct other acoustic tests (e.g., source sound levels, sound insulation) and to check if a room meets RT targets.
Core Acoustic Materials: The Foundation of Sound Control in Pods
Office pods combine absorption materials like foam and mineral wool with blocking layers and specialised construction techniques to block external noise while controlling internal sound reflections. The effectiveness is enhanced through carefully selected surface materials and acoustic upholstery that work together to create optimal sound isolation and interior comfort.
Absorption Materials
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Acoustic Panels are made from recycled plastic bottles, offering strong sound absorption across the 250–4000Hz speech range. Naturally fire-resistant without added chemicals, they are also lightweight and easy to install. Key Benefit: Sustainable, safe, and effective sound absorption.
- Acoustic Foam Panels use open-cell polyurethane to convert sound energy into heat, with wedge or pyramid profiles that maximize mid-to-high frequency absorption. Key Benefit: Highly efficient at controlling speech-related noise.
- Fabric-Covered Acoustic Panels feature a mineral wool or polyester core wrapped in acoustic fabric, allowing sound to penetrate while protecting the core. Key Benefit: Combines acoustic performance with professional aesthetics.
Blocking Materials
- High-Density Boards (MDF & Gypsum) provide mass-loaded blockers for sound isolation. Doubling weight increases sound reduction by ~6 dB Key Benefit: Reliable and cost-effective noise isolation.
- Laminated Glass Systems Multi-pane glass with acoustic PVB interlayers provide superior isolation compared to standard monolithic glass Key Benefit: Maintains visual openness while blocking sound.
Decoupling – Advanced Construction Techniques
- Decoupled Wall Systems – Inner and outer shells mechanically isolated, acoustic sealants block vibration transfer paths Key Benefit: Prevents sound leakage through structural vibrations.
- Air Gap Optimization – Strategic spacing, often with mineral wool infill, Tuned to absorb speech frequencies Key Benefit: Targets and reduces human speech noise effectively.
Product showcase
The following office pods represent a variation of acoustic engineering in workplace design, each selected for their superior soundproofing capabilities within different acoustic classes, measured against the industry standards, ISO 23351-1. These solutions showcase precision-tuned acoustic structures that deliver high speech level reduction, transforming noisy open offices into productive, distraction-free environments.
Framery Four – Certified Class A ISO 23351-1 – 30dB. Framery Four achieves acoustic excellence with an array of blocking and absorption techniques – aluminium and powder coated steel, sound control laminated glass and recycled acoustic foam providing echo-free acoustics. Framery Four uses PET sheets laminated with recycled polyester fabric. Framery Four features a patent-pending acoustic design, precisely tuned to the frequency of human speech, delivering exceptional performance unmatched in its class.
Hushfree S Hybrid – Certified Class A ISO 23351-1 – 30.2 dB. Hushfree S Hybrid is made with tempered laminated door and back wall of acoustic glass and honeycomb chipboard for sound blocking. Sound absorption is achieved through the use of acoustic fabric panels and acoustic foam.
Focus Meeting Pod 4 – Certified Class B ISO 23351-1 – 25.3 dB. Made of wood, aluminum, and blocking materials like 8mm thick glass, with internal acoustic panels crafted from eco-innovative polyester (PET) for sound absorption. Focus Meeting pod is a versatile meeting space for not only phone calls, but enough room for small and mid size groups to hold confidential gatherings.
Hushfree XM – Certified Class B ISO 23351-1 – 28.7dB. HushFree XM is a fully enclosed acoustic meeting pod, thoughtfully engineered to provide privacy and a tranquil workspace. Hushfree XM is made from blocking materials such as high-quality honeycomb chipboard, double-tempered glass with acoustic film for the front and back panels, and acoustic foam and fabric panels providing absorption.
The Fundamentals: Sound in Office Pods – Key Summary
How Sound Works
Sound travels as vibrations through air and structures. In office pods, the goal is twofold: keep internal sounds private and block external noise for focus, while ensuring a comfortable, natural acoustic environment.
Three Pillars of Soundproofing
- Absorption – Materials like foam and fabric reduce echo and improve speech clarity.
- Blocking – Dense barriers (drywall, vinyl, laminated glass) stop sound transmission.
- Decoupling – Air gaps and isolated structures break vibration paths.
The most effective pods combine all three.
Measuring Performance
- STC / Rw / DnT,w ratings measure sound isolation. Higher values mean greater privacy.
- RT60 (reverberation), STI (speech intelligibility), and C50/EDT assess internal sound quality.
- Privacy tests check speech leakage, reduction, and distance at which conversations are unintelligible.
Standards & Materials
- Standards: ISO 23351-1
- Materials: PET panels, acoustic foam, laminated glass, MDF/gypsum, durable fabrics.
- Techniques: Absorption, blocking, decoupled walls, optimized air gaps, acoustic ventilation.
Effective office pod acoustics rely on a careful balance of sound absorption, blocking, and decoupling to ensure both privacy and comfort. By combining the right materials, construction techniques, and adherence to standards, pods create spaces that minimize distractions while supporting focus, collaboration, and natural communication. Office pod acoustics are not just about noise blocking but creating comfortable, private spaces where people can focus, collaborate, and feel connected.
