Noise
Noise is an environmental and health issue of increasing concern, due, in part, to the move to open-plan design. In a modern open-plan office, noise can be distracting and stressful.
Office noise can be separated into three categories; ambient, transfer and external.
Ambient noise is the background noise associated with the office environment. Typically ambient noise is a composite of sounds from many sources within an office, where no particular sound is dominant.
Transfer noise is noise transferred, either airborne or by direct transfer, through a surface such as an internal meeting room wall.
External noise is generated from the external environment, such as traffic noise.
Pointers
- Specify HVAC and other mechanical systems that generate low noise levels.
- Soundproof office and meeting room partitions, and ceilings, to prevent noise transfer.
- Separate desks as much as possible, and/or make offices available for phone calls.
- Design layouts with sufficient quiet rooms and meeting rooms so staff can have the opportunity for uninterrupted phone conversations and meetings.
Useful resources and information
- Occupational safety and health service code of practice for the management of noise in the workplace is available from the Department of Labour
- Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2107:2000 Acoustics (PDF 442 KB) - Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors are available from Occupational Safety and Health
- The Australian Your Home website has a number of simple technical methods of reducing noise
Case study: noise
The Ministry chose an open plan layout for its new building which meant the issue of noise needed to be taken into consideration. The planning for, and location of, the senior staff offices, quiet rooms, and meeting rooms in Environment House allows an opportunity for all staff to access quiet areas for phone conversations and meetings. All of these spaces, and the ceiling on each floor, have been insulated with noise insulation to dull any sound generated by general office activities and the mechanical services installed in the ceiling cavities.
