DECRIPTION
A closed off private office is typically used by the occupant for individual tasks (administration, reading, writing, phone calls) although may also be used for conversations with 2-3 other people.

In this type of space, the main objective in acoustical terms is to guarantee a limited disturbance by noise generated in adjacent spaces (concentration) and to bring acoustical comfort for phone conversations or meetings between 2 or 3 people limiting the audibility and intelligibility in adjacent spaces (confidentiality).

CONSTRAINTS
Poor sound insulation between closed spaces may mean that conversations with raised voices can be readily heard and even normal conversations may cause occasional disturbance.

Performance levels of materials and constructions on site may not always meet those anticipated from laboratory tests due to installation issues which may include propagation through undampered ductwork, or 'weakspots' such as open-backed luminaires.

ARMSTRONG SOLUTION
Concentration and confidentiality are the key factors for occupants of individual offices. Armstrong proposes products with high sound attenuation performance to help provide privacy of conversation and to limit disturbance form neighbouring rooms with only a medium absorption necessary due to the relatively small volume of these rooms and low number of occupants. As you must consider the total passive acoustic system, consideration must be given to alternative sound paths i.e. through raised access floors and/or partitions as any one of these can reduce the overall room to room performance no matter how high the others are.