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Solving The Noise Issues of An Open Plan Office Space

Open plan office spaces have become the go-to layout for many companies. They were designed to create a sense of collaboration and help break down barriers between departments. However, one major drawback is that these same open plan office spaces is the noise factor and for those of us who work best with no interruptions and silence, these can be difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are solutions that can help reduce noise levels and make working in an open plan office much more pleasant. Let’s explore how acoustic products can help manage noise levels in your workspace.

Acoustic products are designed to absorb sound energy, reducing reverberation time and creating a pleasant acoustic environment with reduced background noise levels. These products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from wall panels to ceiling baffles, so they can be tailored to match the unique needs of your space. Some even double as decorative features to add a touch of personality to the room!


open plan office space with planting

Not only will acoustic products reduce background noise levels in your workspace, but they will also improve speech intelligibility and audio clarity for meetings or conference calls. Having clear conversations ensures everyone is on the same page and helps ensure nothing is lost in translation due to excessive background noise.


With clever new products such as the Hush and Nectar Acoustic lights, you can not only have stylish lighting, but these clever products provide unparalleled acoustic comfort. With its unique honeycomb structure, made with lightweight acoustic fabric,
the Nectar lightshade offers a softer, more direct light source to keep your office environment productive and vibrant. Nectar also comes in nine biophilic colours inspired by New Zealand’s natural environment.

nectar light shades










Nectar Acoustic Lights

The Hush acoustic light is the perfect addition to your office or restaurant space; this innovative product was created in partnership with renowned designer David Trubridge Design Studio. Ideal for reducing distracting noise and improving the acoustics in a space, it is sure to create a calming and productive environment for all your tasks and meetings. As well as being an acoustic aid, this lighting wonder adds an elegant touch to any meeting table, task desk or restaurant bar. 


nectar light shades

Hush  Acoustic Lights

Cascade™ Hanging Screens are spatial and acoustic partitions that fall elegantly from the ceiling to the floor. Lightweight yet sturdy, Cascade™ Hanging Screens are semi-permanent by nature; easy to install, uninstall, and move around your space as required and can match your corporate identity easily.


Cascade™ Hanging Screen


Horizon™ is a range of floating acoustic panels that create a cloud-like illusion when suspended. With clean lines and simple, two-dimensional geometric forms, Horizon elegantly holds space as both a design feature and a high-performance acoustic absorber.

horizon acoustic panels

Horizon™ Floating Panels

Soundbox silence booths are a versatile solution to offer quiet spaces within busy open-plan offices. They provide sound insulation for privacy and meetings, and also offer alternative workspaces for focused tasks, without the need for additional meeting rooms.

soundbox silence booths

Soundbox Silence Booths

Soundbox silence booths are a versatile solution to offer quiet spaces within busy open-plan offices. They provide sound insulation for privacy and meetings, and also offer alternative workspaces for focused tasks, without the need for additional meeting rooms.

In addition to acoustic products, there are other measures you can take as well. For instance, adding area rugs or carpets not only softens footfall noise but also helps muffle sound waves from chair legs rolling across hard floor surfaces. You can also invest in sound masking systems which emit low-level white noise throughout the space to create a “noise blanket” effect that masks conversations without being intrusive or disruptive.

The right combination of acoustic products and sound masking systems can help reduce background noise levels considerably in any open plan office space - making it easier for employees to communicate clearly while still enjoying their collaborative environment. If you're looking for ways to reduce background noise without sacrificing style or comfort at your workplace, investing in acoustic materials is definitely worth considering. 

Contact our team to discuss the options that would work best for your team!

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Therese / Eftpos Now

Therese / Eftpos Now

"I wanted to say a huge thank you to Juliet for making our office fitout process so smooth. Juliet always found answers for us, provided an amazing design and made the whole process easy. Thanks team - we love our new furniture!"

Bethlehem Baptist Church / Staff

Bethlehem Baptist Church / Staff

"Bethlehem Baptist staff have been very pleased with the furniture we have purchased through Modern Office. In particular we have found the office furniture of a high quality. As a company they have been very easy to work with."

Bruce Thompson / Vulcan Steel Tauranga

Bruce Thompson / Vulcan Steel Tauranga

"Juliet and the team did a great job. We can’t fault the service or the resulting fitout. Very pleased to have been able to do business with you again and it is always good to support local business.”

Matt Stevenson / CEO / HSM Group

Matt Stevenson / CEO / HSM Group

"HSM are delighted with the service received from Modern Office in undertaking the office furniture project for its new premises. The furniture suggested looks amazing and provides the right levels of space and storage as well as looking great. Their delivery and setup, as well as the communication with them and the prompt response has been fantastic and we would highly recommend them."

Kevin Marsh / Interior fit-out Project Manager / Property and Project Consulting Ltd

Kevin Marsh / Interior fit-out Project Manager / Property and Project Consulting Ltd

“Modern Office provided a range of height-adjustable desking, storage, and meeting room furniture for our WRC project. We found the team to be cooperative and flexible, and the risk management they applied during the Covid-19 lockdown meant we were kept informed of progress. A feature of the service provided was the support they provided during the installation phase, their on-site crew was outstanding and delivery and installation of furniture was achieved on time, every time.”

Kate / Chow Hill Architects Ltd

Kate / Chow Hill Architects Ltd

"The service I received as an interior designer is of a very high standard with extremely competitive pricing and a large and impressive range of furniture. I use Modern Office for the majority of my projects."

Annmarie Lee / General Manager Growers / Seeka

Annmarie Lee / General Manager Growers / Seeka

"Working with Modern Office was a really good experience. We required a complete fit out of new furniture for our new premises and I would go as far as to say they were the best contractor we used in the whole build. The service was outstanding – very professional and approachable. We are very happy with the products and the advice provided, and the staff feedback has been positive. I have already recommended Modern Office to others."

Melissa McBride / Office Manager / Hawkins

Melissa McBride / Office Manager / Hawkins

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Kieron Wain / National Projects Manager / SSA New Zealand

Kieron Wain / National Projects Manager / SSA New Zealand

"Please pass on my thanks to your team…they did a great job! They removed every bit of wrapping…I couldn’t tell they had been there it was that tidy. They asked for guidance where the desks needed to be placed and went about their business until the job was completed…very professional. Thanks for your support."