Achieving Acoustic Balance
with Flexxica solutions

In today's dynamic office and public environments, the importance of acoustic quality is often overlooked by architects and designers. However, Flexxica, a pioneering company specializing in lighting and acoustic solutions, is reshaping this narrative by offering a comprehensive range of services and products aimed at enhancing acoustic comfort in diverse settings. From fundamental consultations to specialized acoustic projects and products, flexxica is committed to creating spaces with balanced noise level in order to improve employes well-being, increased work satisfaction and easier communication.

Working in an open-space office offers numerous benefits, including quick and easy information exchange and team work. Yet as the number of individuals working in the office increases, so does the potential for noise disturbances.

Effects of exposure to noise extend beyond annoyance. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to noise can lead to increased stress levels, fatigue, ineffectiveness, and even physical health issues such as headaches and elevated blood pressure. Moreover, noise-induced stress can erode morale, diminish job satisfaction, and contribute to a toxic work environment.

Achieving Acoustic Balance with Flexxica solutions

Optimizing Noise Levels

The acceptable and balanced levels of noise in office spaces are regulated by specific standards, including PN-N-01307, PN-EN ISO 16032 and PN-87/B-02151/02. These standards outline the maximum permissible noise levels for various types of office environments as follows:

35 dB for spaces designated for intense concentration during office work
40 dB for office spaces intended for conceptual work
55 dB for administrative spaces
65 dB for secretary's offices and customer service areas

Employers are obligated to ensure working conditions where noise levels do not exceed these permissible limits. Furthermore, pregnant women are prohibited from working in environments with occupational noise exposure levels exceeding 65 dB based on the average weekly working time.

In typical office environments, sound levels often fall within the range of 45dB to 60dB range. It may not immediately appear alarming, it's crucial for employers to recognize the potential long-term implications and take proactive measures to mitigate excessive noise in the workplace. This may involve implementing sound-absorbing materials, optimizing office layouts, or establishing designated quiet areas to provide employees with respite from excessive noise levels and promote a healthier, more productive work environment.

Acoustic Excellence:
Flexxica's BREEAM and
LEED Blueprint

Flexxica's acoustic designs are created based on the criteria of BREEAM, the world's leading sustainability assessment method. As part of BREEAM's requirements for acoustics (HEA 05), flexxica designs solutions that provide an ideal acoustic environment, enhancing occupant comfort, productivity and privacy. Flexxica supports designers and architects who promote employee well-being and productivity by integrating lighting fixtures with acoustic products in demanding projects. Meeting HEA 05 standards ensures that Flexxica-designed spaces offer optimal conditions, reducing distractions and increasing concentration. By aligning its designs with BREEAM acoustic standards, flexxica not only supports sustainability, but also improves the overall quality of the work environment.

Flexxica's designs are also validated by LEED acoustic standards, which will specify specific criteria such as sound levels and sound insulation. This is especially important in office buildings where there are a large number of workplaces located in a single space. By integrating LEED acoustic requirements, Flexxica creates environments that optimize comfort and functionality, supporting the needs of users in a variety of settings. From reducing distracting noise to improving speech intelligibility, Flexxica's commitment to LEED acoustics ensures that spaces promote superior productivity and satisfaction.

Understanding the Offerings

Basic Acoustic Services by Flexxica

Acoustic Consultations: Our expert acousticians provide consultations on-site, via email, or over the phone. These sessions, lasting approximately one to two hours, offer preliminary insights tailored to your needs.

Acoustic Measurements: We conduct precise analyses of sound levels and characteristics in your environment using certified equipment. This includes measurements of reverberation time and insulation of building partitions, crucial for understanding sound transmission between rooms.

Acoustic Simulations: Our simulations involve creating detailed models of your building or room, incorporating real material parameters. This allows us to identify acoustic priorities, streamline project planning, and propose cost-effective solutions. By simulating different acoustic adaptations, we accelerate project timelines and minimize potential errors in design.

Acoustic Calculations: We utilize specialized algorithms to determine the quantity of acoustic materials required, considering factors like material absorption and surface area. This method ensures efficient allocation of resources and optimal acoustic performance.

Basic Acoustic Services by Flexxica

Custom Acoustic Design: Collaborate with our acousticians to design bespoke panels tailored to your visual and auditory preferences.
Building Documentation Analysis: We thoroughly review your building documentation to ensure proposed solutions comply with legal requirements and industry norms.
Project Supervision: We provide early-stage checks to ensure your project aligns with legal requirements and industry standards.

Acoustic Solution Selection: Receive a detailed guideline or executive project outlining specific acoustic elements and their arrangement, along with assembly instructions.
Project Optimization: Our experts verify the project's acoustic efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ensuring your investment delivers maximum value.
Executive Supervision: During project execution, we conduct meticulous verification to ensure compliance with norms and legal requirements. We also assess applied materials for their acoustic suitability.

Specialist Acoustic Services:

Acoustic Projects: Our acoustic projects combine 2 to 4 services, such as consultations, simulations, and solution selection, to address specific room requirements. Whether for one room or several, our projects are designed to optimize acoustic performance.

Acoustic Audit: For a comprehensive assessment of your acoustic environment, our acoustic audit includes 5 or more services, encompassing both basic and supplementary offerings. This thorough analysis is tailored to the entire office area or building, covering various spaces like open areas, conference rooms, kitchens, corridors, and meeting rooms.

Acoustic Measurements:
Creating Harmonious Spaces

In the pursuit of optimal comfort and functionality, flexxica emphasizes the importance of good acoustics in every environment. Central to this endeavor are precise acoustic measurements, including reverberation time, speech transmission index, airborne sound insulation, and impact sound insulation.

Maintaining an appropriate reverberation time is essential, as it directly impacts the clarity and quality of sound within a space. This refers to how long sound persists in a space after the source has stopped emitting it. Too much reverberation can lead to unclear sound environment, while too little can make a space feel stark and uncomfortable.

Acoustic Measurements: Creating Harmonious Spaces

Good acoustics is achieved through an appropriate sound level while ensuring uniform sound distribution throughout the area. Consistency in sound ensures that every corner of the space experiences the intended auditory environment, avoiding situations where some areas are overly loud while others are too quiet.

Flexxica addresses background noise levels, recognizing that excessive noise can interfere with communication and concentration, disrupting the intended use of the space. In addition, it's vital to eliminate echo or flutter echo, as these phenomena can distort sound, making it difficult to understand speech.

Sound Management
with flexxica

In the pursuit of creating spaces with excellent acoustics, one question often arises: Can we have too much of a good thing? The answer is a resounding yes. While achieving "good acoustics" is undoubtedly crucial, it's equally vital to strike a delicate balance between direct and indirect sound.

At flexxica, we understand the nuanced dynamics of sound management. Our commitment goes beyond simply drowning out unwanted noise or creating silent environments. Instead, we recognize that true acoustic excellence lies in achieving harmony between different sound elements.

Imagine a space devoid of sound-absorbing materials-communication becomes strained, and health can suffer. Excessive reverberations bounce off walls, creating a cacophony that disrupts concentration and productivity. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to such environments can lead to stress and fatigue, impacting overall well-being.

On the flip side, an overabundance of sound-absorbing materials can render a room too quiet, almost lifeless. This phenomenon, often described as a "dead" sound, strips away the natural ambience, leaving occupants disoriented and their movements clumsy. It's an unsettling experience that undermines the functionality and comfort of a space.

So, what's the solution? Flexxica advocates for a balanced approach to acoustics-one that acknowledges the importance of both direct and indirect sound. By strategically integrating sound-absorbing materials alongside reflective surfaces, we create environments that strike the perfect sound level.

Our innovative solutions cater to diverse needs, whether it's designing collaborative workspaces conducive to clear communication or crafting serene environments for relaxation and focus. Through meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology, we ensure that every space resonates with harmony and vitality.

The pursuit of good acoustics is not about drowning out all sound or suffocating spaces with silence. Instead, it's about finding the sweet spot where sound thrives in equilibrium-a space where every note is heard, every word is understood, and every occupant feels at ease. With flexxica, achieving the perfect balance in acoustics is not just a goal; it's our promise.

In an era where the quality of our surroundings profoundly impacts productivity, well-being, and comfort, the importance of acoustic design cannot be overstated. Flexxica's comprehensive range of services offers a holistic approach to addressing acoustic challenges, from initial consultations to specialized project solutions. By prioritizing acoustic comfort and performance, Flexxica is reshaping the way we experience sound in offices and public areas, creating spaces where every word is heard and every moment is enhanced by exceptional acoustics.

Looking to enhance Acoustics in your space?
Reach out to our experts for tailored solutions!

acoustics@flexxica.com