Acoustic Zoning for Modern Workspaces: Serenity and SerenityLite Solutions
Sontext acoustic solutions help modern offices achieve the balance between collaboration and concentration. With open-plan layouts now common, managing sound through acoustic zoning has become essential. Serenity Fabric Panels and SerenityLite Ceiling Panels offer versatile ways to define zones, reduce distractions, and create comfortable working environments.
Why Acoustic Zoning Matters
Open-plan offices encourage teamwork but often amplify background noise and echo. Without acoustic separation, conversations spill across areas, lowering productivity and increasing fatigue. Acoustic zoning divides these open areas into functional sections—meeting, breakout, and focus zones—using sound-absorbing materials that keep each space distinct yet connected.
Practical Zoning Strategies
- Wall-mounted Serenity Panels: Ideal for focus zones or huddle areas, providing clear sound definition and privacy.
- Ceiling-mounted SerenityLite Panels: Define open spaces visually while reducing overhead reverberation.
- Acoustic dividers or screens: Combine performance and design flexibility without permanent walls.
Sontext panels can be colour-matched or fabric-wrapped to integrate with brand identity, maintaining design consistency across zones.
Acoustics and Employee Wellbeing
Sound levels above 55 dB can increase stress and lower focus. Reducing reverberation time (RT60) and speech transmission across zones enhances speech clarity and comfort. Proper zoning creates balance—quiet areas for concentration, collaborative areas for discussion, and informal spaces for social connection.
Technical Specifications — Serenity and SerenityLite Panels
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Panel Types | Serenity Fabric Acoustic Panels (walls), SerenityLite Panels (ceilings) |
| Acoustic Performance (NRC) | Serenity Panels: NRC 0.85–1.00 | SerenityLite Panels: NRC 0.80–0.95 |
| Panel Thickness | Serenity: 25–50 mm | SerenityLite: 25 mm lightweight construction |
| Core Materials | Acoustic-grade mineral fibre core (Serenity); lightweight PET core (SerenityLite) |
| Finishes | Fabric-wrapped finish with wide colour selection; custom print options available |
| Fire Performance | Tested to AS/NZS 1530.3; Group number to AS 5637.1 per project requirements |
| Applications | Open-plan offices, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, call centres |
Specifications may vary depending on fabric and mounting selection. For project data sheets, please contact Sontext.
FAQs
What is acoustic zoning?
Acoustic zoning divides open spaces into functional sound zones using acoustic panels to control reverberation and noise transfer.
How can Sontext panels improve office productivity?
By reducing noise and improving speech clarity, Serenity Panels help create quieter work zones and more efficient collaboration areas.
Can acoustic zoning be installed in existing offices?
Yes. Both Serenity and SerenityLite Panels can be retrofitted with minimal disruption to existing layouts.
Are SerenityLite Panels suitable for high ceilings?
Yes. Their lightweight design and suspension options make them ideal for high or exposed ceiling spaces.
Can different colours be used to define acoustic zones?
Absolutely. Panels can be colour-coded or patterned to visually define collaboration, focus, and breakout areas.
Next Steps
Discover how Serenity Fabric Panels and SerenityLite Panels can improve your workspace design. For tailored acoustic advice, contact Sontext today.