Echelon Planning – Reducing Noise in an Open Plan Office
Melbourne-based consulting firm Echelon Planning had recently relocated into a modern open plan office with a dedicated meeting room. While the space offered an open and contemporary layout, staff quickly found that noise levels were becoming a major issue. Echo and reverberation made it hard to concentrate, and phone conversations were constantly disrupted.
Identifying the Source of Noise Issues
Sontext conducted a detailed site inspection to understand the acoustic challenges. The space featured high ceilings, hard masonry walls, and timber ceilings – all of which contribute to sound reflection. With up to 20 staff working in open desk clusters, the environment became loud and difficult to manage. The meeting room was no better, with sound bouncing off surfaces and making video calls uncomfortable for participants.
Custom Acoustic Solution with SerenityLite Panels
After consulting with Echelon Planning’s team, Sontext proposed a tailored solution using SerenityLite Acoustic Panels. These panels are lightweight, high-performing, and designed to control noise in commercial spaces. The 25mm thickness was selected to effectively absorb speech-frequency sound, improving communication and comfort across the workspace.
Installation Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Panel Type | SerenityLite Acoustic Panels |
| Thickness | 25mm |
| Installation Areas | Office walls and meeting room ceilings |
| Fabric Finish | Trilogy One "Misty" Acoustic Fabric |
| Customisation | Panels made to fit around bulkheads, windows, and fixed elements |
Results and Workplace Benefits
The acoustic upgrade had an immediate impact. Background noise was significantly reduced, and staff reported a more comfortable and productive atmosphere. Phone calls became easier to manage, and the meeting room now offers clear sound for teleconferencing and collaboration.
This project is a great example of how smart acoustic design improves day-to-day office functionality and employee satisfaction. Sontext continues to provide made-to-order solutions for commercial clients across Australia.
Need help with noise in your office? Get in touch with Sontext today to discuss acoustic solutions tailored to your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What acoustic panels are best for open office environments?
Fabric-wrapped panels like Serenity are ideal due to their high sound absorption, minimal thickness, and design versatility.
How do acoustic panels help with productivity in offices?
By reducing reverberation and background noise, acoustic panels improve speech clarity, reduce distractions, and support concentration.
Can Sontext panels be customised to match interior designs?
Yes. All Sontext acoustic panels are made to order, with options for custom sizes, fabric colours
Want to Learn More?
Sontext provides custom Serenity Acoustic Panels that are ideal for open-plan offices like the one at Echelon Planning. You can also view a similar project completed in Brunswick.
Before and After
Before installation, the Echelon Planning office suffered from echo, high background noise, and frustrating teleconferencing conditions. After the acoustic panels were installed, the space became quieter, clearer, and far more comfortable for daily work and meetings.
Client Feedback
“The difference was noticeable straight away. It’s much easier to focus now, and our video calls are so much clearer.”
– Project Manager, Echelon Planning
Download Case Study
? Download the full Echelon Planning acoustic project summary (PDF)
