Acoustics
The ability of a partition to prevent sound transfer from an adjacent space is measured as an NIC rating. Where louder or more noise sensitive spaces adjoin a meeting room the wall will require a higher NIC rating.
Key Hints
The Noise isolation Class (NIC) rating is a single-number rating that describes the degree of airborne sound separation between two adjacent spaces afforded by a partition, door, and window or floor-ceiling assembly. You may also see (STC) sound transmission class used which is the same principle but a lab rating which is typically 5 points higher than NIC.
Walls between meeting rooms should be at least NIC 45.
Walls with a door that are less than 4.5m from work areas should be at least NIC 30
Walls with a door that are more than 4.5m from work areas should be at least NIC 25
Key Hints
Where a door features in a wall, the highest achievable rating is limited by the rating of the door, so there is little value in rating the wall any higher.
Walls without a door that are less than 4.5m from work areas should be at least NIC 35
Walls without a door that are more than 4.5m from work areas should be at least NIC 30
Partitions should be full height. Half height partitions can create a noise path between the rooms and introduce unwanted noise from adjacent spaces.
Glazing is great for open plan office spaces, but it can increase reverberance. Try to limit glazing to the wall with the entry door, and avoid placing glazing between meeting rooms.
Doors are generally a acoustic weak link as the gaps allow sound to flank around and under the door. Insulated metal doors are preferred, followed by solid wood doors. Generally swing doors perform better than sliding doors. Perimeter acoustic seals will aid the sound separation performance and should be considered for any meeting room.