Acoustic ceiling project at Nijhuis Noord
For the head office of Nijhuis Noord, part of Nijhuis Bouw, we installed an acoustic ceiling solution in an open-plan office with approximately 24 workstations. The focus of this project was on adding sufficient sound absorption while preserving the open feel of the office environment. The space had a concrete ceiling and a modern interior. Nijhuis Noord was therefore looking for a solution that would fit in with the working environment both technically and visually. Based on the layout of the space and the available ceiling surfaces, we recommended an installation using EASYceiling Plus ceiling panels.
Birgit Brinks
The challenge
The open-plan office forms a central workspace within Nijhuis Noord’s main premises. The concrete ceiling and open layout of the space called for a well-considered acoustic design that would fit within the existing architecture. The aim was to add a large absorptive surface without making extensive structural alterations. In addition, the solution needed to contribute to a calm and professional appearance in keeping with the character of the building.
Project in figures
Location: Nijhuis Noord headquarters
Type of space: Open-plan office
Number of workstations: 24
Applied products
- 50 EASYceiling Plus ceiling panels measuring 120 x 120 cm
- 43 EASYceiling Plus ceiling panels measuring 120 x 60 cm
Technical specifications
- Ceiling construction: concrete
- Installation height: 2912 mm
- Cavity height: 40 mm
- Total number of ceiling panels: 93 units
The chosen solution
For this project, we opted for a combination of two panel sizes. This arrangement created an even distribution of the panels throughout the entire office space. We installed the ceiling panels beneath the concrete ceiling, leaving a 40 mm cavity. This design creates a clean and understated ceiling appearance that complements the office’s existing interior. The large number of panels provides a substantial amount of sound-absorbing surface, while preserving the open feel of the space.
Why EASYceiling Plus?
EASYceiling Plus combines strong acoustic performance with a high-quality appearance. This makes the system an excellent fit for modern office environments where comfort and design go hand in hand.
Thanks to the various sizes and layout options, we tailor every solution to the characteristics of the space. At Nijhuis Noord, this also resulted in a ceiling design that blends seamlessly with the office architecture.
The result
With the installation of 93 EASYceiling Plus ceiling panels, Nijhuis Noord now has a sustainable acoustic ceiling solution that fully complements the appearance of its headquarters. The panels form an integrated part of the interior and contribute to a pleasant working environment for the users of the open-plan office. This project demonstrates how a large amount of sound absorption can be incorporated stylishly into a modern office environment.
An acoustic project for your office too?
Every office space has its own challenges and opportunities. That’s why we always consider how the space is used, the building’s structure and the desired look and feel before making a recommendation.
Would you like to know more about the options for an open-plan office environment? Then take a look at our page on improving acoustics in an open-plan office or contact one of our acoustic advisers for personalised advice.
FAQ
Why is good acoustics important in an open-plan office?
Good acoustics in an open-plan office create a calmer environment, better speech intelligibility and less distraction at work. In open office spaces, conversations, phone calls and other sounds spread easily throughout the room. This can come at the expense of employees’ concentration and productivity. With the right acoustic solutions, sound remains better controlled and mutual disturbance is reduced.
Employees can focus better, communicate more clearly and enjoy greater comfort throughout the working day. In addition, a calm working environment helps reduce stress and mental strain. By reducing reverberation and disruptive noise, a pleasant workplace is created where collaboration, concentration and wellbeing come together optimally. Good acoustics are therefore an important investment in both employees and organisational performance.
How can you recognise poor acoustics in the office?
Common signs include:
Conversations that can be heard throughout the entire room
Employees complaining about distractions
Little privacy during phone calls
Fatigue at the end of the working day
Difficulty concentrating
A room that feels noisy or restless
Do you recognise several of these signs? Then it is a good idea to investigate the situation and consider how you can address improving office acoustics.
Why do open-plan offices have more noise problems?
Open-plan offices encourage collaboration, but contain few barriers to block out sound. As a result, conversations, phone calls and other noises travel easily through the space. This increases the risk of distraction and loss of concentration.
Does sound affect employee productivity?
Yes. Noise causes more interruptions during work. Employees switch between tasks more often, thereby losing time and focus. As distractions occur more frequently, productivity decreases and mental strain increases.
What are the effects of poor acoustics in the office?
Poor acoustics often lead to a loss of concentration, more distractions, less privacy and lower productivity. In addition, employees are more likely to experience stress and mental fatigue because their brains are constantly processing background noise.
Which factors influence room acoustics?
Room acoustics depend on various factors, such as the size of the room, its shape, the materials used and the room’s function. Together, these properties determine how sound travels and how people experience the acoustics.
