Acoustic treatment of office spaces

A Kytom acoustic treatment assignment covers the entire journey, from the first on-site survey to the signing of the handover report. In concrete terms, we deliver four sequenced services under a single project management: a class 1 sound-level diagnosis (deliverable within 10 working days), a zone-by-zone 3D acoustic model, a costed specification including FDES and Euroclass fire ratings, and then coordinated execution alongside the HVAC, electrical and raised-floor packages. The distinctiveness of the offering lies in a performance target of RT60 below 0.6 seconds, verified by an acceptance measurement in accordance with the applicable standard (relevant for floor plates larger than 300 m² with a ceiling height above 2.70 m). Since 2006, Kytom has treated 15,000 m²/year of offices in the Paris region, with partner engineering firms and suppliers aligned with the environmental and usage-quality requirements of office certifications.

Across delivered projects, our five-step process structures the entire assignment. The on-site acoustic diagnosis uses a class 1 sound-level meter (IEC 61672-1) to measure the RT60 in accordance with the applicable standard protocol, deliverable within 10 working days. The 3D model of the floor plate incorporates furniture, partitions and flows, and simulates reverberation time zone by zone. The solution specification selects suspended ceilings with alpha-w above 0.90, wood-wool or melamine-foam wall panels, suspended baffles for ceiling heights above 3 m, and acoustic screens. Coordinated execution relies on a dedicated site manager, weekly monitoring, a formalised site report and the interface with the HVAC, electrical and raised-floor packages. Handover validates the RT60 below 0.6 s through post-installation measurements in accordance with the applicable standard, with the delivery of a complete as-built file (report, FDES, Euroclass). The observed result is a halving of the reverberation time and a noticeably calmer working environment for employees.

Across delivered projects, the RT60 drops from 1.4 to 0.6 seconds on average, a halving. Post-works measurements confirm a 6 to 8 decibel reduction in ambient noise level, perceived by employees as a halving of perceived noise. The indicators we systematically track relate to the sound comfort perceived by employees (assessed three months after delivery via internal surveys), the productivity gains on cognitive tasks documented in the specialist literature on office environments, and the rental value of floor plates featuring a recognised acoustic label. The return on acoustic investment generally lies between 18 and 24 months depending on the type of project. Scoped quote within 5 working days after the on-site visit.

1. On-site acoustic diagnosis
   Measurement of the RT60 with a class 1 sound-level meter (IEC 61672-1) according to the standard protocol applicable to open spaces. Zone-by-zone mapping, identification of hot spots, ambient noise level. Deliverable within 10 working days, including pre-specification recommendations.
2. 3D modelling and specification
   Integration of furniture, partitions and flows into a 3D model. Trade-offs between ceilings with alpha-w above 0.90, wall panels, baffles and acoustic screens. Output: a costed layout plan with supplier FDES and Euroclass fire ratings.
3. Coordinated execution
   Dedicated site manager, formalised weekly monitoring, signed site report. Interface maintained with HVAC, electrical and raised-floor packages. Standard lead time of 6 to 8 weeks for 850 m², in an occupied or vacant site depending on your operational constraints.
4. Handover
   Post-installation measurements, before/after comparison zone by zone. Validation of the RT60 target below 0.6 s by an acceptance measurement in accordance with the applicable standard. Complete as-built file: report, FDES, Euroclass fire ratings (M0 = A2FL s1, M3 = BFL/CFL s1/s2, M4 = DFL s1/s2, non-combustible = A1FL).

Acoustic correction interacts with the whole fit-out project. Depending on your challenge, continue with acoustic engineering studies, the separation solutions (acoustic demountable partitions, acoustic double glazing, acoustic movable walls, acoustic doors, acoustic drywall partitions), or the desk- and floor-level complements (phone booths and acoustic pods, desk-mounted acoustic screens, acoustics and workplace comfort).