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Many modern offices are characterised by open spaces, where workers can easily interact, collaborate and communicate. However, if the acoustics of the office are not considered, open plan working can affect the immediate sound environment, resulting in increased distractions, raised stress levels and a reduction in productivity.
Fortunately, the introduction and strategic location of sound-absorbing surfaces, together with appropriate acoustic barriers, can contribute towards providing an environment that supports and encourages communication, yet also allows concentration. With this in mind it is worth noting that acoustic specialist Saint-Gobain Ecophon has expanded its market-leading family of free hanging acoustic panels portfolio, Ecophon Solo™. The first acoustic cloud launched into the UK market almost ten years ago, the design-friendly, free-hanging sound absorber comprises an innovative glass wool core that while lightweight also remains strong and rigid and can be installed in virtually any space. The ease of installation makes Solo perfect for when a full acoustic ceiling is not desirable, either for aesthetic reasons or the practical reasons we often see in retrofit within an existing office.
Of course, it’s not just about practicality; design also plays a huge part. The expanded Solo range now features larger sizes, integrated luminaries, new baffle designs and custom shapes and colours including squares, rectangles and circles – taking the creative freedom architects and designers have with office acoustics to another level.
The range also features Ecophon’s new 3000×1200 mm rectangle panel – the largest on the market – in addition to a narrow 2400 x 600mm rectangle. In line with recent architectural trends for vertical absorbers, Ecophon Solo™ Baffle Wave and Ecophon Solo™ Baffle ZigZag have been designed to complement the traditional straight edge design. And with growing recognition of the importance of adding sound absorbers to walls, Solo™ Baffle on Wall enables an architect to make an aesthetic statement while delivering improved sound.
The range now also provides a combined lighting and sound absorption option, the Ecophon Line™ luminaire. One of three normally only available in the Ecophon Focus™ range, the sleek unit has now been integrated in the 2400×1200 mm Solo panel so installation is as simple as hanging the panel, adding the included luminaire and connecting into the lighting system.
Similarly, recognising Solo often needs to be installed close to the soffit, Ecophon has also developed a new, direct fixing solution which makes it simple to accurately and quickly install the Solo panels a mere 50 mm away from the ceiling surface.
Commenting on the launch of the new Solo products, Will Jones, Marketing Manager at Ecophon said: “The design of office spaces has a huge effect on people’s experience, so architects need the freedom to design with solutions that not only deliver the required acoustic performance but also complement, and even enhance, this. Since launching the original Ecophon Solo™ system it has become a favourite among architects and we are proud to still be building on what we started almost a decade ago.”
Saint-Gobain Ecophon develops, manufactures and markets acoustic products and systems that contribute to a good working environment by enhancing peoples’ wellbeing and performance. For more information about the Ecophon Solo™ range visit www.ecophon.com/uk/thenewsolo
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Ecophon’s expanded Solo range now features larger sizes, integrated luminaries, new baffle designs and custom shapes and colours including squares, rectangles and circles – taking the creative freedom architects and designers have with office acoustics to another level
