Acoustic Office Solutions in Cheltenham

Two teams. One small office. How do you accommodate them all?

With loud calls ringing on one side of the office and focused work on the other, competing priorities were holding each team back. By approaching the project with people, space and sound front of mind, we delivered cost-effective office acoustic solutions with minimal disruption.

The Brief

The acoustic interior design of this space was determined by the people who use it. Every choice was made to make the team’s work easier and more efficient, accommodating the needs of different departments without adding any extra square footage to the workplace.

On one side, a focused team needed quiet and confidentiality. Screens had to stay private, distractions had to be kept to a minimum and the office needed to support deep work and concentration.

On the other side, energy and noise were part of the job. With heavily sales-focused roles, you can bet that phones are constantly ringing, dashboards flashing on screens and collaboration happens at full pace. In this environment, the challenge was to create a space that keeps energy high without overwhelming those who need to focus.

Sounds tricky, right? Well, that’s exactly where good acoustic interior design helps. Every surface – walls, floors, ceilings – needed careful attention to detail to accommodate the needs of both departments. Alongside this, we were working with a small office space. Solutions had to make the most of every inch, creating a layout that felt adaptable to support two very different ways of working.

The Solution

We started by getting to know the teams. Understanding their day-to-day routines, priorities and challenges meant that every decision could be made with people, not just space, in mind. The focused team needed privacy; the sales side needed energy. Balancing both was key.

For this office, we introduced fluted panels and moss-slated artwork to tackle noise where it mattered the most. These acoustic interior solutions have surfaces that absorb sound, keeping calls and conversations contained while also bringing elements of biophilia into the space.

Many people don’t realise that natural textures like these preserved moss panels are highly effective acoustic tools. As well as reducing distractions, they create a calm, engaging environment that puts employee wellbeing at its forefront.

Above it All

As one of the biggest surfaces in the office, an acoustic ceiling can do a lot of the heavy lifting – if you use it thoughtfully. We dropped 3D acoustic ceiling tiles made from soft materials into a dropped grid, turning it into a focal feature of the design. 

It serves two purposes; first, they absorb sound, keeping calls and conversations contained and letting teams focus with minimal distractions. Second, they add texture and visual interest, proving that functional interiors don’t have to compromise style.

Smart Storage

In smaller offices, we always look to optimise space effectively, whether that’s through space optimisation, multifunctional furniture or smart storage. In this project, we needed to fit a set number of desks whilst keeping the office as open and breathable as possible.

Once the desk layout was in place, we introduced locker-style storage solutions for personal belongings. The vertical design of these increases storage space without taking up additional floor room. It ultimately helped each team keep their space clear and organised.

A Neutral Canvas

Rather than overwhelming the space with heavy branding or bold decoration, we chose a fresh, neutral colour palette. It creates a welcoming backdrop that’s adaptable to the different ways each team works.

Neutral tones help balance energy levels, reduce cognitive distractions and manipulate the perception of space and natural light. It’s a small trick our designers like to use in small offices to create a sense of openness. It has a huge impact on focus and wellbeing too.

The finished project showcases how, in a small office, focus and collaboration don’t have to fight for space. With the right acoustic interior solutions, even modest updates can transform how your team work, move and feel in their workplace.

Looking to make small changes with big impact? Let’s talk about how your office acoustics can improve productivity, wellbeing and the way your space works for your people.