One of the first tenants was Synechron, a leading global digital transformation consulting firm. Their challenge was to create a workspace that could truly support a diverse workforce with very different ways of working.
The Challenge: Noise in Open Plan Offices
As Deirdre Mulvaney, Key Account Manager – Acoustic Design at Rockfon, explains “In an open plan office, there’s always a tension between those who need to concentrate and those who need to communicate – whether face-to-face or virtually. The key is careful zoning, where each area is designed with its own acoustic character. That’s where ISO22955 comes in – it provides the blueprint for planning acoustics in open spaces.”
For Synechron, this wasn’t an optional extra. It was essential.
A People-First Approach to Office Design
Paddy Stratern, Associate Director at Synechron, summed it up clearly, “We needed a workspace that genuinely worked for our team. Many of our colleagues process information differently or need varied environments to be at their best. Acoustics weren’t just a detail – they were critical to wellbeing and productivity.”
The solution was to create flexible zones:
• Quiet spaces for focus
• Collaborative areas where communication is encouraged
• Social and creative spaces with a buzz of energy
As Lee Thomas, Technical Manager at Rockfon, highlights “There’s no such thing as ‘normal’ hearing. People experience sound differently – it’s called aural diversity. Truly inclusive workplaces need Class A acoustics.”
The Solution: Collaboration Between FKM and Rockfon
Fit-out specialists FKM were tasked with transforming the space. With 120 workstations, multiple meeting rooms, and diverse work zones, they needed an adaptive design that was functional, aesthetic, and acoustically tuned.
Linda Williams, Interior Designer at FKM, explains: “The brief was complex. We wanted each area to have a distinct role and atmosphere. Working with Rockfon, we knew the acoustic performance was handled without compromising our design vision. Their solutions weren’t an add-on – they were built into the design. Even in high-energy areas like the education lab and social spaces, Rockfon ensured comfort without compromise.”
Rockfon’s ISO22955 Acoustic Support
To meet Synechron’s needs, Rockfon applied its ISO22955 Acoustic Support. This international standard provides guidance on open-plan office acoustics – from reverberation control to sound absorption planning.
Deirdre Mulvaney describes the process “Every project starts with understanding how people will use the space. For Synechron, we mapped the requirements of each zone – from quiet areas with maximum sound absorption to collaborative zones where a degree of reverberation actually supports communication.”
For example, in areas where meeting rooms are adjacent to workstation zones, Rockfon installed ceiling solutions that absorbed reverberant sound, ensuring conversations stayed private and the open office remained calm.
Partnership in Action
Breda Gleeson, COO at FKM, reflects on the collaboration “At FKM, we believe in working magic – bringing the right expertise together at the right time. From day one, Rockfon weren’t just suppliers, they were partners. Together, we solved the acoustic challenges and delivered a workplace that works.”
The Results: A Workplace That Works
For Synechron, the outcome has been transformational. Paddy Stratern, Associate Director shares: “The difference is remarkable. Our people can focus when needed, collaborate when they want to, and move through spaces seamlessly. The acoustics and design just work. You can feel it – people are comfortable, productive, and genuinely happy to be here.”
Matt Mohan, CEO, FKM Fit-out sums up their approach to the project, “At FKM, we believe the best spaces don’t just look impressive, they work effortlessly for the people inside them. This project with Synechron shows what can be achieved when design, detail, and partnership all come together.”
Key Takeaways
- Inclusive workplaces need inclusive acoustics – supporting aural diversity.
- ISO22955 provides a clear framework for designing acoustic comfort in open offices.
- Partnership between design, fit-out, and acoustic experts creates spaces that balance productivity, wellbeing, and aesthetics.
