Project Challenge

This 1,300㎡ independent sustainable architecture studio in Amsterdam East uses an entirely open-plan layout with mixed workstations, material libraries and glass meeting rooms. Polished concrete floors, exposed ceiling services and extensive glass create long reverberation times and noticeable cross-team sound leakage. Architects reported frequent distractions during deep design work, while client presentations in glass rooms lacked speech privacy. The studio prioritizes sustainable design and B Corp certification, so the solution had to use low-carbon recycled materials with low light reflection to avoid screen glare.

Our Solution

100% post-consumer recycled polyester fiber acoustic panels were installed on partition walls, structural columns and non-monitor facing walls throughout the studio, with a stable NRC rating of 0.85–0.95. The formaldehyde-free, ultra-low VOC formulation supports the studio’s indoor air quality and sustainability targets, contributing to their B Corp impact assessment. We selected a matte warm grey finish with low light reflectivity to avoid screen glare for designers. Glass meeting room interiors were lined with matching fabric-faced polyester panels to improve internal speech clarity and reduce sound transmission through glass gaps.

All materials carry EN 13501 Class A fire certification and are available in custom colors matched to studio branding. Lightweight modular installation was carried out in evening shifts over 10 days with no disruption to client project work.

Project Results

Cross-team sound interference was reduced by an estimated 38%, and architect deep-work focus satisfaction scores increased by 36%. Meeting room speech privacy now meets client confidentiality requirements, and the recycled material specification helped the studio advance its B Corp recertification process.