Guide to acoustics in open-plan offices in Quebec: standards, materials and solutions 2026
- Nathan
- May 5
- 4 min read
Noise is the primary cause of decreased productivity in open-plan offices. Conversations, phone calls, constant background noise—the sound environment of a shared office directly impacts employee concentration and well-being. This problem is particularly prevalent in Quebec offices located in former industrial spaces or in high-rise buildings with glass partitions, where hard surfaces naturally amplify reverberation.
Before investing in panels or a cabin, here's what most suppliers never explain.
What is the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment?
This is the number one question that office managers in Laval, Montreal and the Laurentians ask — and the most costly confusion.
Soundproofing prevents sound from passing through a wall. It involves structural work: thick walls, airtight doors, heavy materials. This is what is done during construction or a major renovation.
Acoustic treatment is what acoustic furniture achieves: reducing reverberation and echo within an existing space, without any construction work. It's accessible, quick to install, and that's precisely what Concept Bureau offers.
If your open space is too noisy, you don't need to redo your walls — you need to absorb the sound that bounces off your surfaces.
Understanding performance indicators: NRC, SAA and STC
When you compare acoustic products, three indicators come up — and are rarely explained by Quebec retailers.
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) — measures the sound absorption of a material on a scale of 0 to 1. An NRC of 0.80 means that 80% of the sound is absorbed. For an open-plan office, aim for an NRC of 0.70 or higher.
SAA (Sound Absorption Average) — a more precise version of the NRC, measured according to the ASTM C423 standard on 12 frequencies rather than 4. It is now the reference index for properly evaluating acoustic panels and partitions.
STC (Sound Transmission Class) measures a product's ability to block sound, not absorb it. This is the key rating to look for in acoustic booths. An STC of 30 to 35 ensures good privacy for phone calls and video conferences.
A wall panel improves the NRC/SAA of your space. A booth needs good STC. They are not the same products, nor do they serve the same purpose.
ISO 22955: the standard specific to open spaces
Published in 2021 and still little cited by Quebec retailers, the ISO 22955 standard defines acoustic quality criteria specifically designed for open-plan offices. It structures spaces into zones according to their use — concentration, collaboration, relaxation — and sets reverberation and sound level targets for each.
Applying the principles of this standard to your layout means moving from an intuitive approach to a measurable and defensible one — especially for companies that need to justify their investments in quality of work life.
Materials: beyond "fabric" and "foam"
Competitors talk about foam or fabric. Here's what really differentiates the products:
Recycled polyester fibers (measured in g/m²) — the higher the density, the better the absorption at mid-range frequencies, such as those of the human voice. These materials are also Oeko-Tex certified, a guarantee of health and safety for office spaces.
Open-cell melamine foam — its porous structure transforms sound energy into slight heat through molecular friction. It is one of the most efficient materials per centimeter of thickness, used in environments with high acoustic requirements.
Wool felt or recycled PET — a versatile, aesthetic and high-performance material, ideal for suspended partitions and decorative wall panels.
How many acoustic panels do I need for my office?
This is an issue that no one in Quebec is clearly addressing. Here is a simplified benchmark based on the volume and type of activity:
Type of space | Wall surface to be treated | Objective |
Small open space (< 50 m²) | 15 to 20% | Reduce conversational echo |
Medium-sized open space (50 to 150 m²) | 20 to 30% | Lower the ambient noise level |
Large open-plan area (> 150 m²) | 25 to 35% + suspended baffles | Achieve a reverberation time ≤ 0.8 s |
These figures vary depending on ceiling height, existing materials (concrete, glass, wood), and the type of activity. Offices located in former industrial lofts or in towers with extensive glazing generally require more extensive soundproofing, as these surfaces reflect sound more intensely. A diagnostic assessment by our consultants will allow us to refine these estimates to your specific situation.
Are office plants a replacement for acoustic furniture?
This is a common question for those on a budget. The honest answer is that plants diffuse sound and break up some echoes by creating irregular surfaces. They do have a real, but limited, effect. They are not a substitute for NRC 0.80+ certified acoustic material for treating a stage with 20 people. However, they can complement existing acoustic design—and contribute to overall well-being.
Acoustic solutions available at Concept Bureau
Absorbing sound in an open-plan office
Straight and Flux deflectors — effective suspended baffles for large stages.
Lala and deflectors Beach Ball — design solutions for spaces with high ceilings.
Suspended Felt Partition — delimits work areas while absorbing lateral sounds.
Cascades — high absorption decorative wall partition.
Dressing the walls with acoustic efficiency
Foam Wall and Framed Foam Foam — absorbent wall coverings with a contemporary look.
Edge wall — structural panels for reception areas and meeting rooms.
Isolate for confidential calls and meetings
Mutebox — compact booth ideal for video conferencing in open-plan offices.
Axel Pavilion — a semi-enclosed space that combines acoustic comfort and collective presence.
Full range of Acoustic booths for maximum insulation.
Concept Bureau: Your office acoustics expert in Laval
Since 1996, our consultants have been assisting businesses in Laval, Montreal, and the Laurentians with the design of their workspaces. We assess your premises and recommend the best combination of Acoustic products tailored to your surface area, existing materials and budget — without over-treating the space or spending unnecessarily.
Laval : 1881, rue Gutenberg — 450-688-0799
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts : Suite Concept Design (by appointment)
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