No two spaces sound alike. A busy open-plan office doesn’t behave acoustically like a restaurant, and a classroom presents challenges that a retail store never will. That’s why there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” acoustic product. Each sector demands tailored solutions, chosen not just for their performance, but for how they support the way people actually use the space.
At ekko Acoustics, we design and manufacture products that fit a wide range of environments. Below, we explore some of the most common sectors where acoustics make a measurable difference, and the solutions that deliver the best results.
Modern offices thrive on collaboration, but the buzz of an open plan can quickly turn into distraction. Poorly managed sound leads to lower concentration, higher stress, and frustration during calls and meetings.
What works best:
- Ceiling rafts and baffles absorb sound in open areas, preventing harsh reverberation.
- Wall panels reduce flutter echo and add visual rhythm.
- Partition panels and acoustic screens help zone spaces without shutting off natural light.
- Acoustic lighting integrates illumination with sound absorption for design-led interiors.
Why it matters: Offices benefit from acoustic layouts that allow collaboration in some areas and quiet focus in others. A layered approach, baffles overhead, panels at head height, and partitions for zoning, ensures comfort across different working styles.
Uncontrolled noise isn’t just irritating – it’s stressful. Over time, it can raise cortisol levels, contribute to fatigue, and even trigger anxiety. For neurodivergent individuals, the impact is often amplified, making it harder to concentrate, communicate or feel at ease.
Introducing acoustic materials like suspended baffles, felt wall panels or ceiling rafts helps reduce reverberation and harsh noise. These interventions soften the overall sound, support sensory comfort, and create calmer, more inclusive environments where people feel mentally supported throughout the day.
Coworking is about adaptability, but a fluid, multi-user environment can become chaotic if sound isn’t controlled. Conversations overlap, video calls spill into work zones, and social areas compete with quiet work.
What works best:
- Suspended rafts and sculptural ceiling features reduce reverberation and double as design statements.
- Phone booths and pods provide isolated spaces for calls.
- Wall panels in creative forms add character while absorbing mid-to-high frequencies.
Why it matters: In coworking, zoning is essential. You can’t stop people from talking, but you can prevent their conversations from dominating the entire space.
From schools to universities, the ability to hear clearly has a direct link to learning outcomes. Excess reverberation in classrooms reduces speech intelligibility and makes it harder for students to focus.
What works best:
- Classroom wall panels that absorb mid-frequency sound for better speech clarity.
- Ceiling baffles for sports halls, dining areas and libraries where large volumes cause long reverberation times.
- Pinboard-friendly acoustic panels in classrooms combine function with performance.
Standards to note: BB93 (Acoustic Design of Schools) sets strict targets for reverberation and background noise, often requiring multiple layers of acoustic treatment.
"Every space has its own acoustic personality, the best results come from selecting not just the right product, but the right combination of products, tailored to the sector and space."
In restaurants, cafés, and bars, sound is as much a part of the experience as lighting or décor. Guests expect lively ambience — but when noise rises above 70 dB, conversation becomes strained.
What works best:
- Acoustic rafts or disks suspended above dining areas.
- Booth panels and upholstered seating that absorb local sound.
- Decorative wall features in PET felt or timber slats that double as design statements.
Why it matters: The right acoustic balance encourages longer stays, repeat business, and higher customer satisfaction. It turns noise into energy — without crossing into chaos.
Acoustics play a subtle but powerful role in retail. A luxury boutique demands calm, controlled sound, while a sports store may want an energetic atmosphere without harsh echoes.
What works best:
- Felt wall panels with custom branding combine visual identity with acoustic absorption.
- Ceiling grids or baffle arrays tame echo in large-format stores.
- Diffusive surfaces like timber or cork for softer soundscapes.
Why it matters: Sound reinforces brand identity. Customers rarely notice good acoustics, but they always notice bad acoustics when a space feels uncomfortable.
In clinics, therapy rooms, and wellness centres, sound has a direct impact on healing and relaxation. High reverberation or intrusive noise undermines the sense of safety and calm these spaces depend on.
What works best:
- Soft felt panels for waiting areas and consultation rooms.
- Acoustic partitions to protect privacy and dignity.
- Natural materials like cork and timber to bring warmth and biophilic benefits.
Why it matters: Patients, clients, and staff all benefit from acoustic comfort, it reduces stress, supports clear communication, and enhances recovery.
Every space has its own acoustic personality. Offices need productivity and privacy, schools need clarity, restaurants need buzz, and healthcare needs calm. The best results come from selecting not just the right product, but the right combination of products, tailored to the sector and space.
At ekko Acoustics, we guide specifiers, designers and contractors through this process — from early-stage planning to material samples, to installation support. Whether it’s a classroom, coworking hub, or retail flagship, we help you create environments that sound as good as they look.
Explore our sector-specific acoustic product range, request material samples, or book a CPD session with our experts to discover how sound can transform your projects.
All of our solutions are tested to UK fire safety standards, sustainable, and available in a palette of natural colours designed to complement any interior.
