Case Study: Successful Office Renovation with Gypsum and Perforated Boards
Project Overview
A multinational technology company sought to renovate its headquarters to enhance employee productivity, acoustic performance, and modern aesthetics. The project involved gypsum board for walls and ceilings, and perforated acoustic boards to improve sound absorption in meeting rooms and open office spaces.
1. Challenges Faced in the Existing Office Space
Before renovation, the office had several issues:
❌ Poor Sound Insulation: Noise from open-plan desks and meeting rooms disrupted concentration.
❌ Outdated Aesthetics: The office had a plain, uninspiring design.
❌ Lack of Privacy: Thin partition walls allowed sound leakage.
❌ Inefficient Lighting Integration: Ceiling structures were not optimized for modern lighting solutions.
Solution Approach: Implementing Gypsum and Perforated Boards
To address these issues, the renovation team used high-quality gypsum boards for walls and ceilings and perforated boards for acoustic treatment.
2. Renovation Strategy and Material Selection
(1) Gypsum Board for Walls and Ceilings
✅ Material Used: Fire-resistant and moisture-resistant gypsum boards (12mm thick)
✅ Application:
Partition Walls: Installed double-layer gypsum boards + insulation material (rock wool) to enhance soundproofing (STC 50+).
Ceilings: Used lightweight gypsum panels to integrate recessed LED lighting and air vents seamlessly.
✔ Results:
Reduced sound transmission between meeting rooms and open spaces.
Smooth, paintable surfaces improved aesthetics and reflected light better.
Fire safety improved with fire-resistant gypsum boards.
(2) Perforated Acoustic Boards for Sound Control
✅ Material Used: Perforated gypsum boards (NRC 0.8) for ceilings and feature walls
✅ Application:
Conference Rooms: Installed perforated boards with glass wool backing to absorb echoes.
Open Workspaces: Used wood-finish perforated panels to balance sound absorption and aesthetics.
Hallways & Common Areas: Installed as feature walls to enhance both acoustics and design.
✔ Results:
30% reduction in noise reflection, improving speech clarity.
Aesthetic enhancement with modern, textured designs.
Healthier work environment, reducing echo-related fatigue.
3. Measurable Outcomes of the Renovation
| Metric | Before Renovation | After Renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Privacy (STC Rating) | STC 35 (poor sound isolation) | STC 50+ (high isolation) |
| Noise Reduction in Meeting Rooms (NRC) | NRC 0.3 (poor) | NRC 0.8 (excellent) |
| Energy Efficiency (Lighting & HVAC Integration) | Standard ceiling with inefficient lighting | Optimized gypsum ceiling with LED & air vents |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Plain, uninspiring walls | Modern textured walls & ceilings |
| Employee Productivity & Satisfaction | Frequent distractions | Improved focus & reduced noise complaints |
4. Key Takeaways & Best Practices
✔ Combine gypsum boards with insulation (rock wool) for superior soundproofing.
✔ Use perforated boards in high-noise areas for effective noise absorption.
✔ Optimize ceiling design for lighting & HVAC efficiency.
✔ Ensure high-quality finishing (painting, sealing) for longevity.
✔ Use fire-resistant gypsum boards for enhanced safety compliance.
5. Conclusion
The renovation successfully transformed the office into a modern, acoustically optimized, and energy-efficient workspace. The combination of gypsum boards for structural and aesthetic improvements and perforated acoustic panels for sound management created a productive and visually appealing office environment.
This case study demonstrates how strategic material selection can significantly improve workspace functionality and employee satisfaction while maintaining cost-effectiveness.