You wouldn’t design a space without lighting in mind, so why do acoustics still feel like an afterthought?As workplaces, public venues, and commercial interiors shift toward open, collaborative, and multi-use designs, one thing’s clear: sound matters. Poor acoustics...
Sound Science:
Why NRC and Reverberation Time Matter in Workplace DesignYou may be asking yourself ‘Hold up, sound has a science?’ And the answer is yes, 100%, and it’s more important than ever. If you’re designing workplaces that people actually want to spend time in (especially if they’re Gen Z or hybrid workers coming in a few days a week), how that space sounds matters just as much as how it looks.
We’re not just talking about noise levels. We’re talking about measurable, manageable, designable elements of sound like NRC and reverberation time, indices that shape how a space feels, performs, and supports productivity.
Let’s break it down.
What Is NRC, and Why Should You Pay Attention to It?
NRC stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient. In plain language: it tells you how much sound a material absorbs.
- An NRC of 0 means the material reflects all sound (think bare concrete walls).
- An NRC of 1.0 means the material absorbs all sound hitting it (like thick acoustic felt or soft ceiling baffles).
Rule of thumb: The higher the NRC, the more effective the material is at reducing noise buildup in a room. In open offices, huddle rooms, and phone booths, an NRC of 0.7 or higher is usually recommended.
Example:
EzoBord’s Rubik Acoustic Wall Panels are made with recycled PET and can reach NRC ratings up to 0.85, absorbing sound and contributing to LEED goals.
What’s Reverberation Time, and Why Does It Matter?
Reverberation time (RT60) measures how long sound lingers in a space after the source stops. It is the time it takes a sound to drop from 100 decibels (really loud) to 40 decibels (really quiet) = RT60. It’s what causes echoes in empty rooms or that dreaded conference room where voices bounce endlessly.
Too much reverberation = poor speech clarity, headaches, and distraction. Too little = a “dead” space that feels unnatural.
Here’s what ideal RT60 looks like:
- Private offices: under 0.6 seconds
- Conference rooms: under 0.6–0.8 seconds
- Open plan spaces: under 0.8 seconds
- Large lobbies or gathering spaces: up to 1.2 seconds, depending on intent and varies by application
Want to lower reverberation time? Use ceiling treatments like EzoBord’s Zen Grid which are designed to enhance the calm in your space.
But Why Should You Care?
Maybe you’re leading a workplace transformation, redesigning a HQ, or specifying finishes for a fast-paced interior build. If you’re a space planner, designer or architect, you’ll want to ensure that form and function go hand in hand, and acoustics directly impact concentration, wellbeing, and how people experience your space. In fact, according to Gensler’s Workplace Survey, employees rank noise control as one of the top three factors influencing satisfaction, right up there with lighting and temperature. Poor acoustics are a top complaint in hybrid work environments, where clarity in video calls is crucial.
How Acoustic Metrics Affect Real-World Design Decisions
Let’s say you’re designing a new collaboration area.
- If it’s full of hard surfaces and the reverberation time is 1.5+ seconds, it’s going to feel loud and chaotic.
- Add high-NRC materials to the walls and ceiling? You bring it down to <1.0 seconds. Conversations are clearer, and everyone feels more focused.
Or perhaps you’re working with a client trying to hit LEED benchmarks. Acoustic comfort is a documented requirement under this certification.
EzoBord supports sound integrity in any space with materials that are made from recycled PET, locally manufactured, and engineered for sound absorption and sustainability.
What to Remember:
1. NRC measures how much sound a material absorbs.
2. Reverberation time measures how long sound lingers in a space.
3. Aim for lower RT60s in private/focus areas; higher NRCs in echo-prone spaces.
4. Acoustic comfort improves productivity, wellbeing, and retention.
5. Specifying high-performance products like EzoBord can help achieve LEED targets.
Ready to Design Spaces That Sound as Good as They Look?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re planning a retrofit, designing a new build, or troubleshooting a too-loud space, EzoBord has the tools and acoustic know-how to make your project sound as good as it looks.
Let’s make better sound part of your next spec.
👉 Explore EzoBord acoustic solutions
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