MOST ASKED
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our products and how we work. If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact us
and we're happy to help.
DESIGNING THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
How can you design an office that supports different ways of working?
A well-designed working environment offers a variety of spaces for different types of work. Some tasks require concentration and privacy, whilst others are based on collaboration, meetings and interaction.
A functional working environment usually consists of a variety of spaces, such as telephone booths, quiet workspaces, meeting rooms, open collaboration areas, acoustic room dividers, and ergonomic workstations and furniture. This allows users to choose the environment best suited to each task.
When designing a workplace, it is worth taking into account not only the physical layout but also acoustics, ergonomics, privacy and shared working practices. Particularly in larger workplace design projects, it is advisable to involve a workplace design professional who can help identify the needs of the organisation and its users and bring them together into a functional whole.
A well-designed working environment is therefore not created by individual products, but by a holistic approach in which spaces, furniture and working practices support a variety of ways of working.
How can you reduce noise in an open-plan office?
The most effective way to reduce noise in an open-plan office is to combine acoustic solutions, effective spatial planning and shared working practices. The aim is not to make the working environment completely silent, but to reduce distracting noise and provide spaces suitable for different types of work.
Soundproofed telephone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms provide a quiet place for phone calls, video conferences, work requiring concentration and meetings. When noisier work can be moved to designated areas, background noise and other distractions are reduced in open-plan workspaces.
Acoustic room dividers, wall panels and upholstered furniture, on the other hand, absorb sound generated within the space and reduce sound reflection. At the same time, room dividers can be used to demarcate different areas of activity and minimise the spread of noise and visual distractions between workstations.
In a well-functioning multi-space office, shared ground rules also play an important role. It is worth agreeing within the organisation, for example, where phone calls and video meetings should take place, which areas are intended for concentration, and where conversation and collaboration are a natural part of the working day. When the intended uses of the spaces are clear and staff are familiar with the shared practices, the working environment functions more effectively in practice too.
The best results are achieved when acoustics, spatial design and shared working practices within the workplace complement one another. In this way, the benefits of an open-plan working environment can be retained whilst offering users greater peace and quiet, privacy and the opportunity to choose a space suited to the task at hand.
When should you use a telephone booth, a workspace, a meeting room or an acoustic room divider?
The right solution depends on the type of work carried out in the space. A single office usually requires several different types of workspaces, as not all tasks require the same kind of space.
Soundproof telephone booth It is ideal for phone calls, video meetings and short tasks that require concentration. It offers privacy without taking up too much floor space.
Soundproofed workspace is designed for longer periods of individual work, remote meetings and tasks that require a quiet working environment. The more spacious interior allows for ergonomic working, even for several hours at a time.
Soundproof meeting room Suitable for meetings, client meetings, hybrid working, project work and confidential discussions. Depending on the layout, the spaces can be furnished to suit teams of different sizes and a variety of uses.
Acoustic space dividers They do not replace enclosed workspaces, but they help to organise an open-plan working environment, reduce noise transmission and enhance visual privacy without the need for fixed partitions. They are suitable, for example, for demarcating workstations, lounge areas, staff canteens and meeting areas.
The best results are often achieved by combining different solutions within the same working environment. When there are dedicated spaces for phone calls, work requiring concentration, collaboration and meetings, the working environment better supports different ways of working and adapts to the organisation’s changing needs.
Why is it better to design a modular working environment rather than one with fixed structures?
Work environments are constantly changing. Organisations grow, teams change and working practices evolve. Solid walls and permanent structures can make change slow, costly and environmentally damaging.
A modular working environment allows spaces to be adapted without the need for major building works. Soundproofed workspaces, meeting rooms, telephone booths, acoustic room dividers and other furniture solutions can be added, moved or rearranged as the needs of the working environment change.
As well as flexibility, modularity promotes sustainability. When existing solutions can be reused in new premises, less construction waste is generated and the service life of products is extended. At the same time, this avoids many of the costs and service interruptions associated with traditional construction.
Modular design also gives workplace designers greater freedom. Spaces can be developed in stages to meet the organisation’s needs without having to rebuild the entire office.
What is the difference between a modular meeting space and a purpose-built meeting room?
A modular meeting room offers many of the same uses as a traditional, purpose-built meeting room, but it can be installed without the need for extensive building work. It can also be dismantled, moved and reinstalled as and when required, should the needs of the working environment or organisation change.
A traditional meeting room is built as an integral part of the office space, which means that its installation may require the erection of partition walls as well as alterations to, for example, the electrical, ventilation and other building services systems. A modular solution is supplied as largely prefabricated components, which makes installation quick and reduces the amount of on-site construction work required.
There is also a significant difference when it comes to changes to office premises. Converting or dismantling a fixed meeting room usually involves new building work, whereas a modular meeting space can be moved, reconfigured and, in many models, also expanded. Existing components can be reused, rather than having to rebuild the entire space from scratch.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the intended use of the space and how permanent the working environment is intended to be. A modular meeting room is a particularly good option when rapid deployment, adaptability and the ability to utilise the same investment in future premises are valued.
How many telephone booths or meeting rooms are needed in the office?
The need for telephone booths and meeting rooms depends, above all, on working practices, staff numbers and office utilisation rates. There is no single correct figure, as factors such as hybrid working, the number of client meetings and remote meetings have a significant impact on the amount of space required.
A good starting point is to allow for approximately one telephone booth for every 8–12 employees. In addition, it is advisable for the office to have a sufficient number of meeting rooms of various sizes for collaboration, client meetings and teamwork. However, the final requirement depends on how many calls are made within the organisation, how many video conferences are held and how much work requires concentration.
It is also worth designing the working environment with the future in mind. Thanks to modular solutions, the number of workspaces can be easily increased, relocated or adapted as the organisation’s needs change, without the need for major building works.
PRODUCTS
Where can I find out more about the products?
You can view INTO Concept’s products at our retailers’ showrooms, at reference projects and at INTO Concept’s own showroom in Vallila, Helsinki. The opportunities to view the products vary by country and region.
If there is no showroom in your local area, we can also show you our products remotely. If necessary, we can help you find the nearest location where you can see the products for yourself.
On our website, you will find a comprehensive range of product images, technical specifications, material options, DWG and BIM files, as well as product brochures to assist with your design work.
If you’d like to visit our Vallila showroom, you’ll find directions, parking information and other practical details on this page:
https://intoconcept.com/fi/saapumisohjeet/
Please get in touch with our sales team, and we’ll help you find the best way for you to explore our products.
Where are the products made?
All INTO the Nordic Silence products in the - product family are designed in Finland by our own design team. Our product development is based on functional, durable and easily adaptable solutions that meet the needs of modern working environments.
Our products are manufactured in Finland and Estonia in collaboration with our trusted manufacturing partners. This long-standing collaboration ensures high quality, consistent delivery reliability and the continuous development of our products.
Can the appearance of the products be customised?
Yes. INTO Concept’s products are available in a wide range of colours, materials and upholstery options, allowing them to be tailored to fit in with the interior design of the space and the company’s visual identity. The products can also be customised in the company’s own brand colours.
When planning the colour scheme for a workplace, however, we recommend taking the long lifespan of the products into account. A company’s visual identity and brand colours can change considerably more quickly than the lifespan of the furniture, which is why timeless and easily combinable material choices are often a long-lasting solution. Brand colours can be incorporated into a space in a considered way, for example in details and elements that are easy to update.
In many products, the exterior and interior cladding panels are interchangeable. This makes it possible to update the product’s appearance at a later date – for example, when moving premises, refurbishing the interior or changing the corporate identity – without having to replace the entire product.
Modularity and interchangeable components support the products’ long life cycle and enable them to be adapted to different working environments, even in the future.
ACOUSTICS
How well do the products absorb sound?
The acoustic properties of the products depend on the product type and intended use. Soundproofed telephone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms are designed to minimise the transmission of speech outside the room and to provide a quiet environment for phone calls, video conferences, concentration and confidential discussions.
All INTO Concept telephone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms tested in accordance with the ISO 23351-1:2020 standard have achieved at least Class A speech privacy, and the top models have achieved Class A+ with speech attenuation of over 33 dB. When comparing the acoustic properties of different products, it is important that the measurements have been carried out in accordance with the same standard, as decibel values reported using different measurement methods are not directly comparable.
Acoustic room dividers, wall panels and upholstered furniture work differently from enclosed, soundproofed spaces. They absorb sound generated within the space and reduce sound reflections, which helps to improve the acoustics of the entire working environment and minimise disturbances.
The best results are usually achieved by combining different acoustic solutions depending on the intended use. Enclosed spaces provide privacy for conversation, whilst acoustic room dividers, panels and furniture improve the acoustic conditions of the surrounding space.
What does ‘Class A’ confidentiality mean?
Class A acoustic privacy means that the workspace effectively minimises the transmission of speech into the surrounding area. In practice, this enables confidential phone calls, video conferences and discussions even when the workspace is located close to other workstations.
Freedom of speech is measured by international ISO 23351-1:2020 in accordance with the -standard. The standard has been developed specifically to assess the acoustic performance of telephone booths, workspaces and modular meeting rooms in real-world usage scenarios. It measures how effectively speech is attenuated outside the workspace and how well the privacy of conversations is maintained.
When comparing the acoustic properties of workspaces, ISO 23351-1:2020 is the only international standard that enables a reliable comparison of products from different manufacturers using the same measurement method. Other decibel values and measurement methods are also used in the market, but their results are generally not comparable with one another, as the measurement conditions and test methods differ.
All INTO Concept products tested in accordance with the ISO 23351-1:2020 standard phone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms have achieved at least Class A speech privacy. The best models have even achieved Class A+ privacy. This makes it possible to conduct phone calls, video conferences and confidential discussions even in busy work environments.
However, the overall environment has an impact on the functionality of the workplace. Soundproofed workspaces, acoustic partitions, sound-absorbing furniture and a well-designed layout complement one another and create an environment in which different ways of working can coexist.
DELIVERY & INSTALLATION
What is the typical delivery time?
The typical delivery time is approximately 4–8 weeks confirmation of your order. Delivery times are affected by factors such as the product selected, materials, upholstery, any customisations and the delivery address.
Many of our products are made to order using materials and fittings chosen by the customer. This enables us to offer solutions that best meet the needs of the working environment.
For project deliveries, the delivery schedule can also be tailored to the progress of the construction site or premises project. We always aim to agree on the delivery date in consultation with the customer and the other parties involved in the project.
If you need products on a tighter schedule, please get in touch with our sales team. Stock items, display items or INTO Re-Collection - Delivery may be possible much more quickly via this range.
How long will the installation take?
Installation time depends on the size and model of the product. Installation of the smallest telephone booths and workspaces typically takes around half a working day, whilst for larger meeting rooms, it is advisable to allow around one working day.
The products are designed to be modular, and quick and smooth installation has been taken into account right from the design stage. Solutions comprising prefabricated elements can be installed directly at the site without the need for major construction work or lengthy service interruptions.
Before delivery, it is advisable to ensure that access routes, the installation site and the necessary electrical connections are ready. In larger projects, installations can be scheduled in stages in line with the wider construction or relocation schedule.
The installation time for furniture, acoustic room dividers and other products varies depending on the scope of the delivery. A more detailed installation schedule is always agreed on a project-by-project basis.
What should be taken into account when positioning products?
The products can be flexibly positioned in a variety of environments; however, when positioning them, consideration must be given to the space required by the product, access routes, and the technical and safety requirements of the surrounding area.
Phone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms They do not usually require any major structural alterations. However, the installation site must have sufficient space for the product to be installed and used, as well as the necessary electrical connection.
When planning the layout, consideration must also be given to the property’s ventilation, escape routes, fire safety and any other building-specific requirements.
Acoustic room dividers, fittings and workstations They allow for more flexible layout, and can be used to organise the space without fixed partition walls.
If necessary, we can help you assess the installation site and ensure, right from the design stage, that the chosen solution is suitable for the space in question.
Can products be moved or expanded at a later date?
Yes. The products are designed to be modular so that they can continue to be used even as the needs of the working environment change.
Phone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms can, if necessary, be moved to a new location within the office or dismantled and reassembled, for example, when relocating premises. In many models, moving the products is made easier by transport solutions built into their design. Many models can also be expanded or modified at a later date. Thanks to their modular design, existing components can be reused rather than having to replace the entire product when requirements change.
Also acoustic room dividers, working places and furniture can be moved, combined and rearranged. This allows the entire working environment to be developed in stages and adapted to the organisation’s changing needs.
Is a planning permission or do other regulatory requirements apply to the installation of a telephone booth, workspace or meeting room?
Phone booths, workspaces and modular meeting rooms do not usually require the same kind of construction work as permanently built rooms. However, the need for planning permission or compliance with other regulatory requirements always depends on the specific site, the size of the product, its intended use and local regulations.
When planning the layout, factors such as escape routes, fire safety and other safety requirements for the property must be taken into account. Requirements relating to sprinkler systems may also vary depending on the location and size of the premises.
We recommend that you check the site-specific requirements with the person responsible for the property, a fire safety expert or the local authority as early as the design stage. If necessary, we can assist by providing technical specifications for our products and other materials required for the design process.
SUSTAINABILITY
How long is the life cycle of products, and how can it be extended?
INTO Concept’s products are designed to be durable and to adapt to the changing needs of work environments. Thanks to their modular design, the products can be moved, modified, maintained and upgraded, rather than having to be completely replaced with new ones whenever needs change.
In many products, individual parts can be replaced as and when necessary. For example, upholstered exterior and interior panels can be replaced, making it possible both to replace worn parts and to update the product’s appearance at a later date. Furniture can also be reupholstered and products refurbished throughout their lifecycle.
Modular telephone boxes, workspaces and meeting rooms can be dismantled, moved and reinstalled, for example, when relocating premises. This means that the investment is not tied to a single set of premises; instead, the same product can also be utilised as the needs of the working environment and the organisation change.
The service life of products can also be extended through reuse. INTO Re-Collection Products used via the service can be refurbished and returned to service, thereby extending the life cycle of an existing product rather than manufacturing a new one.
Can the products be recycled?
Yes. All the materials used in INTO Concept’s products are recyclable. The products are designed to be modular and dismantlable, which makes it easier to separate the different materials and components at the end of the product’s life cycle.
Our primary aim, however, is to keep the products in use for as long as possible. Thanks to their modular design, products can be serviced, repaired, relocated and adapted as usage requirements change, rather than having to replace the entire product with a new one.
When a product is no longer needed for its original purpose, a new use or a new user can be found for it. INTO Re-Collection supports the reuse of products and helps to extend their life cycle before the materials are recycled.
At the end of the product’s life cycle, the materials can be separated and channelled into the appropriate recycling processes.
How does modularity reduce the environmental impact of the workplace?
Modularity extends the service life of products and reduces the need to build new facilities as the requirements of the working environment change. Rather than replacing premises or furniture entirely with new ones, modular solutions can be relocated, adapted, expanded, maintained and upgraded.
For example phone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms can be moved within the office or dismantled and reassembled in new premises. Individual components, such as upholstered panels, can also be replaced without having to replace the entire product.
Modular space solutions can also reduce the need for fixed partition walls and other built-in structures. When the working environment is modified, this can reduce the amount of demolition work, the use of new building materials and the waste generated by construction.
The aim is for the working environment to adapt to the organisation’s needs for as long as possible by making use of existing products and materials.
SERVICE & WARRANTY
What is the product guarantee?
The standard products manufactured by INTO Concept have five-year warranty. The warranty period for electrical components is two years, and second-hand, demonstration and refurbished products have one-year warranty.
Further details of the warranty terms can be found in INTO Concept’s current terms and conditions of delivery.
What maintenance do the products require?
INTO Concept’s products are designed to be durable and easy to maintain. Maintenance of the products usually consists of regular cleaning and looking after the surfaces and upholstery in accordance with the instructions specific to each material.
Upholstered surfaces should be vacuumed regularly, and any stains should be removed as quickly as possible. Painted, laminated, wooden and glass surfaces can be cleaned using methods suitable for each.
For soundproofed telephone booths, workspaces and meeting rooms, we recommend general servicing approximately every two years. During servicing, the general condition and operation of the product are checked, the necessary parts are cleaned, and any minor maintenance tasks required are carried out, such as checking the fixings and the operation of the door.
Thanks to its modular design, individual components can be serviced, replaced and refurbished as and when necessary, without the need to replace the entire product.
PROCUREMENT
How much do the products cost, and what purchasing options are available?
Recommended retail prices for our products can be found on our website for each individual product. The final price is determined by the product selected, the materials, the specifications, delivery and any customer-specific modifications.
Depending on the market area, products can be purchased directly from INTO Concept or through our network of retailers. The final price of products purchased through retailers is determined by the retailer.
As well as buying directly, the following options are available: leasing, hire and hire-purchase options, which enable the procurement to be carried out in a way that suits the company’s needs and budget.
We are happy to help you choose the right solution and procurement model, and, if necessary, we can refer you to a local retailer.
Can products be bought second-hand or refurbished?
Yes. INTO Re-Collection offers a range of second-hand and refurbished INTO Concept products. The range includes, for example, products that have been used in previous projects, for hire, at trade fairs or in showrooms, all of which are checked before being resold.
Re-Collection offers the opportunity to purchase a high-quality INTO product at a lower price than a new one, whilst extending the life cycle of your existing product. Reusing a product also reduces the need for new manufacturing and the resulting environmental impact.
The range varies depending on availability and includes telephone booths, work and meeting rooms, as well as furniture and other INTO products.
Check out the latest from INTO Re-Collection -range on our website.
