The appropriate size for a quiet space in a small office depends on the intended use and number of users, but generally, the following is recommended for a quiet space for one person at least 2-3 square metres. The optimal quiet space provides sufficient room for a workstation, movement and necessary work equipment without feeling cramped. Even in a small office, it is possible to create a quiet space by using soundproofed workstations, telephone booths or room dividers. The most important thing is that the space allows for concentration and privacy despite the distractions of an open-plan office. Discover INTO Concept's versatile solutions, which are ideal for office spaces of various sizes.
Why is quiet space essential in a modern office?
In a modern office environment silent mode has changed from a luxury to a necessity. The increasing popularity of open-plan offices has brought with it challenges in terms of concentration and peace and quiet at work, which emphasises the need for quiet workspaces.
A quiet space provides employees with a place where they can concentrate on demanding tasks without distractions. This is particularly important for tasks that require deep thought, creativity or precision. In addition, quiet workspaces support employee well-being by reducing stress and cognitive load caused by constant noise and interruptions.
Soundproofed spaces are a key part of effective office design, as they allow for different working styles and needs to be taken into account. Not all employees thrive in the same conditions – some need more privacy and quiet than others. A versatile working environment that offers different spaces for different purposes supports employee efficiency and satisfaction.
Particularly in small offices with limited space, it is worth paying special attention to the design of quiet spaces. Smart space planning and high-quality sound insulation solutions help to create functional quiet spaces even in small areas.
How large should a quiet space be, at a minimum, in order to be functional?
A functional quiet space minimum size Approximately 2–3 square metres (1.5 m x 1.5 m or 1.5 m x 2 m) is required for one person. This allows for a desk, work chair and sufficient space to move around without feeling cramped. Smaller solutions can also work for short-term use, such as in telephone booths designed for phone calls, which can be as small as 1-1.5 square metres.
From an ergonomic point of view, it is essential that a quiet space allows for a natural working position and sufficient adjustment options. There should be at least 60–80 cm of free space around the desk to allow for smooth movement of the chair. Ergonomics suffer in overly cramped spaces, which can lead to physical discomfort for employees and a decline in work efficiency.
POD solutions and telephone booths designed for small offices offer an efficient way to utilise limited space. These ready-made, modular solutions are easy to install in existing offices and provide excellent sound insulation even in small spaces. Compact telephone booths are suitable for short calls and video conferences, while slightly larger POD spaces allow for longer periods of work.
The versatility of the premises is also an important consideration. For example, quiet spaces measuring 4–5 square metres can be used for both individual work and small meetings for 2–3 people. Discover INTO Concept's various quiet space solutions, which are designed to optimise space utilisation even in small office environments.
How does sound insulation affect the need for quiet space?
High-quality sound insulation is one of the most important factors enabling the functionality of a smaller, quiet space. When soundproofing is done professionally, even a smaller space can feel peaceful and private. Without adequate soundproofing, it is often necessary to compensate by increasing the distance to sources of disturbance, which significantly increases the space required.
Good sound insulation significantly reduces external noise and also prevents sound from escaping from the room. This is particularly important when a quiet space is located in the middle of a busy office area. High-quality sound insulation materials, such as acoustic wall panels and correctly dimensioned structures, improve the usability of the space without the need to increase the square footage.
Ready-made solutions designed for small office spaces make effective use of modern acoustic materials. Modern telephone booths and POD rooms offer excellent sound insulation in a compact size, taking up little space in the office while still providing a functional, quiet workstation.
The effectiveness of sound insulation can be measured by sound attenuation values, and in high-quality solutions, these values clearly exceed those of conventional office structures. This means that even a smaller soundproofed space can be significantly quieter than a larger, but less well-insulated space.
What options are available when space is extremely limited?
When office space is extremely limited, there are several innovative solutions, that help create quiet workspaces in small areas. Compact telephone booths are an excellent solution when private space is needed for phone calls. These booths take up only about 1-1.5 square metres of floor space, but provide a soundproof space where you can concentrate without disturbance.
Smart room dividers and acoustic walls are another effective way to create quieter workstations in an open space without fixed structures. Tall acoustic walls can be used to separate individual workstations or small areas, providing visual and acoustic protection from environmental disturbances. This creates ”quiet islands” within an open-plan office space.
Multipurpose POD rooms are a solution that provides a fully soundproofed space for multiple uses. The smallest POD rooms are approximately 2-3 square metres in size and can serve as quiet workstations or small meeting rooms. These modular rooms are easy to move and install, making them a flexible solution for changing space requirements.
Semi-open workspaces placed against a wall are also effective space dividers. These solutions provide visual privacy and some acoustic insulation without taking up as much space as fully enclosed rooms. This type of solution may be sufficient for many tasks that require concentration.
If an existing meeting room is being used inefficiently, dividing it into smaller sections can be a cost-effective solution. This creates several smaller quiet spaces that can serve different users at the same time. Contact us, we will help you find the right solution for your office's needs.
How to design a quiet space that serves different needs?
Designing a versatile quiet space intended use determine the optimal size and equipment. The first step is to identify the main purpose for which the quiet space will be used: is it for individual work requiring concentration, video conferences, phone calls or small group meetings? Each use has different requirements in terms of space size, acoustics and equipment.
The number of users is another key factor. A quiet space intended for one person can be considerably smaller (2–3 m²) than a mini meeting room for two people (4–5 m²). In a multi-purpose space, it is advisable to dimension it according to the maximum possible number of users, but furnish it so that it also works well with a smaller number of users.
The location within the office also has a significant impact on the size of the quiet space required and the acoustic requirements. If the space is located near a busy passageway or noisy area, more effective sound insulation is needed. On the other hand, in a quieter corner, a lighter solution may work well.
Ergonomics and comfort are critical factors that affect the utilisation rate of a quiet space. A space that is too cramped or uncomfortable will easily remain unused. It is therefore important to ensure that the space is large enough to allow for an ergonomic working position and natural movement. Adjustable furniture and good lighting increase the usability of the space.
Integrating technology is essential in a modern quiet space. Sockets, USB charging points, screens and video conferencing systems should be designed into the space so that they are easily accessible but do not take up too much valuable floor space. The use of wireless solutions reduces cable clutter and keeps the space tidier.
In summary, it is possible to create a functional quiet space in a small office when the design is based on usage needs and utilises modern acoustic solutions and space-saving furniture. Even in small offices, it is possible to create effective quiet spaces that improve employees' concentration, productivity and well-being. Discover INTO Concept's solutions, which are designed to optimise even small spaces into functional working environments.
