Acoustic Solutions for Modern Offices: MicroLumen Headquarters Expansion in Oldsmar, FL

Project Overview: Sound-Optimized Design for a Modern Office Environment

MicroLumen, a global manufacturer of medical tubing, recently expanded its Florida headquarters with a new Class A office addition—designed to blend aesthetic sophistication with functional acoustic control. To meet the acoustic needs of the open layout, Commercial Acoustics installed over 20,000 square feet of high-end PET-based acoustic solutions across ceiling, wall, and corridor surfaces.

The project was executed in collaboration with ARCO/Murray and specified a wide range of specialty felt products—many of which required custom field fabrication. These acoustic treatments weren’t simply add-ons, but integral parts of the architectural vision for a quiet, focused, and visually distinctive workplace.

From sculpted wall panels to ceiling-mounted wave baffles, each installation reflects the growing demand for sustainable acoustic materials that serve both visual and performance goals in modern office settings.

Reflected Ceiling Plan - Elite Events at MicroLumen
Reflected Ceiling Plan – Elite Events at MicroLumen

PET-Based Materials for Acoustic & Aesthetic Performance

  • Material Choice: PET felt made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Sustainability Value: Fully recyclable with low VOC off-gassing
  • Design Flexibility: Offered in a wide range of colors & forms

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is quickly becoming the material of choice for modern office acoustic solutions. At MicroLumen, felt-based products were used throughout the facility, offering a visually clean and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional acoustic panels.

These panels are produced by compressing recycled plastic into dense, sound-absorbing boards that are lightweight, moldable, and free of Red List chemicals. Their versatility allowed the design team to push creative boundaries—from sculpted walls to 3D ceiling forms—while still meeting the performance needs of a busy workplace.

Although PET has a lower NRC rating than fiberglass alternatives, its aesthetic appeal, durability, and sustainable profile make it ideal for Class A office interiors.

MicroLumen Wave Baffles Engineering Corridor
MicroLumen Wave Baffles Engineering Corridor

Ceiling-Mounted Zintra Sticks for Quiet Zones

  • Product Type: Zintra Sticks assembled into ceiling grids
  • Installation Method: Hand-shaped PET pressed into aluminum frames
  • Acoustic Role: Reduce echo in quiet rooms with lightweight baffles

In designated quiet rooms, Commercial Acoustics installed ceiling-mounted Zintra Sticks—a three-dimensional PET baffle system designed for visual and acoustic impact. The installation process was highly manual: each stick was bent into shape, pressed into notched metal channels, and trimmed in the field to fit the grid layout.

Because the PET material is lightweight, the sticks could be suspended from standard ceiling grids without additional structure. Randomized panel patterns were serialized for consistency across the space, delivering a unique ceiling finish that also contributes to speech privacy.

This blend of artful layout and acoustic function made the quiet zones feel intentional, calm, and acoustically refined.

MicroLumen Wave Baffles Hex Panels
MicroLumen Wave Baffles Hex Panels

Sculpted Wall Panels & 3D Acoustic Assemblies

  • Wall Finish: Etched PET panels aligned into full-height murals
  • Visual Continuity: Field-assembled for seamless monolithic appearance
  • Noise Control: Targeted wall treatment for speech intelligibility

To complement ceiling solutions, sculpted Zintra wall panels were installed in acoustic zones like the Quiet Room. Each panel was CNC-cut at the factory with a continuous pattern that spanned multiple sheets. During installation, Commercial Acoustics carefully aligned each etched segment to form a singular, high-impact visual wall feature.

These wall panels serve a dual function—offering both echo control and spatial identity. The clean lines and consistent texture create a modern backdrop while improving clarity within the space. As with many Class A office projects, the goal here was cohesion between the design narrative and acoustic intent.

MicroLumen Linear Baffles In Cafe
MicroLumen Linear Baffles In Cafe

Radial Baffle Layouts in Café Ceilings

  • Design Intent: Radially aligned wood-look PET baffles
  • Installation Precision: 65 baffles measured from café center point
  • Custom Modifications: Adjusted grommet spacing for level suspension

One of the most visually complex installations was in the café, where over 60 linear baffles were arranged in a radial pattern above a circular grill. Each baffle had to be measured, cut, and suspended with exact spacing to preserve the geometry of the design.

To accommodate structural limitations and pendant lighting, the original mounting hardware was reengineered. Grommet locations were shifted to maintain balance, preventing rotation or sag. The result is a bold overhead element that feels architectural—tying the space together while softening ambient noise in a high-traffic area.

MicroLumen Zintra Box Baffles in the Entryway
MicroLumen Zintra Box Baffles in the Entryway

Wave Baffles & Batten Panels Along Corridors

  • Acoustic Strategy: 3D ceiling waves for sound dispersion
  • Coordination Needs: Aligned with pendant lighting locations
  • Wall Design: Batten panels in staggered depths & linear pattern

Corridor acoustics were addressed through a pairing of wave-shaped baffles and batten-style wall treatments. The ceiling waves were suspended directly from grid clips and had to be coordinated tightly with pendant light drops—each wave crest was cut to center around a lighting fixture.

Along the adjacent walls, 3D Batten Panels arrived as flat PET sheets in three different thicknesses. Each panel was hand-shaped in the field, pressed into adhesive, and aligned using lasers to maintain a clean, architectural line. These details required exacting craftsmanship, but delivered a result that feels both structured and organic.

MicroLumen Hex Clouds Acoustic Solutions
MicroLumen Hex Clouds Acoustic Solutions

Entryway Install: Box Baffles in Tiered Layout

  • Product Style: Preassembled PET box baffles in angled rows
  • Mounting Detail: Specialty clips attach to ceiling grid
  • Design Effect: Creates a focal point at entry while softening acoustics

The main entry features a tiered layout of Zintra Box Baffles in alternating lengths and angles. These preassembled 3D forms were hung in two long rows and one short row—tilted to match the architect’s vision of a dynamic welcome experience.

Box baffles were mounted using custom grid clips that allowed for quick and level suspension directly from the ACT ceiling. This area sets the tone for the rest of the office, delivering both visual intrigue and functional acoustic benefit right at the front door.

Zintra Sticks and Cosmic Panels Installed in Quiet Room
Zintra Sticks and Cosmic Panels Installed in Quiet Room

Suspended Hexagonal Ceiling Clouds

  • Alternate Vendor: Sesco Lighting PET hexagons
  • Ceiling Condition: Hung from deck in ACT-free rooms
  • Spacing Detail: 2″ gaps preserved for integrated lighting

In spaces without an acoustical ceiling tile grid, Sesco Lighting’s hexagonal clouds were suspended directly from the concrete deck above. Each hex panel was spaced exactly two inches apart to preserve a floating appearance and to leave room for lighting integration between panels.

Despite their geometric simplicity, these clouds required high attention to detail in placement, leveling, and anchoring. The result is a sculptural overhead field that both brightens and quiets the space—showcasing how modern office ceilings can be both functional and expressive.

Conclusion: Custom Acoustic Solutions for High-End Modern Offices

The MicroLumen headquarters expansion reflects the evolving expectations for Class A office design—where aesthetic ambition must be balanced with acoustic performance. By integrating a wide variety of PET-based solutions into ceilings, corridors, and wall surfaces, the team at Commercial Acoustics helped deliver a quiet, focused, and visually compelling environment tailored to modern office demands.

For architects & general contractors, this project serves as a model for how acoustic solutions can be woven directly into the design fabric—without compromise. Whether you’re working on a new corporate buildout or an office retrofit, consider how material selection, layout coordination, and install precision can elevate both form & function.

If you’re specifying acoustic treatments for a modern office interior and need expert guidance, let’s talk about your space. Our team can assist from early planning through final installation—ensuring your design goals are realized down to the last panel.

FAQs: Acoustic Solutions in Modern Office Spaces

What are the benefits of PET acoustic solutions in modern offices?

PET panels offer lightweight, sustainable sound absorption with visual appeal—ideal for open ceilings, collaborative zones & design-forward spaces.

How does PET compare to traditional fiberglass acoustic panels?

While PET has a lower NRC, it’s more design-flexible, recyclable & often preferred in projects prioritizing aesthetics & sustainability.

Can these systems be suspended from standard ceiling grids?

Yes. Many PET baffle & cloud systems are designed to hang from ACT grids using specialty clips, reducing install complexity.

How are lighting & acoustic elements coordinated during installation?

Close coordination with lighting contractors is critical—our team uses templates, field trims & layout marks to ensure seamless integration.

Is PET a good fit for LEED or wellness-certified office projects?

Absolutely. PET is low-VOC, often Red List-free, & supports acoustical comfort—contributing to multiple green building standards.