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Project Overview: Acoustic Treatment at Anthem’s SkyCenter One Office
- Project: Anthem Office – SkyCenter One
- Address: 5411 Skycetner Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
- Client: Anthem (Part of Blue Cross Blue Shield)
- Facility Type: Class-A Office Space within Tampa International Airport campus
- Objective: Improve sound quality in multi-use conference rooms
- Scope: Stretched fabric acoustic wall installation in two mobilizations
- Key Feature: Integrated acoustic design aligned with high-end interior finishes
SkyCenter One is one of Tampa’s most prominent new developments, offering roughly 30,000 square feet of office and collaboration space adjacent to Tampa International Airport. Within this Class-A facility, Anthem Health’s workspace required a modern acoustic solution to match the sophistication of its layout and technology.
To address the specific demands of today’s hybrid workplace, Commercial Acoustics was brought in to install stretched fabric wall systems in key conference rooms. Designed by the project architect and integrated early in the build-out, these systems help support clear, uninterrupted communication for both in-person meetings and teleconferencing.
Acoustic Wall Systems for Hybrid Conference Rooms
- Design Intent: Support speech clarity for in-person & virtual meetings
- Treatment Zones: Installed across TV walls & partition-adjacent zones
- System Spec: 1″ fiberglass core with acoustically transparent fabric
- TV Mounting: Recess left for secure, flush TV installation on drywall
Conference rooms are rarely one-size-fits-all, especially when they serve multiple functions. Anthem’s meeting spaces were engineered to perform in both analog and digital settings, supporting everything from casual internal discussions to executive-level remote conferences. That means acoustic treatment wasn’t optional—it was essential.
To improve sound quality across a variety of use cases, our team installed fabric wall systems on designated feature walls. The design included square cutouts for TV mounts, allowing the screens to sit flush while still benefiting from the sound absorption offered by surrounding materials. This strategy balances function, technology, and acoustic performance in a single cohesive package.
Multi-Phase Installation for Operational Flexibility
- Mobilization: Installed in two phases across rooms & partitions
- Coordination: Sequenced alongside baffles, glass, & finishes
- Outcome: Integrated smoothly into fast-paced project timeline
Due to the construction schedule and trade coordination needs, the acoustic wall installation took place in two mobilizations. The first phase involved the primary conference room walls. The second followed once the operable partition was in place, allowing for field-verified measurements and custom fit.
This approach enabled maximum scheduling flexibility while ensuring all treatments fit cleanly into the finished space. Close collaboration with the GC and other subcontractors prevented rework, allowing us to stay on time and on spec.
How Fabric Wall Improves Sound Quality in Conference Rooms
- Sound Control: Reduces echo & reflections from walls & ceilings
- Clarity Boost: Makes in-room & remote conversations clearer
- Design Value: Blends with premium office finishes & branding
In modern meeting rooms, sound quality matters just as much as aesthetics. Poor acoustics can distort communication, create listener fatigue, and undermine the effectiveness of AV systems. Stretched fabric wall directly addresses these concerns by dampening sound energy and improving speech clarity.
By treating key walls—especially those behind monitors or opposite glass—Anthem’s office now supports more focused, intelligible communication for both remote and on-site meetings. These treatments also align with the design intent of the space, integrating seamlessly with the finishes already in place.
Conclusion: Acoustic Design for Meeting Rooms that Perform
Anthem’s workspace at SkyCenter One demonstrates how acoustic treatment can elevate a high-end office into a high-performance workplace. Every conference room is now acoustically optimized to support hybrid meetings, executive briefings, and day-to-day team communication.
Architects & general contractors are increasingly being asked to deliver spaces that meet both aesthetic & functional demands. In spaces where clear communication is critical, sound quality cannot be an afterthought. Commercial Acoustics understands these pressures and delivers field-tested, design-friendly solutions that make a tangible difference.
If you’re designing or building an office that needs to improve sound quality in its conference rooms, connect with our team today. We’ll help you select, sequence, and install acoustic systems that bring real-world performance to your next project.
FAQs: Improve Sound Quality in Office Conference Rooms
What’s the best way to improve sound quality in a conference room?
Stretched fabric wall systems are among the most effective solutions. They reduce echo and absorb speech frequencies, helping conversations stay clear for both in-room and virtual attendees.
Can fabric wall panels be installed around TVs & monitors?
Yes. We leave precise openings in the fiberglass core so TVs can be mounted directly to drywall. Once installed, the screen hides the cavity while the surrounding wall improves sound quality.
How do fabric walls compare to acoustic ceiling tiles for meeting rooms?
Both help reduce reverb, but wall systems treat direct reflections and voice-level noise more effectively. They’re ideal for speech clarity—especially in glass-heavy or hard-surface rooms.
Are stretched fabric systems easy to maintain?
Yes. The fabric is tensioned and washable, making it durable and low-maintenance. If damaged, the fabric can often be re-tensioned or replaced without touching the core.
Can these systems be customized to match interior design?
Absolutely. We offer a wide range of acoustically transparent fabrics in various colors and textures. Custom patterns, branding elements, or minimalist finishes can all be incorporated.
