Table of Contents
Project Overview: Noise Reduction for Duke Energy’s Open Office Space
- Project: Duke Energy – North Point Office Renovation
- Address: 3300 Exchange Pl, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Client: ABI Companies, Inc.
- Facility Type: Corporate Office & Operations Center
- Objective: Minimize echo & enhance focus in open-plan work zones
- Scope: ACT ceilings, baffle ceiling systems & stretched fabric walls
Duke Energy’s North Point facility serves as a regional office hub supporting both field operations and executive staff. As part of a major renovation, the building was redesigned to support hybrid collaboration and dynamic workflows. But with more glass, higher ceilings, and fewer private offices, noise quickly became a top concern.
To improve acoustic comfort, ABI Companies Inc. partnered with Commercial Acoustics to deliver a comprehensive suite of treatments across ceilings and walls. The result? A high-performance workspace where employees can concentrate, collaborate, and communicate clearly—without distraction.
ACT Ceilings & Grid Systems for Noise Reduction
- Tile Type: Armstrong CALLA 2×2 & 2×5 ACT with NRC 0.85
- Grid System: 15/16″ Prelude grid supports large tile formats
- Coverage Area: 13,720 SF installed across offices & corridors
- Use Case: Ideal for controlling reverb in large office volumes
Ceiling tiles are often the unsung heroes of acoustically functional offices. At North Point, we installed over 13,000 square feet of Armstrong CALLA ceiling tiles—a product known for its clean aesthetic and high sound absorption rating (NRC 0.85). This dramatically reduced noise buildup across open zones and corridors.
Mounted on a 15/16″ Prelude grid, these tiles provided reliable coverage with minimal visual clutter. Because they can be cut and dropped around lights, vents, and sprinklers, ACT systems are perfect for complex MEP layouts. In spaces like Duke Energy’s, where speech clarity and focus matter, ceiling tiles make a measurable difference in day-to-day operations.
Baffle Ceilings for Acoustic & Visual Enhancement
- Product Type: Kirei Simple Baffles+ in 100% PET felt
- Quantity: 185 custom-colored baffles installed
- Color Scheme: Navy tones complement corporate branding
- Key Benefit: Reduces echo without blocking ceiling systems
Baffle ceilings are one of the most effective tools for open office noise control. At Duke Energy, we installed 185 Kirei baffles designed for vertical suspension from the slab. These lightweight felt baffles absorb sound from multiple angles and break up long reflective surfaces that cause echo.
Made from 100% PET material, Kirei baffles are not only sustainable but also durable in high-use environments. Their navy blue finish added visual depth while reinforcing brand consistency across departments. Whether placed above desks, lounges, or huddle areas, these baffles brought noticeable acoustic relief while enhancing the overall design language of the space.
Acoustic Fabric Walls for Echo Control in Shared Spaces
- Product Installed: Floor-to-ceiling stretched fabric wall
- Square Footage: 2,646 SF of coverage throughout North Point
- Thickness: 1″ fabric system selected for this project
- Performance: Absorbs mid- & high-frequency sound reflections
Wall treatments often go overlooked, but in open-plan layouts with lots of glass and drywall, they’re a must. We installed over 2,600 square feet of stretched acoustic fabric wall in the North Point facility. This system provides continuous absorption from floor to ceiling, tackling side reflections that ceilings alone can’t resolve.
Duke Energy opted for a 1″ thickness—a sleek but effective solution for their meeting areas, hallways, and collaborative zones. The fabric system not only improved the room’s soundscape but also softened the overall look of the space. For architects and general contractors, stretched fabric walls offer flexibility in both appearance and performance—perfect for modern office retrofits.
Conclusion: Integrated Noise Reduction in Open Office Space Design
Architects and general contractors understand that acoustics are no longer optional in open office space planning. As employee expectations rise and hybrid work evolves, noise control becomes a foundational design element—not an afterthought. At Commercial Acoustics, we specialize in acoustic systems that are performance-driven, design-compatible, and installation-ready.
If you’re designing a new workplace or upgrading an existing one, let’s talk about your space. From early product selection to final install, we’ll help you deliver acoustic results that truly support the people who use the space.
FAQs: Noise Reduction in Open Office Space Projects
What’s the best acoustic solution for open office noise?
Open offices benefit from layered solutions—ACT for overall absorption, baffles for directional sound control, and wall panels for echo reduction.
Can baffles help in rooms with high ceilings?
Yes. Baffles are ideal for large volumes and open ceilings. They reduce echo without interfering with lighting, ductwork, or sprinklers.
Are acoustic fabric walls effective in glass-heavy environments?
Absolutely. Fabric walls complement glass by absorbing sound rather than reflecting it, helping maintain acoustic balance in hard-surface spaces.
How do acoustic ceilings impact productivity?
By reducing reverb and background noise, acoustic ceilings help improve speech clarity and focus, which directly supports productivity.
Can Commercial Acoustics assist during design development?
Yes. We work with architects & GCs from early concept stages to ensure our treatments align with the aesthetic, acoustic, and structural needs of the project.
