Sound Masking Installation for Open & Closed Offices: NOAA’s Acoustical Upgrade

• Project: NOAA Sound Masking Installation
• Address: 3450 Flightline Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811
• Facility Type: Government Office (NOAA Aircraft Operations Center)
• Client: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
• Objective: Improve speech privacy & reduce distractions in a hybrid office layout
• Scope: Sound masking installation across open-plan & closed-door offices

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) required a high-performance acoustic solution for its Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, FL. This LEED-certified facility spans over 100,000 square feet and houses both aviation operations and mission support teams for NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft. Following Phase II of construction, which introduced flexible workspaces and expanded administrative areas, NOAA sought a solution that could enhance speech privacy across diverse office zones. Commercial Acoustics was contracted to design and install a sound acoustic system tailored to the operational needs of a highly collaborative and acoustically sensitive environment.

• Mission-Critical Work: Confidential discussions in shared workspaces
• Hybrid Office Design: Mix of open bays & enclosed offices
• Sound Spillover: Private conversations unintentionally overheard

As NOAA expanded their Aircraft Operations Center, the shift to a hybrid workspace introduced new acoustic challenges. Staff working on sensitive assignments—including flight coordination and atmospheric monitoring—often had to navigate a noisy environment where conversations traveled easily.

To address these issues, we used our Sound Masking Calculator to plan coverage and determine the right number of emitters. The office’s mix of open-plan bays and glass-partitioned rooms allowed sound to reflect and carry across zones, which not only impacted productivity but also raised concerns about protecting sensitive information.

• Acoustic Assessment: LA90 noise floor measurement & analysis
• Zoned Masking Strategy: Output adjusted by space type
• Discreet Integration: Ceiling-mounted speakers preserved design aesthetic

Our installation began with a full-site acoustic survey, using LA90 metrics to establish baseline conditions and determine where masking would provide the most benefit. We developed a zoned strategy to fine-tune masking levels between open areas, enclosed offices, and transitional spaces. Ceiling-mounted emitters were installed above acoustical tile ceilings, maintaining a seamless appearance. The final system delivered a consistent ambient layer of sound that minimized distraction and improved the acoustic experience without adding perceptible noise.

• Confidentiality: Reduced intelligibility of sensitive conversations
• Focus & Productivity: Less interruption across shared workspaces
• Balanced Soundscape: Comfortable ambient levels throughout the facility

Once operational, the sound masking system made an immediate difference. Staff noticed fewer audible distractions and an improved ability to focus on task-critical work. Open office areas became less susceptible to conversational spillover, while private offices benefited from reduced acoustic intrusion. For a facility where real-time data coordination and inter-agency communication are routine, enhancing the acoustic environment helped protect both performance and privacy.

NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center exemplifies the demands of a hybrid government facility—where collaborative teams must share space without compromising on discretion or comfort. Our customized sound masking installation ensured speech privacy across varying office types without interfering with design or workflow. The result is a secure, efficient, and acoustically optimized environment that supports NOAA’s critical operations.

If you’re planning a sound masking installation for a sensitive office environment—government or commercial—our team can help. Contact us here to discuss your acoustic performance goals and get a tailored solution.