Wragge & Co

2 Snow Hill, Birmingham

Increasing privacy levels and reducing interruptions across 7 floors and 72,000 square feet of open plan and meeting areas.

Case Study

  • Primary objectives
    Speech privacy
    Reduce interruptions
  • Products used
    LogiSon sound masking
  • Scope of work
    Open plan
    Meeting areas

Global law firm Wragge & Co moved into the brand new Snow Hill development in early 2014. The working culture of the business had moved away from cellular offices for Partners and Fee Earners to 100% open plan. As a result the business was mindful of maintaining acceptable levels of privacy and concentration for these senior staff members.

Acoustic practices Cundall Acoustics and Equus Partnership both recommended the implementation of sound masking as means of controlling the noise floor.

After a hard fought procurement process LogiSon sound masking was selected as the preferred system. The presence of having the market leading system, the importance of controlling very small areas/zones, plus the day 2 management were key factors in the decision making.

Layout of LogiSon sound masking

Sound level tests: open plan areas

These example test results measure sound travelling across an open plan space.

  • For both tests, a person was positioned at the same desk.
  • Sound pressure measurements were taken at a distance of 12 metres from the desk.
  • For the first half of each test, there was no speech.
  • For the second half, the person at the desk spoke with a ‘telephone speaking’ voice.

Sector
Sector

Architect
Gensler

“Wragge & Co wanted the best system. Previously, we weren’t fully aware of the technological differences between the various sound masking systems, but it was evident that LogiSon was the most flexible and best equipped to cope with the demands of the open plan across the floors, and the various operations within. From our perspective is was about relinquishing any risk from this element of the project, being able to trust and work with the subcontractor, and getting value for money.

“From the numerous meetings we had prior to delivery we felt confident that Acoustic Comfort would have no problem delivering and commissioning the system to programme, whilst coordinating with the other trades. What we didn’t foresee was how hands on they would be, and to what lengths they would go to ensure a successful delivery. They were one of the highest ranked subcontractors on our internal grading system, and I would have every confidence in recommending them and the LogiSon system again.”

Ian Bowyer
Senior Project Manager, Wates


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