Open-plan privacy design
AET designed the system around DLA Piper’s open-plan legal working areas and confidentiality requirements.
Case Study
DLA Piper Manchester sound masking for speech privacy
AET designed, installed and commissioned a bespoke sound masking system for DLA Piper Manchester, supporting confidential phone conversations and reducing distraction across open-plan legal workspaces.
129
Speakers installed
2
Floors covered
45dBA
Open-plan commissioned level
3
Further offices supported
The acoustic challenge
DLA Piper required sound masking across open-plan areas where confidential phone conversations took place and speech could travel across the floorplate.
The aim was to reduce distraction, support productivity and help confidential conversations become less intelligible at distance.
Ceiling void installation
Speakers were installed within the ceiling void, firing towards the slab to provide indirect, even sound masking.
Zoned adjustability
The open-plan areas were broken into adjustable zones so the system could be tuned to the workplace.
Out-of-hours delivery
Installation was completed out of hours, helping the system be introduced without disrupting workers.
Outcome
A discreet system for confidential legal work
The installation helped make speech less intelligible at a distance across DLA Piper’s open-plan areas, supporting confidential conversations and focused work.
Confidential conversations
Sound masking supported legal teams handling sensitive phone calls in open-plan areas.
Reduced distraction
The system helped make conversations less intelligible to colleagues working farther away, reducing distraction across the floorplate.
Bespoke manufacture
AET-designed speakers were held in stock, with bespoke control equipment produced for the project.
Wider rollout
Following Manchester, DLA Piper expanded AET support to Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool.
DLA Piper’s Manchester installation was introduced out of hours and later supported wider adoption across Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about sound masking and planning a workplace installation.
What is sound masking?
Sound masking introduces a carefully controlled background sound that makes speech less intelligible and reduces distraction.
Where can it be used?
It can support open offices, private offices, meeting rooms and other spaces where speech privacy or focus matters.
How do we start?
AET reviews the workplace, understands the privacy or comfort challenge, then recommends an acoustic approach for the space.