Bespoke system design
AET designed a system around Vodafone's chilled beam infrastructure, open-plan areas and meeting room privacy requirements.
Case Study
Vodafone sound masking across a seven-building headquarters
AET designed, installed and commissioned a bespoke sound masking system for Vodafone, supporting speech privacy and acoustic comfort across open-plan areas, meeting rooms and office spaces.
1,540
Bespoke speakers installed
7
Buildings covered
45dBA
Open-plan commissioned level
42dBA
Meeting room and office level
The acoustic challenge
Vodafone's headquarters required sound masking as part of the acoustic specification, helping reduce sound travel across open-plan areas while protecting speech confidentiality in meeting rooms used for sensitive conversations.
The solution needed to support privacy without drawing attention to itself or disrupting the working environment.
Indirect speaker configuration
Speakers were installed within chilled beams, firing towards the slab to create a cloud-like sound and reduce noticeable spotting.
Multi-zone control
The system was broken into multiple zones so open-plan areas, offices and meeting rooms could be adjusted independently.
Commissioning and aftercare
AET commissioned the system to agreed levels, provided a follow-up visit and now supports the installation through maintenance.
Outcome
A discreet system designed around the building
The installation helped manage ambient sound levels across the headquarters while remaining unnoticed by users entering the space.
Speech privacy
Open-plan and meeting room areas were commissioned to support confidentiality and reduce sound travel.
Bespoke manufacture
AET-designed speakers were held in stock, with a bespoke control unit produced for the project.
Practical integration
The system was installed within the chilled beam environment rather than treated as a visible add-on.
Long-term support
Vodafone later took out an AET maintenance contract to keep the system supported year after year.
The system was installed before staff occupied the space, allowing the sound masking to become part of the working environment rather than a noticeable intervention.
Answer practical questions clearly
Use FAQs to explain sound masking, privacy, installation, acoustic performance and what happens next.
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.