Resonics supplied a range of acoustic ceiling and wall treatments across Autotrader’s new Manchester headquarters, addressing the acoustic demands of a large, multi-floor workplace with varied environments throughout.

Our approach was built around the needs of each space. At this scale, different zones call for very different things; the energy of an open collaboration floor is quite different to the focus required at a desk, or the speech clarity needed in a meeting room.

In the open-plan areas and spaces with higher ceiling heights, suspended ceiling treatments were used to absorb sound before it has a chance to build up. Autex Tundra Baffles, Acoufelt Rain Baffles and Allsfar Straight Baffles increase the total surface area available for absorption, performing particularly well where ambient noise from occupancy is highest. Autex Horizon provided a clean, flush ceiling option in areas where a discrete finish was more appropriate, without compromising acoustic performance.

For the walls, panels from Allsfar, Acoufelt and The Collective Agency were specified across various spaces to address reverberation and reduce the flutter echo that parallel hard surfaces can produce.

This combination of ceiling and wall treatments ensures:

• Reverberation is managed across open-plan and social zones
• Each zone feels acoustically distinct and purposeful
• Treatment integrates with the design intent across each floor