Noises off

Now you see it, now you don't!

Most office workers will understand all too well the problem of noise pollution. Whether it's colleagues calling out across the floor or the printer whirring in the background, UK workers face noise levels that can measure over 75 decibels, well over the recommended 55 decibel level set by the World Health Organisation.

The good news is that both designers and suppliers are now coming up with innovative solutions to improve office acoustics.

Priva-lite is an innovative glazing solution from Komfort Workplace that can be switched between the transparency of ordinary glass to an opalescent state which totally blocks vision at the flick of a switch.

Priva-lite has most commonly been used in meeting and boardrooms but can be used in health centres, retail outlets, and even toilet cubicles.

Amendment to fire safety regulations

Kleinwort Benson's refurbishment

Fire safety regulations that came into force in April 2007 put a duty on contractors to ensure that building occupiers are made aware of their buildings' fire protection measures, so as to assist with the preparation of fire risk assessments under the new legislation.

These changes only apply to future building work in England and Wales. A number of amendments are specifically designed to make the guidance more accessible and easier to use.

When the private bank, Kleinwort Benson, wanted to refurbish their Newbury offices, they chose Newbury Interiors to handle the project to design and project manage their ground floor fit out, including the lobby area, to create a striking workspace. The clients were extremely pleased with the design, impression created, service and quality of work that was completed in the space of a weekend.