Open Plan Office Acoustic Design in Singapore — SS 553:2016 Requirements
Open plan workspaces, trading floors, collaborative offices. Typical volume: 500-5,000 m².
What SS 553:2016 Requires for a Open Plan Office in Singapore
Regulation: SS 553:2016 + BCA Green Mark IEQ-3
RT60 target: ≤ 0.8s
Background noise limit: NC-35 to NC-40
How to Calculate SS 553:2016 Compliance for a Open Plan Office in Singapore
- 1
Identify the applicable Singapore standard and target
Look up SS 553:2016 for open plan office spaces in Singapore. The RT60 target is ≤ 0.8s. SS 553:2016 + BCA Green Mark IEQ-3.
- 2
Measure or model the room geometry
Record the length, width, and height of the room to calculate the volume. A typical open plan office has a volume of 500-5,000 m².
- 3
List all surfaces and their absorption coefficients
For each surface (floor, ceiling, walls, windows, doors), find the absorption coefficient at each octave band frequency (125 Hz to 4 kHz) from ISO 354 test data or a materials database.
- 4
Calculate total absorption and apply the Sabine or Eyring equation
Sum all surface absorption values: A = sum of (alpha x area). Then apply T60 = 0.161 x V / A (Sabine) or T60 = -0.161 x V / (S x ln(1 - alpha_avg)) (Eyring). Use Eyring when average alpha exceeds 0.20.
- 5
Compare result against SS 553:2016 and specify treatment
If the calculated RT60 exceeds the target of ≤ 0.8s, specify additional absorption. Typical treatment cost in Singapore is S$120–S$200/m².
Cost of Compliance in Singapore
Treatment Cost Range
S$120–S$200/m²
Currency: S$
What Affects Cost
- • Room volume and surface area
- • Target standard strictness
- • Existing acoustic conditions
- • Finish and material quality
How SS 553:2016 Differs from Other Standards for Open Plan Office in Singapore
| Requirement | SS 553:2016 | WELL v2 Feature 74 |
|---|---|---|
| RT60 Target | ≤ 0.8s | ≤ 0.5s |
| Background Noise | NC-35 to NC-40 | ≤ 45 dBA |
| STI | Not specified | < 0.50 |
| Cost Range | S$120–S$200/m² | S$140–S$250/m² |
Frequently Asked Questions
What RT60 does SS 553:2016 require for a open plan office in Singapore?
SS 553:2016 requires a reverberation time of ≤ 0.8s for open plan office spaces in Singapore. SS 553:2016 + BCA Green Mark IEQ-3. Measurement should be performed per ISO 3382-2 methodology.
What is the background noise limit for a open plan office in Singapore?
The background noise limit is NC-35 to NC-40 under SS 553:2016. This typically refers to HVAC and building services noise measured with the room unoccupied.
How much does acoustic treatment cost for a open plan office in Singapore?
Typical acoustic treatment for a open plan office in Singapore costs S$120–S$200/m². Costs vary based on finish quality, room size, and existing conditions.
Calculate SS 553:2016 Compliance for Your Open Plan Office in Singapore
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