📊WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound) · International

Meeting Room Acoustic Design to WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound)

Meeting rooms require controlled reverberation for clear face-to-face and video-conference communication. The small volume and hard glass partitions common in modern offices make them prone to excessive reverberation and poor speech clarity.

TL;DR

Under WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound), a meeting room of 60-100 m³ (typical dimensions 6m × 4m × 2.8m) requires an RT60 of ≤ 0.6s at 500-2000 Hz. Background noise must not exceed 35 dBA. A minimum STI of 0.6 is required for speech intelligibility. WELL v2 Feature 74 Part 1 Precondition 1 requires RT60 <= 0.

RT60 Target

≤ 0.6s

Noise Limit

35 dBA

STI Minimum

≥ 0.6

Frequency Range

500-2000 Hz

Specific Requirements

Parameter	Target	Clause Reference	Notes
Reverberation Time (RT60)	≤ 0.6s	S04	500-2000 Hz, Furnished, unoccupied
Background Noise Limit	≤ 35 NC	S01 Part 2	HVAC + building services, unoccupied
Speech Transmission Index (STI)	≥ 0.6	—	Per IEC 60268-16:2020
Frequency Range	500-2000 Hz	—	Octave bands for compliance assessment

Step-by-Step Compliance Calculation

1
Confirm WELL Feature 74 scope
Identify all enclosed meeting rooms within the WELL project boundary that must meet Part 1 requirements.
2
Design to RT60 <= 0.6s
Calculate absorption requirements for each meeting room size. Budget extra margin for verification testing.
3
Control background noise
Coordinate with MEP to ensure HVAC noise at meeting room positions does not exceed 35 dBA.
4
Specify acoustic treatment
Select ceiling, wall, and floor treatments. For glass rooms, acoustic film or concealed absorbers are essential.
5
Schedule verification testing
Arrange WELL performance verification by approved acoustic consultant post-construction, pre-occupancy.

Recommended Materials

Surface	Material Category	Min NRC	Coverage %
Ceiling	Mineral wool ceiling tile	0.85	80%
Rear wall	Fabric-wrapped panel	0.80	40%
Floor	Carpet tile	0.30	100%

Browse the full acoustic materials database for absorption coefficients and product specifications.

Common Failure Modes

⚠️Glass box meeting rooms

Fully glazed meeting rooms common in modern offices reflect sound from all sides, often exceeding 0.8s RT60.

⚠️Verification measurement failure

Rooms that meet design predictions may fail third-party testing due to construction quality or changed furnishings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound) require for a meeting room?

WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound) requires a reverberation time of ≤0.6s at 500-2000 Hz for meeting room spaces. WELL v2 Feature 74 Part 1 Precondition 1 requires RT60 <= 0.6s for enclosed meeting rooms. Background noise must not exceed 35 dBA. This is the most commonly pursued WELL acoustic credit in office projects globally. Third-party verification testing is mandatory.

What is the maximum background noise level for a meeting room under WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound)?

WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound) sets a maximum background noise level of 35 dBA for meeting room spaces. This includes noise from HVAC systems, building services, and external intrusion, measured with the room unoccupied. Exceeding this limit degrades speech intelligibility and occupant comfort.

How much acoustic treatment does a meeting room need to comply with WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound)?

A typical meeting room (60-100 m³) requires Mineral wool ceiling tile (NRC ≥0.85) covering 80% of the ceiling as the primary treatment. Additional wall absorption on 2 surface(s) is typically needed. Use the AcousPlan calculator with the pre-loaded dimensions (6m × 4.5m × 2.8m) to calculate the exact absorption deficit for your room.

Calculate WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound) Compliance for Your Meeting Room

Pre-loaded with typical meeting room dimensions (6m × 4.5m × 2.8m) and an RT60 target of 0.6s per WELL v2 Feature S01 (Sound). Enter your actual dimensions, select materials, and verify compliance instantly.

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