🏢DIN 18041:2016 · Germany

Open Plan Office Acoustic Design to DIN 18041:2016

Open plan offices present a unique acoustic paradox: speech must be intelligible within conversation groups but unintelligible beyond the distraction distance to preserve privacy and concentration. ISO 3382-3:2012 defines the key metrics — spatial decay rate D2,S, distraction distance rD, and A-weighted SPL of speech at 4 m (Lp,A,S,4m).

TL;DR

Under DIN 18041:2016, a open plan office of 400-600 m³ (typical dimensions 20m × 10m × 2.8m) requires an RT60 of ≤ 0.5s at 500-2000 Hz. Background noise must not exceed 40 dBA. DIN 18041:2016 classifies open-plan offices under Group B (rooms where acoustic comfort is needed but not primarily for speech communication).

RT60 Target

≤ 0.5s

Noise Limit

40 dBA

STI Minimum

N/A

Frequency Range

500-2000 Hz

Specific Requirements

Parameter	Target	Clause Reference	Notes
Reverberation Time (RT60)	≤ 0.7s	—	250-2000 Hz, Furnished, unoccupied, Group A4
Background Noise Limit	≤ 40 dBA	—	HVAC + building services, unoccupied
Frequency Range	500-2000 Hz	—	Octave bands for compliance assessment

Step-by-Step Compliance Calculation

1
Classify per DIN 18041
Confirm the open-plan office falls in Group B. Define the acoustic zone boundaries within the floor plate.
2
Set RT60 target at 0.5s
DIN 18041 Table A.1 recommends 0.5s for open-plan offices. This is significantly stricter than BS 8233.
3
Maximise ceiling absorption
Specify NRC >= 0.90 ceiling covering 90% of area. Consider acoustic plaster for seamless aesthetic if preferred.
4
Add wall and screen absorption
Supplement ceiling with wall panels and high absorptive desk screens to achieve the additional absorption required.
5
Verify per DIN 18041 method
Measure RT60 at mid-frequencies per the DIN 18041 measurement protocol in furnished, unoccupied condition.

Recommended Materials

Surface	Material Category	Min NRC	Coverage %
Ceiling	Mineral wool ceiling tile	0.90	90%
Wall zones	Acoustic wall panel	0.85	25%
Floor	Carpet tile	0.30	100%
Desk screens	Absorptive desk divider	0.80	100%

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

Common Failure Modes

⚠️RT60 target harder than BS 8233

The 0.5s DIN target requires 50% more absorption than the 0.8s BS 8233 target, catching designers familiar with UK standards off guard.

⚠️Glass partition reflections

Full-height glass partitions common in German office design create strong reflections that undermine ceiling absorption effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does DIN 18041:2016 require for a open plan office?

DIN 18041:2016 requires a reverberation time of ≤0.5s at 500-2000 Hz for open plan office spaces. DIN 18041:2016 classifies open-plan offices under Group B (rooms where acoustic comfort is needed but not primarily for speech communication). The standard recommends RT60 <= 0.5s and is referenced by the German Arbeitsstattenverordnung for workplace acoustic design.

What is the maximum background noise level for a open plan office under DIN 18041:2016?

DIN 18041:2016 sets a maximum background noise level of 40 dBA for open plan office 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 open plan office need to comply with DIN 18041:2016?

A typical open plan office (400-600 m³) requires Mineral wool ceiling tile (NRC ≥0.9) covering 90% of the ceiling as the primary treatment. Additional wall absorption on 3 surface(s) is typically needed. Use the AcousPlan calculator with the pre-loaded dimensions (18m × 14m × 2.9m) to calculate the exact absorption deficit for your room.

Calculate DIN 18041:2016 Compliance for Your Open Plan Office

Pre-loaded with typical open plan office dimensions (18m × 14m × 2.9m) and an RT60 target of 0.5s per DIN 18041:2016. Enter your actual dimensions, select materials, and verify compliance instantly.

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