🏢NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 · Australia / New Zealand

Open Plan Office Acoustic Design to NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016

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 NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016, a open plan office of 400-600 m³ (typical dimensions 20m × 10m × 2.8m) requires an RT60 of ≤ 0.8s at 500-2000 Hz. Background noise must not exceed 45 dBA. AS/NZS 2107:2016 recommends internal noise levels of 40-45 dBA for open-plan offices with RT60 <= 0.

RT60 Target

≤ 0.8s

Noise Limit

45 dBA

STI Minimum

N/A

Frequency Range

500-2000 Hz

Specific Requirements

Parameter	Target	Clause Reference	Notes
Reverberation Time (RT60)	≤ 0.6s	AS 2107 Table 1	500-2000 Hz, Furnished, unoccupied
Background Noise Limit	≤ 45 LAeq	AS 2107 Table 1	HVAC + building services, unoccupied
Frequency Range	500-2000 Hz	—	Octave bands for compliance assessment

Step-by-Step Compliance Calculation

1
Reference AS/NZS 2107 Table 1
Identify recommended noise level (40-45 dBA) and RT60 (0.8s) for open-plan office classification.
2
Design ceiling treatment
Specify high-NRC ceiling tiles or rafts covering minimum 85% of ceiling area.
3
Assess HVAC noise
Model split system and ducted AC noise contribution to verify compliance with 40-45 dBA background noise range.
4
Verify compliance
Measure RT60 and background noise levels post-fit-out per AS/NZS 2107 methodology.

Recommended Materials

Surface	Material Category	Min NRC	Coverage %
Ceiling	Mineral wool ceiling tile	0.85	85%
Desk screens	Absorptive screen	0.80	100%
Floor	Carpet tile	0.25	100%

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

Common Failure Modes

⚠️Split system noise

Ceiling-mounted split AC systems common in Australian offices produce 40-48 dBA, potentially exceeding the 45 dBA limit.

⚠️Open ceiling plenum design

Modern Australian office fit-outs with open plenums reduce ceiling absorption effectiveness significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 require for a open plan office?

NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 requires a reverberation time of ≤0.8s at 500-2000 Hz for open plan office spaces. AS/NZS 2107:2016 recommends internal noise levels of 40-45 dBA for open-plan offices with RT60 <= 0.8s. NCC 2022 references this standard for commercial office buildings. Green Star IEQ-11 adds acoustic comfort credits aligned with WELL Feature 74 speech privacy requirements.

What is the maximum background noise level for a open plan office under NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016?

NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 sets a maximum background noise level of 45 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 NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016?

A typical open plan office (400-600 m³) requires Mineral wool ceiling tile (NRC ≥0.85) covering 85% 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 (20m × 15m × 2.8m) to calculate the exact absorption deficit for your room.

Calculate NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 Compliance for Your Open Plan Office

Pre-loaded with typical open plan office dimensions (20m × 15m × 2.8m) and an RT60 target of 0.8s per NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016. Enter your actual dimensions, select materials, and verify compliance instantly.

Open Calculator with Preset