Regional Center of ČSOB

Spatial Acoustics

The requirement for the acoustic design of the meeting rooms was a uniform appearance of the acoustic panels on the walls. By using wooden slotted acoustic panels in absorptive and blind reflective designs with a uniform appearance, it was possible to combine areas according to optimal spatial acoustic requirements without otherwise disrupting the interior concept. Acoustic modifications to the ceilings were largely limited by the thermal activation of concrete. This reduced the options for acoustic solutions to the application of solitary acoustic elements of various designs. In meeting rooms, horizontal panels made of mineral wool were used, while vertically oriented baffles were applied in large office areas, the cafeteria, or the café. Acoustic modifications in open spaces also included wooden wall coverings, panels made of perforated sheet metal applied directly to the facade, acoustic partitions, and acoustically functional furniture, all placed in optimized positions to limit the distribution of sound signals and overall dampen the space.


Another interesting feature of the HHQ building is the use of semi-enclosed boxes for video bankers. These are acoustically optimized miniature video conferencing rooms that can be dismantled and relocated as needed. The project also involved a range of laboratory measurements of atypical acoustic elements and their non-standard configurations, as well as a series of step and final measurements of reverberation time to verify, make any necessary corrections, and confirm the functionality of the implemented acoustic solution.

Building Acoustics

Acoustic comfort is influenced not only by spatial acoustics but also by building acoustics. The HHQ building is a great example of good practice, where the combination of quality spatial and building acoustics yields excellent results.

The brief for building acoustics did not rely solely on valid legislation; individual requirements set by the investor were also established to achieve the highest possible acoustic standard. Because the entire facility is based on open space and open office concepts, many of these requirements were challenging to address architecturally, necessitating new solutions to ensure high acoustic standards.


Building acoustics is specific in that it is not possible to address only the spaces themselves, for which a limit is defined, but it is essential to consider the overall proposed layout and the interrelationships between individual rooms.

Primarily, for the partition structures of offices, meeting, and training rooms, it was necessary not only to design the sound insulation of the partition walls and doors but to consider all the installations and connections that could reduce the partition's sound insulation. Among the most important areas that needed to be addressed with these partitions were connections to the raised floor, including its acoustic damping, connections to the facade, and sufficient sound insulation for HVAC ducts.

Building acoustics impose specific requirements on other disciplines, which must be taken into account in their designs from the earliest phases of the project. To achieve the ideal outcome, all requirements must be respected and adhered to. We are very pleased that this has been achieved in the case of the HHQ building and that the new building provides an inspiring and pleasant environment for its users.

photograph: BoysPlayNice