Balancing raw structure with acoustic comfort in a former warehouse

Transforming a warehouse into a calm open-plan workspace using acoustic solutions complementary to wood, concrete, and glass.

The open work area at Kimbrer Computer, where Rockfon Eclipse circular islands absorb sound above hard concrete floors, glass partitions and an exposed industrial ceiling.

A warehouse, reimagined

When Danish IT company Kimbrer Computer needed a new home, they moved into a 2,500m² former warehouse in Aars. The brief to architects Bjørk & Maigård was clear: create a modern, open office while the raw industrial character. Visible concrete beams, concrete floors, and exposed technical installations.

Zones were marked out for a canteen, lounge, meeting room and open atrium. Ash wood panels soften the concrete at key points. Glass partitions run floor to ceiling throughout the office.

It looks exactly as intended. But concrete, glass and open ceilings in a busy office create a significant acoustic problem.

Concrete and glass: Bad absorbers

Hard surfaces reflect sound rather than absorbing it. In a 2,500m² open office where people are talking, taking calls and holding meetings all day, reverberation builds quickly and spreads freely across the space.

Research from the Danish Technical University shows that noise in office environments reduces the ability to work by 10 to 15 percent, and increases error rates on complex tasks by up to 35 percent. For an IT company where concentrated, precise work is the whole point, that's a real problem.

A standard suspended ceiling would have hidden the characteristic concrete ceiling with visible technical installations above. The architects needed a solution that could control reverberation without closing off the ceiling.

Project info

Project name

Kimbrer Computer Offices

Location

Aars, Denmark

Architecture

Bjørk & Maigård Arkitekter ApS

Photography

Svend Christension

Engineer

Svend Poulsen A/S

Download images

"These photos may be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification is prohibited without prior written consent. By downloading this photo you accept the following terms: This photo is the property of ROCKWOOL A/S. Permission to use the photo is given provided that (1) the photo is for non-commercial use only and (2) no modifications are made."

Products used

Rockfon® Eclipse

View

Acoustic islands as a design element

Bjørk & Maigård specified Rockfon Eclipse acoustic islands, suspended floating panels that hang independently from the ceiling structure without covering it. The concrete beams and technical installations above remain fully visible. They positioned the acoustic islands to mark out work zones throughout the open floor, making them a visible part of the layout.

"Their white surfaces make them stand out razor sharp, and we have therefore also used them to mark zones with workplaces," said Hans Maigård, partner at Bjørk & Maigård Arkitekter.

The acoustic islands are mounted on a rail system, meaning they can be repositioned if the office layout changes later without any structural work.

"The whole thing is meant to form a kind of symphony, where all elements, from the acoustic islands to the wood panels, contribute something unique to the look of the room and at the same time have a crucial function in the whole," said Maigård.

Kimbrer Computer Office Design|Case Studies

The circular Eclipse islands positioned directly above workstations. Beyond their acoustic performance, helping to define zones within the open floor plan.

Circular Eclipse islands above the workstations, rectangular Eclipse panels above the lounge area.

Another view of the open office, showing the contrast between the raw concrete structure and installations, and the white Eclipse acoustic islands.

Kimbrer Computer's office in Aars, the former warehouse building that now houses the new office.

The lounge area with rectangular Eclipse panels suspended above, controlling reverberation in the open space.

“All elements, from the acoustic islands to the wood panels, contribute something unique to the look of the room and at the same time have a crucial function in the whole”

Hans Maigård

— Partner at Bjørk & Maigård Arkitekter

Converted with controlled acoustics

Kimbrer Computer's office keeps everything that made the warehouse worth converting: the concrete, the exposed structure, the industrial scale.

The Eclipse islands absorb sound across the open space, controlling reverberation while keeping the industrial character of the open ceiling.

Also converting an industrial building where acoustic performance and an open ceiling need to coexist? Get in touch, and together we'll find the right approach.