Acoustic Comfort Without Compromising Energy

Noise control for an exposed ceiling

In Amsterdam, Park 20|20 is the world’s first full-service Cradle to Cradle office complex. Designed by William McDonough + Partners, the Experience Center combines comfort and sustainability with exposed architecture and intelligent energy systems. To preserve its Concrete Core Activation ceilings and open-plan layout, Rockfon Eclipse islands were chosen to reduce sound without obstructing thermal performance or spatial clarity.

Designing well-being into a circular workplace

At Park 20|20, the Experience Center is designed to improve workplace well-being through materials and systems that serve both people and planet. Alongside daylight and clean air, acoustic comfort plays a central role in supporting productivity. To deliver this, the design team had to address the challenge of noise in open-plan spaces with exposed surfaces and no suspended ceilings.

A major factor in the acoustic approach was the building’s use of Concrete Core Activation. This system uses the thermal mass of the slab to radiate heat or cooling and is supported by roof-mounted solar panels. While this improves energy efficiency, it limits options for standard ceilings, which would interfere with the slab’s ability to perform as part of the building’s energy system.

In the absence of partitions, sound could travel freely across the open layout. Conversations, calls and general activity created a noisy backdrop that impacted focus. Hard surfaces amplified these effects. To improve clarity without enclosing the space or disrupting the environmental systems, a non-intrusive acoustic solution was needed.

Rockfon Eclipse islands were installed in key work zones to absorb excess sound. Suspended below the slab, they allow air, light and energy to flow freely. The frameless design complements the exposed services and technical ceiling. The islands provide Class A sound absorption, helping to maintain comfort in a space where traditional ceilings were not an option.

In the offices of FOX Vakanties, one of the tenants, the ceiling islands help define work areas without using full-height divisions. The clean aesthetic and performance of the system support the goal of a diverse and inclusive office concept – an interior that prioritises user needs while remaining light, adaptable and expressive.

With few materials and a focus on function, each element serves multiple roles. The acoustic islands contribute to zoning, reduce reverberation and preserve energy performance. By working in parallel with the building’s energy strategy, the ceiling design enhances the user experience without compromising architectural intent.