Spec Finish

Pods Andrew Parkin, Partner and Global Head of Acoustics at Cundall, notes that modular meeting pods have significantly increased in popularity over the past few years. Although they have been around for some time, they are now increasingly used in the post-Covid workplace. But, he says, be cautious when interpreting performance claims. THE RISE OF THE MODULARMEETINGPOD T HE idea is that workers can have private phone calls or discussions, often in the middle of the office area, without having to book a formal meeting room. They also offer the benefit of being quickly and easily (re-)deployed, requiring only power and data connections, without the need to employ specialist subcontractors to build partitions etc. Pods can range from single person phone booths up tomodular meeting rooms accommodating 10+ people. Even high-backed furniture or booth seating can be classed as pods. Some are completely enclosed; some are open on one side or even on the top. For the purchaser and specifier; this area is a technical minefield. Inmanufacturer literature there are all sorts of performance claims, from ‘soundproof’ to ‘x dB sound reduction’, some even using testingmethodology for fixed partitions (i.e. ISOs 717 and 140) or for quiet rooms in industrial settings. It really is like the WildWest. The big problem is that there is no commonmethodology for rating pods. New methodology for rating meeting pods There is currently an ISO standard for rating performance of meeting pods (ISO 23351-1 2020) which gives a single-number rating of sound insulation. However, there are practical limitations on its use, i.e. it requires the pod to be tested in a reverberation chamber (which has size limitations) and does not take into account the fact that pods do not have the same sound insulation in every direction. In conjunction with the FIS, a small group (Ben Southgate from Sandy Brown Associates, Danny McCaul from the University of Salford and the author) are working on a new methodology for rating meeting pods, which will also incorporate furniture installations. This methodology will take into account the directional behaviour of pods and use a desktop assessment approach that enables bespoke pods to be rated. By establishing a common rating methodology, this will benefit everyone involved in the process of design, specification and procurement, enabling informed decisions to be made. Work on this methodology is at an advanced stage and the intention is to launch to the market in May. www.cundall.com FIS launches Specifiers’ Guide to Partitioning This new Specifiers’ Guide to Partitioning will help users to fully understand the criteria when writing a specification for partitioning, including moveable walls and pods. The Specifiers’ Guide to Partitioning was produced by the FIS Partitioning and PodsWorking Group, which comprises representation from manufacturers, designers and contractors working in the sector. Pulling together decades of experience, this guide is designed to help specifiers and designers understand the questions that should be addressed before the specification can be produced and then how the specification should be structured, and which standards referenced. Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of FIS said: “Specifying partitioning seems, on the face of it, simple enough: consider the look, performance and cost, and there it is. If only it were that simple there would not be cases where inappropriate glass was used in guarding or the partition wasn’t performing acoustically because the flanking paths hadn’t been addressed.” The guide explains the vast range of product options and how careful specification can help with relocatability in the building as well as enjoying enhanced tax benefits. The guide also has referencematerial to regulations for safety, fire performance and standards. The guide sits alongside other FIS best practice guides that relate to partitioning: • FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme ( www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/ specifiers/acoustic-verification-scheme ) • Best Practice Guide for Installing Partitioning ( www.thefis.org/membership- hub/publications/best-practice-guides/ installation-of-partitioning ) • Best Practice Guide to Servicing Operable Walls ( www.thefis.org/membership-hub/ publications/best-practice-guides/ servicing-operable-walls ) These guidesworkwell when they are included in proposals and plans to demonstrate how to best approach a project.They are also good differentiatorswhen someone is in competitionwith non-members, and are an excellent introduction to newmembers of the teamand any trainees and apprentices. You can download the Specifiers’ Guide to Partitioning www.thefis.org/membership- hub/publications/specifiers-guides/ partitioning For further information or for any questions please contact the FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077 Andrew Parkin, Partner and Global Head of Acoustics at Cundall Komfort’s Kube+ Solo Acoustic Pod