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Why install acoustic pods in a coworking space?
Open-plan spaces, so popular in modern workplaces, present a major paradox. They encourage spontaneous interaction but make it difficult to concentrate. Hard surfaces (concrete, glass, metal) amplify sound reverberation. Conversations, phone calls and background noise travel unhindered.
This contradiction quickly becomes a source of frustration. Users are constantly torn between the need for interaction and the need for quiet to carry out complex tasks.
The acoustic challenges of coworking spaces
Shared spaces face multiple acoustic issues:
- Sound travelling quickly over long distances
- The cocktail party effect (difficulty isolating one conversation among several)
- Excessive reverberation on hard surfaces
- A lack of isolated spaces for confidential calls
- Constant distractions affecting concentration
These acoustic challenges have a direct impact on productivity. They cause stress and cognitive fatigue amongst users, affecting their overall experience of the co-working space.
Measurable benefits of acoustic solutions
Integrating acoustic pods into a coworking space generates concrete, measurable benefits:
- Improved concentration: a significant reduction in sound interruptions
- Increased satisfaction: acoustics are regularly cited as a key factor in satisfaction
- Optimised productivity: a notable reduction in time lost to distractions
- Greater wellbeing: reduced cognitive fatigue
- Retention: improved member retention
These benefits demonstrate the direct impact of acoustic solutions on the economic performance of shared spaces and justify investment in high-quality equipment.
Our acoustic pods in numbers
Types of acoustic pods suited to coworking
Standing individual, from £3,990
For your calls and moments of focus, in complete privacy.
Seated individual, from £4,790
Your own closed office to work quietly, seated and fully equipped.
Two-person meeting, from £7,990
The ideal space for two-person meetings and video calls.
Team meeting, from £9,990
The compact meeting room for small-group discussions.
The market now offers a range of acoustic solutions tailored to the specific needs of co-working spaces.
Each model is designed for specific uses, which should be identified before making any investment.
Individual pods for calls and concentration
Individual pods are the ideal solution for short phone calls and video conferences.
The Island Solo model from Work With Island offers an optimised personal space with:
- Acoustic performance: Class A, 30.2 dB reduction (ISO 23351-1)
- Ventilation: 500 m³/h
- Price: £3,990 excl. VAT (or leasing from £93/month)
For longer working sessions, the Island Desk model offers a seated configuration with an integrated bench. Its ergonomics, designed for wellbeing, let users settle in comfortably for several hours.
- Price: £4,790 excl. VAT (or leasing from £109/month)
Cabines pour réunions et collaboration
Pods for meetings and collaboration
Coworking spaces also need solutions for small-group exchanges.
The Island Duo model seats two people in a comfortable space:
- Sound insulation: Class B (28.7 dB reduction)
- High-performance ventilation: 800 m³/h airflow
- Price: £7,990 excl. VAT (or leasing from £185/month)
For meetings of up to four people, the Island Quattro is a flexible alternative to traditional meeting rooms. Its acoustic performance (Class B, 29.8 dB) ensures confidential discussions without outside disruption.
- Price: £9,990 excl. VAT (or leasing from £234/month)
To view the dimensions, download our product guide.
Modular, flexible acoustic pods
Scalability is essential for growing spaces. Modular solutions make it possible to adapt the acoustic setup as needs change. These pods can be:
- Easily dismantled
- Moved without complex building work
- Reconfigured as needs evolve
- Transported to a new site if needed
This flexibility safeguards the initial investment, a particularly compelling argument given the uncertainty surrounding future needs.
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Acoustic performance and technical specifications
The performance of a soundproof booth is measured, above all, by its ability to block out external noise and absorb sound produced inside it.
Understanding sound insulation ratings
Sound insulation is measured in decibels (dB). The ISO 23351-1 standard sets a standardised protocol for evaluating the performance of acoustic pods.
For context:
- A 25 dB reduction turns a normal conversation into a barely audible murmur
- The Island range reaches Class A/B with reductions between 28.7 and 31.1 dB
- This performance allows for confidential conversations without being overheard outside
The table below compares the acoustic performance of the different models:
Materials and acoustic absorption technologies
Acoustic effectiveness relies on material quality and how they're strategically layered. Work With Island pods feature:
- Multilayer panels combining different densities
- A layered structure where each material (wood, recycled insulation, felt) absorbs and blocks sound
- Acoustic seals at every junction
- Purpose-built acoustic glazing
These high-performance materials also meet current environmental standards, featuring recyclable components and textiles certified as free from harmful substances.
Ventilation and air quality
Sound insulation should never come at the expense of breathing comfort. Work With Island pods include high-performance ventilation systems:
- Constant, silent air renewal
- Prevention of CO2 build-up
- Airflow matched to capacity (400 m³/h for individual models, 800 m³/h for group models)
This system strikes a perfect balance between tranquillity and breathing comfort, which is essential for maintaining concentration over long periods.
To reduce the environmental impact of jeans, our partner Le Relais decided to repurpose them into an insulating material called Le Métisse.
While widely used by property developers for its thermal insulation against heat and cold, Work With Island chose it for its outstanding acoustic properties.
Today, 40 recycled pairs of jeans go into the insulation of a single Island Solo.
Customisation and design of acoustic pods
As well as their technical performance, soundproof booths contribute to the visual identity of the space. Their seamless integration is a key factor in the investment decision.
Aesthetic options and finishes
Work With Island pods offer numerous customisation options:
- Exterior finishes adaptable to your brand's colour scheme
- Interior textiles available in various shades
- The option to add logos and signage to the panels
- A choice of materials to match the desired atmosphere
This aesthetic aspect transforms a functional piece of equipment into a genuine design feature that contributes to the overall experience of the space.
Ergonomics and comfort
The user experience depends heavily on interior ergonomics. Work With Island models feature:
- Comfortable seating with variable-density foam
- LED lighting with motion sensor (3500K)
- Interior acoustics optimised for clear communication
- Full connectivity for professional use
These ergonomic details make all the difference to everyday users.
Positioning within the coworking space
Where pods are positioned directly affects how they're used. Ideally, they should be placed:
- Close to open work areas
- Visible but not intrusive
- Accessible without crossing the whole space
- Alongside other acoustic solutions (panels, partitions)
This carefully considered integration creates a seamless working environment where the transition between collaboration and concentration happens naturally.
Fittings and connectivity of acoustic pods
The functionality of a soundproof booth depends largely on its built-in features. These elements transform a simple, isolated space into a fully-fledged, self-contained workstation.
Lighting and visual comfort
Built-in LED lighting with a motion sensor is standard on every Work With Island model. This technology combines:
- Energy efficiency (low consumption)
- Optimal visual comfort (3500K colour temperature)
- Smart automatic activation
- Extended lifespan
Connectivity and power
Built-in connectivity turns the pod into a complete workstation. This full connectivity lets users get to work without compromising on their technology needs.
Standard 220V power simplifies installation, requiring nothing more than a simple connection to the existing electrical supply.
Compatible smart office technologies
Work With Island pods fit seamlessly into a modern digital ecosystem:
- Compatibility with booking systems
- The option to add occupancy sensors
- Integration with space management applications
- Usage data to help optimise future investment
These technologies contribute to smart space management, making it possible to tailor provision to users’ actual needs.
Good to know:
It's important to distinguish between absorption and sound insulation. Absorption refers to materials' ability to convert sound energy into heat, reducing reverberation inside the pod. Insulation measures the ability to block sound transmission between the inside and outside. A high-performing pod needs to excel at both.
Environmental and sustainability aspects
Sustainable, eco-responsible materials
Work With Island favours materials with a low environmental impact:
- Métisse insulation made from recycled textiles
- Wood components sourced from sustainably managed forests (PEFC certified)
- Materials selected for their low VOC emissions
- European manufacturing, limiting the carbon footprint linked to transport
This focus on materials contributes directly to users’ well-being whilst minimising the overall environmental impact.
Energy efficiency
Work With Island pods keep energy consumption to a minimum thanks to:
- LED lighting with motion sensors
- Precisely sized ventilation systems
- Thermal insulation that helps regulate temperature
- A design optimised to limit energy losses
This efficiency translates into lower operating costs, complementing the environmental argument with a tangible economic benefit.
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“Work With Island acoustic pods fit seamlessly into our interior design projects, combining contemporary aesthetics with user comfort. We enjoy working with them because their approach is fully in line with our philosophy: preserving resources by designing sustainable furniture, made in Europe from responsible materials.”
Installation and integration
Ease of installation is one of the key advantages of soundproof booths compared with traditional solutions.
A simplified installation process
A Work With Island pod is installed in around 30 minutes, with no structural work required. Here are the key steps:
- Delivery of the prefabricated modules (lead time: under 8 weeks across Europe)
- Quick assembly by a small team
- Standard electrical connection (220V socket)
- Immediate commissioning
This speed stands in stark contrast to the weeks it takes to fit out traditional enclosed rooms.
Mobility and adaptability
The modular design offers valuable flexibility:
- Can be moved without full disassembly
- Adapts to space reconfigurations
- Can be relocated to a new site if needed
- Configuration can evolve as needs change
This flexibility is a major advantage for spaces that are growing or undergoing frequent reconfiguration.
Professional support services
Work With Island offers comprehensive support:
- Personalised advice based on your specific needs
- Professional installation
- Post-installation support and maintenance
- 5-year warranty, 100-day trial period
This turnkey service offers peace of mind to facility managers, particularly in situations where the premises are subject to heavy use.
Return on investment and economic benefits
The economic analysis of an investment in soundproof booths must take into account a range of factors, beyond the simple purchase cost.
Optimising space and resources
Work With Island pods allow you to:
- Make optimal use of available floor space
- Densify intelligently without extending your premises
- Save substantially on fit-out work
- Preserve future flexibility of the space
Compared with fixed partitions, these modular solutions offer significantly better value for money in the long term.
Improving the user experience
Acoustic quality directly influences user satisfaction and loyalty:
- Reduced member turnover
- Lower customer acquisition costs
- Optimised occupancy rate
- The ability to position pricing at a premium level
In a highly competitive sector, this differentiation based on acoustic comfort is a significant selling point.
Interested in leasing?
From £93/month over 24 to 60 months, turn your investment into an operating expense. £1 purchase option at the end of the contract.
A complete solution for coworking spaces
Work With Island acoustic pods are a complete solution to the noise challenges of shared spaces. Their immediate effectiveness, inherent flexibility and considered design make them valuable allies in balancing dynamic collaboration with productive concentration.
With leasing options from £93/month, these solutions become accessible even for organisations with limited investment capacity. In a coworking market that keeps evolving, acoustics stand out as a major differentiating factor in attracting and retaining a demanding clientele.
Manufactured in Europe, mainly at our facility in Vendée, France, using eco-responsible materials, delivered in under 8 weeks and backed by a 5-year warranty and a 100-day trial period, visit one of our showrooms to see them for yourself.
To discover all the technical features and available options, download our product guide.
Would you like to find out more about our soundproof booths?
Fill in the form and receive our product guide straight away. A clear PDF containing all the essential information: prices, dimensions, connectivity, etc.
Frequently asked questions about coworking acoustic pods
How many acoustic pods should I plan for my coworking space?
Every coworking space has specific needs depending on its clientele and positioning. Our sales teams analyse your user profile (freelancers, sales professionals, developers) and recommend the optimal setup to maximise your members' satisfaction. Contact us for a free, personalised audit.
Do acoustic pods require any building work to install?
No, installation only requires a simple standard electrical connection (220V socket). Work With Island pods are installed in around 30 minutes with no structural work. They can be easily relocated during a refit, protecting your investment if you change premises.
How do you manage booking for the acoustic pods?
Work With Island pods are compatible with smart office booking systems. You can integrate occupancy sensors and connect the pods to your space management application. This integration helps optimise usage, avoid conflicts, and collect data to guide future investment.
How much energy do the pods use?
Consumption stays modest. Motion sensors only activate lighting and ventilation when the pod is occupied, minimising energy use.
Can the pods be customised to match our space's colours?
Two main finishes are available: Light Version (grey felt and white frame) and Dark Version (black felt and black frame). You can also customise your pods' equipment with options such as a stool for the Island Solo, a video conferencing screen, or a full video conferencing pack, depending on your needs.