In office environments, noise is more than just a distraction, it affects concentration, productivity and wellbeing. According to Quiet Mark, excessive noise can impair health, increase stress levels and reduce performance. (quietmark.com) That is why noise-aware design is increasingly seen as a key differentiator by specifiers and fit-out companies. Into this landscape steps BlockO, an acoustic pod manufacturer, designing eye catching performance meeting pods for modern workplaces and public environments and its achievement of Quiet Mark accreditation signals a meaningful endorsement of its acoustic performance.
BlockO is a meeting pod company designing and manufactured their products in Finland. (quietmark.com) The design is described as “a perfect circle in a world of squares.” (quietmark.com) It is targeted at open-plan offices, lobbies, schools, airports and other shared spaces where a quieter, private setting is needed for meetings or focused work. Key features include a shell constructed with high-quality materials (for example a 27 mm thick veneered exterior frame or 4 mm veneer finish) and interior finishes such as eco-felt and antimicrobial coated surfaces. (quietmark.com) This combination of design, materials and performance places BlockO well beyond a mere pod space, it is a self-contained acoustic solution.
Workplace design has followed the trend of open, collaborative environments. While these layouts support interaction they also often suffer from acoustic challenges, excessive reverberation, lack of privacy and high ambient noise levels. According to Quiet Mark, noise is now the second largest pollutant after air in terms of adverse effect on health and wellbeing. (quietmark.com) For companies specifying meeting pods or breakout spaces, acoustic certification offers reassurance that the solution is not just visually appealing but performs in sound-critical ways.
Quiet Mark is the independent global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society (established 1959). (quietmark.com) Certification is awarded only to the quietest products in each category typically the top 10-20 % of performers after rigorous testing and comparison with like-for-like benchmarks. (quietmark.com) Importantly, Quiet Mark does not simply publish decibel levels because sound perception is complex and context-dependent. (quietmark.com) Instead it provides assurance that a product has passed independent acoustic trials and sits above the majority of its peers. For specifiers, designers and contractors this provides a meaningful shorthand for sound performance without needing to wade through raw test data.
BlockO achieving Quiet Mark accreditation is noteworthy for the fit-out market. The accreditation appears on the Quiet Mark website under certified products from the brand. (quietmark.com) What this signals to procurement teams and decision-makers: BlockO has been assessed independently and meets high acoustic standards for the category of acoustic meeting pods. In practical terms that means when you specify or install BlockO products in a workplace, you can more confidently claim better acoustic performance, improved occupant satisfaction and higher asset value.
Enhanced occupant experience: The Quiet Mark accreditation assures that BlockO provides a more controlled acoustic environment within open or shared spaces. Reduced noise intrusion and better sound absorption make meetings more private and focused.
Differentiator for contractors and specifiers: When you propose BlockO in tender documents or RFPs you can highlight the Quiet Mark badge as a performance indicator. It becomes a differentiator in competitive bids.
Future-proofing and compliance: Many modern workplaces require acoustic compliance or aspire to acoustic standards (for example WELL, LEED or BREEAM). Having a certified product helps demonstrate that acoustic strategy is embedded.
Brand trust and quality assurance: The accreditation adds to the perception of BlockO as a premium product built to perform rather than just look good. For clients concerned about longevity, maintenance and warranty conditions this is significant.
BlockO’s design integrates features that support its acoustic credentials:
A robust shell with high-quality materials reduces sound transmission.
Interior finishes such as felt and laminate with antimicrobial coatings support both acoustic absorption and hygiene.
Integrated ventilation and lighting ensure that performance is not compromised by heat or poor environment.
The modular pod format supports installation in a variety of settings without reliance on building fabric modifications.
Such features make BlockO an appealing solution for commercial offices, education campuses, transport hubs and healthcare settings where acoustic quality matters.
When integrating BlockO in a fit-out project bear in mind:
Why Quiet Mark matters for your acoustic strategy
More than ever organisations are conscious of the impact of acoustic environment on productivity and wellbeing. Research shows that noise impacts stress, concentration and cognitive performance. (architecturemagazine.co.uk) For fit-out businesses and interior furniture suppliers, specifying certified products such as BlockO with Quiet Mark accreditation adds credibility to acoustic claims. It also simplifies marketing to clients who want demonstrable evidence of quality and performance rather than purely aesthetic solutions.
BlockO’s Quiet Mark accreditation represents a clear endorsement of its acoustic credentials. For organisations designing modern workplaces or contractors supplying acoustic furniture solutions, this accreditation provides a competitive advantage, helps manage risk and supports occupant satisfaction. If you are specifying meeting pods in open or dynamic spaces you should pay attention not just to the visual design but also to acoustic performance and BlockO offers a compelling package backed by independent testing.
If you are considering acoustic pods for your workplace and want a solution that delivers proven performance, Gibbsonn is the preferred UK supplier and installer of BlockO meeting pods.
Our team has deep experience fitting pods across offices, education settings, public spaces and commercial environments, ensuring every installation meets the highest standards of quality and acoustic integrity.
To explore the full BlockO range, including specifications, finishes and installation options, visit our BlockO page HERE.
If you would like guidance, pricing or availability, contact us and our team will be happy to help. Contact us HERE.
External references:
“What is Quiet Mark?” via Quiet Mark. (quietmark.com)
“How Quiet Mark certifies products” via Quiet Mark. (quietmark.com)