The global pandemic has shaken up the way we work, with hybrid and flexible working becoming increasingly popular.
According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 8 in 10 workers who had to work from home during the pandemic said they planned to hybrid work. Whilst half of hybrid workers say they’re more productive at home due to fewer distractions.
For companies hoping to entice workers back into the office with the aim of increasing collaboration, finding a solution to uncontrolled noise is vital. That’s why Framery is on a mission to make sure co-working and distraction-free working need not be mutually exclusive.
In 2010, Framery’s founding partner and chief executive officer, Samu Hallfors, was working for a software company in an open plan office and struggling to concentrate. His boss would take a number of calls throughout the day and his voice was enough to disrupt the entire team. Instead of asking him to take his calls elsewhere, they designed a phone booth.
Hallfors admits the first booth was “ugly and not particularly soundproof” but the team had “found their calling”.
A design concept to combat the noisy guy in the office expanded into a globally produced product, with Framery now providing pods for Microsoft, Puma and Tesla. The team expanded and now employs over 400 people across 15 countries.
The pods have a variety of uses, enabling offices around the world to embrace the concept of finding the right space for the task at hand. According to Kevin Peers, supervisor of office services at Wawanesa Insurance: “The pods [at their office] are primarily used as additional meeting space. However, when available, the staff are using the pods as a place to recharge, relax and just chill for a bit.”
The pods are designed to eliminate distractions and increase productivity in the workplace (or at home if you have the space). But according to the team this is only achieved if they are actively used. For pods to be actively used, proximity to their users is important.
Framery one is 30 dV measured according to ISO 23351-1. During a visit to the Framery office in London, music played inside the pod couldn’t be heard when standing outside. Whilst inside the pod, music played outside was reduced to a faint murmur (a degree of audibility is required to allow a fire alarm to be heard).
Framery’s materials include:
- Painted steel panels. These are on the outside surface of the pod and contribute to the pod’s aesthetics.
- Sound-control laminated glass. Specifying the right glass not only lets in light and allows users to see out, but also contributes to soundproofing and acoustics.
- Steel and aluminium frames. The frame is the skeleton of the pod and keeps all other parts together.
- Recycled acoustic foam. The acoustic foam used in the pod’s walls and roof aid in absorbing sound. The right amount of acoustic foam in combination with other materials creates a balance of sound insulation and acoustics.
- Fabric interior panels. The interior panels with a fabric surface also contribute to the pod’s soundproofing.
- Anti-static floor carpet. The material makes the pod’s floor pleasant under the foot but also stain-resistant.
The manufacturer offers two classic phone booths, differing slightly in size and adjustability of the interior. Suitable for confidential calls, video conferencing and head-down work. If you perform best on your feet, you can choose a pod without a seat.
Two bigger models provide a place for meetings, brainstorming sessions and important one-to-one conversations, with the biggest pod seating 4-6 people. Built at Framery’s headquarters in Tampere, Finland, a variety of furnishings make the pods fully customisable.
According to Kevin Peers, supervisor of office services at Wawanesa Insurance: “The pods are primarily used as additional meeting space. However, when available, the staff are using the pods as a place to recharge, relax and just chill for a bit.”
Framery’s research team have also been studying the impact of noise and privacy on students within various learning environments.
The team carried out studies in schools throughout Finland, as well as Hanze University in Groningen, Netherlands and said they have had positive feedback.
Johanna Horstia, Framery’s work environment specialist, said: “a big factor that harms the learning process and academic success is noise. Students find it very difficult to focus in a loud classroom. Classrooms with indoor acoustics, group work zones, and soundproof pods can help schools to create peaceful learning conditions.”
According to the team, as part of their sustainability commitment, their product line is made from durable, renewable and recyclable materials.
Showcasing how various environments can benefit from a separate space for private contemplation, each year the team choose a cause to support. 2021’s donation involved a pink pod being shipped to Tampere University Hospital for patients and situations requiring peace and quiet. The pod found its home next to the entrance hall of the Oncology Outpatient Clinic where it can be easily seen and accessed.
For companies in the UK where building additional space isn’t an option, Framery provide a growing range of solutions for quiet working, calls and meetings in open plan spaces.
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