Arup, Bristol – Overbury
Product(s):
Overbury were commissioned to design and deliver a new Bristol office for Arup, a space that needed to be modern, collaborative and comfortable. The vision was to create a workplace that encouraged people to come together, share ideas and feel inspired, while also making sure the environment supported focus and well-being.
One of the challenges of an open, collaborative office is managing sound. Meeting rooms, the boardroom and more informal breakout areas all needed to feel calm and clear, without the distractions of echo or background noise. To solve this, AllSfär’s acoustic products were specified not only for their performance but for the opportunity to bring something visually striking into the design.
In the meeting areas and boardrooms, Breeze acoustic baffles were suspended to control reverberation and improve clarity. But here, they did more than just absorb sound; they became a bold design statement. Installed in shades of yellow, orange and red, the baffles formed a dramatic gradient effect across the ceiling, creating a vibrant focal point that energises the space. The colours bring warmth and personality into the rooms, turning the acoustic solution into a distinctive feature that sets the tone for collaboration and discussion.
In the more informal alcoves, Ora V panels were installed with an air gap to enhance their absorption properties. This simple detail ensured these tucked-away spaces feel as comfortable as calm. The panels softened the noise, making conversations more natural, and added a refined quality that frames the alcoves beautifully.
Together, Breeze and Ora V transformed the office into a place where sound supports, rather than competes with, the way people work. The gradient ceiling brings a burst of colour and energy, while the quieter alcove zones offer balance and calm. Walking through the space, you can feel the shift in atmosphere lively, bold and collaborative in the larger rooms, and more grounded, focused and intimate in the smaller areas.
The completed office reflects Arup’s forward-thinking approach: it’s professional and modern, but also creative, human and inviting. By using acoustic products not only as functional tools but as design features, Overbury delivered a workplace that looks and feels unique, ensuring employees can connect, focus and thrive in an environment that truly supports them.
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