Schools & libraries
Study pods for schools, universities and libraries
Libraries and learning spaces are meant to be quiet, yet students and staff still need to talk: a video call with a parent, a tutoring session, an online interview, a group project that cannot wait. A study pod gives these conversations a closed space inside the existing room, without building work.
This page explains where QAkustik pods fit in schools, universities and libraries, which models make sense, and what to clarify with your facilities and fire safety team before you order.
Last reviewed:
- One-person pod from
- €2,750
- Group pod (up to 4) from
- €6,640
- EU lead time
- 2–4 weeks
- Assembly
- about 90 min per unit
Who this is for
- School libraries and learning centres that need a place for calls and quiet individual work.
- University libraries and study halls where group discussions disturb students working alone.
- Secondary schools that need a closed space for counselling, parent calls or remote lessons when no room is free.
- Language schools and adult education centres that run online classes or oral exam practice.
- Public libraries that want to offer a bookable quiet space for calls and video interviews.
The problems a study pod solves
In open learning areas, speech is the main disturbance. A phone call or a group discussion carries across the room and breaks concentration for everyone nearby. Moving the conversation into a closed pod removes the source from the room instead of asking everyone else to put up with it.
- Calls and video meetings in the library without disturbing readers.
- Focused individual work for students who are easily distracted in open areas.
- Confidential conversations, such as counselling or staff talks, when every room is booked.
- Group work for 2–4 students without blocking a classroom.
Which models fit
For most schools and libraries, the useful range runs from a one-person booth to a pod for four. Larger meeting pods are rarely needed in learning spaces.
Q Pod Tokyo: calls and short video meetings
The smallest footprint in the range (105 × 110 cm). Suits a library corner where people mainly need to take a call.
- From
- €2,750
- Capacity
- 1 person
- Size (W × D × H)
- 105 × 110 × 220 cm
- Sound insulation
- 35 dB (Rw) ±3 dB
Q Pod Berlin: individual study
A wider one-person pod with a desk surface, an upper storage cabinet and room for an office chair. Better than Tokyo for sessions longer than a call.
- From
- €3,600
- Capacity
- 1 person
- Size (W × D × H)
- 115 × 160 × 220 cm
- Sound insulation
- 35 dB (Rw) ±3 dB
Q Pod Oslo: tutoring and one-to-one talks
Two facing seats with a table between them. Fits tutoring, counselling, parent calls with two staff or interview practice.
- From
- €4,560
- Capacity
- 1-2 people
- Size (W × D × H)
- 130 × 160 × 220 cm
- Sound insulation
- 35 dB (Rw) ±3 dB
Q Pod Paris: group work for up to 4
Two facing sofas and a central table with power, USB and data. For project groups that would otherwise talk in the reading room.
- From
- €6,640
- Capacity
- 1-4 people
- Size (W × D × H)
- 130 × 220 × 220 cm
- Sound insulation
- 35 dB (Rw) ±3 dB
Music practice is a different task: instruments need much higher insulation than speech. For music rooms, look at the studio cabins such as Q Pod Harmony, specified at 50–55 dB (Rw).
Supervision, safety and installation
- Visibility: every model has a glass door, so staff can see who is inside. Agree house rules before the pods go into use, for example booking, maximum time and supervision of younger pupils.
- Power: the pods plug into a normal wall socket; no hardwired connection is needed. Plan the position close to a socket so no cable crosses a walkway.
- Ventilation: sensor-controlled fans and sound-trapped air channels supply fresh air while the door is closed. Fan and connection details per model are listed in the technical specifications.
- Fire safety: material classes under EN 13501-1 are MDF B-s2,d0, fabric and mineral wool A2-s1,d0, plus laminated safety glass. The fire class documentation ships with each unit.
- Permits and escape routes: pods are usually treated as movable furniture rather than construction, but local rules apply. Agree the position with whoever is responsible for fire safety in the building: a pod must not block escape routes or sprinkler coverage.
- Delivery and assembly: panels arrive flat-packed and pass standard 90 cm doorways. A typical unit is assembled on site in about 90 minutes without building work. Check stairs and lifts against the dimensions overview.
- Lead time and regions: 2–4 weeks across the EU for standard models; larger formats are confirmed per project. Delivery covers the EU27 and EFTA; the UK via a local partner, confirmed per project.
- Warranty: 3 years on structure and electronics.
- Timing: tell us your preferred installation window, for example the school holidays, and order early if the pods must be ready for the start of term.
What to expect acoustically
QAkustik office pods provide 35 dB (Rw) ±3 dB sound insulation. Rw is the weighted sound reduction index, so compare it with Rw values from other suppliers. Test reports are available.
Test reports are available. An on-site measurement dated 22 April 2025 of a QAkustik cabin installed in a meeting room gave DnT,w 36 and 38 dB, DnT,A 34 and 35 dB, depending on the direction. The full context is in the buying guide.
In everyday terms: a normal speaking voice inside the pod is strongly reduced outside, but no booth is soundproof. A raised voice, laughter or music will still be noticeable.
How to plan the first pods
- Note where conversations happen today: corridors, stairwells and empty classrooms show you where demand is.
- Start with one or two pods in the busiest area and add more once you see how they are used.
- Measure the delivery route: door widths, lift size and stairs.
- Send us your city, the number of pods, the site type "Education" and your target month. You get a written quote with delivery and installation listed separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is a study pod quiet enough for a library?
For normal speech, yes: QAkustik office pods provide 35 dB (Rw) ±3 dB sound insulation, and a field measurement of a cabin in a meeting room gave DnT,A values of 34–35 dB. Raised voices or music will still be noticeable, so set simple usage rules. See the buying guide for the measurement details.
Can students use the pods unsupervised?
That is your school's decision. All models have a glass door, so staff can see inside. Many schools combine a booking list with a maximum time per session and clear rules for younger pupils.
Do we need a building permit or fire safety approval?
Pods are usually treated as movable furniture, not as construction, but local rules apply. Agree the position with the person responsible for fire safety: escape routes and sprinkler coverage must stay clear. EN 13501-1 fire class documentation ships with each unit.
Which model is best for individual study?
Q Pod Berlin, from €3,600. It has a desk surface, storage and room for an office chair, which makes longer sessions comfortable. Q Pod Tokyo is better suited to calls.
Can we start with one pod and add more later?
Yes. Each pod is a stand-alone unit, and standard models have a lead time of 2–4 weeks across the EU, so you can add pods once you see how they are used.
What does a study pod cost?
Starting prices are €2,750 for Tokyo, €3,600 for Berlin, €4,560 for Oslo and €6,640 for Paris. Delivery, installation and applicable taxes are listed separately in the quote.
Planning pods for a school or library?
Tell us your city, the number of pods and your target month. We reply with a recommended model, a written price and a realistic delivery window.