Versus Mixed-use Development, Calgary

HGC Engineering was retained to perform an acoustical design review for this residential condominium in a mixed-use project at the southeast corner of 10th Avenue Southwest and 9th Street Southwest, in Calgary, Alberta

The development includes a site wide 3-storey podium with commercial spaces  on the ground and second floor; as well as residential spaces on the third floor. Above the podium are two residential towers, the West Tower (34 storeys) and the East Tower (17 storeys).  An amenity centre spans the podium from the east to the west tower, and includes both indoor and outdoor spaces. The amenities include a large demonstration kitchen, private dining room, media lounge, indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, as well as a yoga room with outdoor Zen Garden

Architectural acoustic design review

Our scope of work included a thorough review of architectural, mechanical, and electrical drawings and specifications.  Our design approach also took applicable laws and guidelines for acoustical performance into account. The review included base-building systems only; input to the design of any third-party areas  (i.e. for retail or commercial spaces) was beyond the scope of our work.

Our review encompassed the following elements:

• Sound Isolation Review (A review of architectural drawings and details to ensure suite demising walls and floor/ceiling assemblies meet or slightly exceed the Alberta Building Code)
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems Noise Control
• Plumbing System Noise Control.
• Logistical Systems Noise Control (garbage chutes, disposal rooms, collection rooms, and loading areas)
• Elevator Noise.
• Floor Impact Noise Insulation Review

Acoustical review of the building envelope

HGC Engineering also conducted an acoustical review of the building envelope of the proposed residential development. The land surrounding the site are existing residential and commercial buildings. Road traffic on 10th Avenue SW and 11th Avenue SW were the major roadways used in the analysis along with an existing Canadian Pacific Railway line located at approximately 282 feet/86 meters to the north of the site. The study included sound level predictions at various facades of the development from the road and rail traffic.

Traffic data for the surrounding major roadways and the rail corridor to the north were utilized to estimate sound levels at the future building facades.  These sound levels were  utilized in conjunction with the final floor plans and building elevations to estimate the amount of traffic noise that were transmitted into the suites and quiet residential amenity spaces, and determine minimum acoustical glazing specifications required to limit this noise to well within reasonable targets.

Acoustical Engineering Services Included:

• Architectural acoustic design review
• Acoustical review of the building envelope