Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1211841
32 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 Audio Visual Systems solutions will continue to gain prominence across Canada this year. "Large architectural firms have expressed great interest in incorporating LED into their designs, so we expect business to intensify even further in the near future," she says. Managing ambient noise is crucial to the success of any AV system in any setting, and one company considered to be an authority in the field of sound masking is Vibra-Sonic Control, which is renowned for its vibration isolation products and seismic restraint of resiliency mounted systems. Danielle Macey, workplace acoustics specialist/partner at Vibra-Sonic Control, points to the Calgary New Central Library as a prime example of how her company works to mitigate unwanted noise. This four-floor, 22,300-square-metre facility was built above a Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, so controlling vibration and sound from the LRT and diverse activities in the library's soaring open spaces and closed, specific- function rooms was crucial. Vibra-Sonic in conjunction with the builders and architects assisted with the selection, design, and imple- mentation of various solutions: they included a massive insulated concrete enclosure to encapsulate the LRT line, and vibration isolation of the theatre and meeting rooms from the building structure (jack up floating con- crete floors with Low Dynamic Stiffness, Bridge Bearing Natural Rubber isolators, and LDS bearing pads under the concrete structural members were just some of the many techniques used on this project, along with double wall construction for the inner walls of the theatre and meeting rooms). Finally, material best described as fabric not only contributes to sound control, it is sought for its esthetic appeal. Sound Solutions (1997) Inc. provides superior architectural solutions for exterior and interior applica- tions, and principal Ed Makarchuk says, "We've noticed more and more felt panels in the market over the past few years because of felt's pleasing look and texture – although many products aren't really felt but recycled plastic." For the perfect blend of acoustic functionality and design esthetics, Sound Solutions offers its Akustus Sereno line of panels, which effectively dampen sound by utilizing millions of microscopic holes in the polyester fibre material. This allows for sound to be absorbed and dispersed, creating an enhanced and pleasurable acoustic environment. "It's been shown that 60 percent of the sound hitting these panels is absorbed compared to the standard 40 percent that is absorbed by other panels," says Makarchuk. Akustus Sereno panels provide esthetic appeal that is adaptable to any interior environment, while being environmentally sustainable, by containing approximately 50 percent recycled material originating from recycled water bottles. While material made from recycled plastic has its uses, Wallworks Acoustic Architectural Products Inc. uses real wool, felt, polyester, and other substances for its products, including Fabrilok and Acoustiblok – the latter of which has been called revolutionary because it is impregnated with a very dense mineral and when physically stopping or absorbing sound, the heavy Acoustiblok membrane that is stapled to studs before drywall (in new builds or renovations) also flexes when interacting with the acoustic sound waves and transforms significant acoustic energy into inaudible friction energy and allows it to dissipate as minor heat energy. As for esthetic properties, Wallworks general man- ager Lyle Fuller says his company's ability to custom shape, cut, and print images on their new eKOR prod- ucts (made primarily from recycled pop and water bottles) gives it a distinct competitive advantage. A Akustus sound-dampening panels available through Sound Solutions. Williams Engineering.indd 1 2017-05-10 2:55