Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1433288
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 33 Walls & Ceilings P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y P C3 50; S O U N D S O LU T I O N S; FO R M G L A SS I N T ER I O R S I N C . PC350's sliding door systems offer a unique Slide Right Technology integra- tion that features an elegant soft close and open. "Flexibility while developing beautiful and stunning architectural glass partitions is PC350's strength, as PC350's glass walls integrate effortlessly into your workspace and are easy to install and can be universally colour-matched to reflect your brand personality," Agar explains. In addition to utilizing advanced designs and installation procedures, glass walls carry benefits that extend beyond design and functionality. "Glass partitions are the essential addition for employee safety and socialization as workplaces transition back into the office," says Agar. "Socialization within office environments is key to achieving the goals of an organization, however, due to health and safety concerns, this has become increasingly difficult for offices to achieve. Glass wall systems are the perfect solution as they allow for safe distancing, while allowing for communication to be possible due to the open and organized environment that glass partitions create." FABRIC WALLS Wallworks also carries a variety of fabric application systems that can be used decoratively as well as acoustically on walls, ceilings, and distancing room divid- ers. "We've also set up an alliance with a manufacturer to make dense, mass-lined acoustic curtains that make excellent room dividers " says Fuller. "They're cer- tainly much more efficient at lowering the amount of sound that can transmit from one space to another compared to typical heavy-duty curtain materials." CEILING PANELS For many projects, ceilings are the pièce de résistance, not only for elegant designs but also to dampen sound in large, active spaces. "We are seeing more projects using large format ceiling panels made of corrugated and perforated aluminum," says Ed Makarchuk, principal at Sound Solutions Architectural Products. "We handle Alpro, a product produced by Gordon Inc. It was recently installed on the Churchill Meadows Community Centre by MJMA Architecture & Design. The panels provide excellent sound absorption, light diffusion, and they are ideal ceilings in large spaces such as the gymnasium and pool." Makarchuk adds Sound Solutions also offer Longboard Products from B.C. "We are now representatives and distributors in Ontario, Quebec and Eastern Canada for this high-quality extruded aluminum panels for both interior and exterior use. We like that it is able to produce durable, lightweight panels with an extensive range of finishes that have an incredibly quick lead time. We also like their commitment to sustainability," says Makarchuk. MARKET NEWS Jerry Rotondaro, VP, marketing at Formglas GFRG says the current economic climate has affected construction projects in every sector, putting additional pressure on already strained budgets and further delaying production and installation schedules, but the Formglas GFRG product's versatility will help designers and architects achieve elaborate design visions. "One example is Essex Crossing in New York, funded by Delancey Street Associates and designed by SHoP Architects of New York," he explains. "The project struggled to gain funding but in 2013, through a public RFP process, a team was assembled to revitalize the neighbourhood as part of a nine-site urban renewal campaign led by multiple developers. One of the focal points in the two-million square foot site is the Essex Street Market, featuring an impressive sloped scalloped ceiling towering three storeys above the marketplace." Hi-Lume Corporation called upon Formglas for their expertise to engineer and manufacture the 14,000-square-foot ceiling requiring over 78 moulds to fabricate the elaborate interlocking and removable panels using Formglas GFRG, factory finished in white satin paint. Hi-Lume Corporation co-ordinated with mechanical trades to install the removable interlocking panels to create a seamless look and practical access to the sub-structure. The project was recog- nized in the 2021 AIA Awards – Regional & Urban Design. Andrew Cole, executive director of the Canadian Urethane Foam Contractors Association (CUFCA) says the SPF market in Canada has now officially moved in to its fourth generation blowing agent. "The HFC's are now banned and no longer supported as per Canada's commitment to the Montreal Protocol," he explains. "The new HFO blowing agents have a zero ODS status and additionally have an Ultra Low GWP index, making them now more environmentally friendly." He adds the push to reach net-zero targets will be made much easier with the use of 2lb closed-cell SPF. "This is a market leader in thermal performance and air barrier performance, which are critical to lowering energy demand in both our commercial and residential building stock. New Deep Energy Retrofits should be considered in existing building stock to bring them up to new con- struction levels." Cole says that while SPF is a demonstrated leader in thermal and air barrier systems performance, a further consideration should be the use of the Grizzly Gold HFO 2lb closed-cell SPF as a radon barrier in under slab applications in basements. "CUFCA continues to lead the market with our CUFCA RCS Radon Control System installed by our CUFCA certified installers," he says. "The proven reduction in radon levels when using the foam under slab will render sub slab depressurization unnecessary." A Waste Connections of Canada Head Office, Vaughan, ON Churchill Meadows Community Centre, Mississauga, ON Essex Street Market, New York, NY