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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 43 Walls & Ceilings P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y R I C H EL I EU H A R DWA R E; N ED L AW L I V I N G WA L L S R EN D ER I N G CO U RT E S Y WA L LWO R K S ACO US T I C A RC H I T EC T U R A L P RO DU C T S At a typical size of approximately 55-feet long and 18-inches wide, the ribbons start horizontally at one end of the run, before curving, in two planes, to meet a vertical position centrally before then returning to the horizontal position. Each panel features a dye- sublimated custom wood finish on one side and a polyester powder-coated finish on the other. As you would expect, acoustic control is impor- tant within trading floors and as such the original design for the space included the provision of acoustic treatment directly to the structural slab, above the ribbons. "We pressed SAS for innova- tive and creative solutions for a complicated and intricate design that also included acoustic perfor- mance categories. From the actual design process to the implementation for construction, the process felt very collaborative," says Sara Silvestri, associ- ate designer, Gensler NYC. SAS's innovative design allowed the panels to be micro-perforated and sup- plied complete with an acoustic infill that negated this additional treatment, thereby providing the cli- ent with savings in terms of budget and schedule. Richelieu's offerings for wall coverings – used in residential, institutional, and commercial settings – span a wide range of colours and materials. For solid surfaces, including walls, the Meganite Collection features antimicrobial properties beneficial for bathroom and kitchen designs. The Meganite Sheet products are available in colour categories such as Movement and Terrazzo, Solid and Mist, Stone and Granite, and Ice and Shell. New to the line up are Mont Blanc for lighter designs and Himalaya grey- toned layouts. The Richelieu Syncron collection panels provide a unique combination of design and texture, with the appearance of realistic materials. Also with antimi- crobial properties, designers can take advantage of the thermo-structured panels imitating stone, porce- lain, wood, and other natural looks. Durable and easy to clean, Syncron selections create a natural, decora- tive look with practical and healthy advantages. Adding to the wall design options are the Nature Plus decorative panels, featuring ABS and PVC Edgebanding, and the selection of laminates fea- turing contemporary motifs and textures. The Silencio slatted wood panels not only create a warm and inviting appearance to rooms, but this option also improves sound quality. Available in white oak and walnut colours, the Silencio panels have solvent-free, low-VOC finishes that are formalde- hyde free and antimicrobial, making them a good choice for restaurants, conference rooms, music rooms, and residential applications. Wallworks Acoustic Architectural Products recently worked with CANA Construction in Calgary in the construction of the Esports Arena, one compo- nent of Bow Valley College's Digital Entertainment Nexus, formerly the Calgary Entertainment Arts Production Hub. "As you might imagine, an Esports Arena has the potential to be quite a noisy environ- ment when all the stations and games are in use," says Lyle Fuller, Wallworks general manager. "The Stantec Architects Calgary designers asked us to work with them to provide some very cool artistic sound baffles and panels, which are now functioning brilliantly in the varied spaces of the arena and provide the sound environment they expected would be essential," says Fuller. "These eKoR P.E.T. acoustic products allow considerable design and suspension flexibility, which was nec- essary to accommodate the inordinate amount of wiring, conduit, electrical connections, boxes, vents, and cooling required on the ceiling, walls, and floor. It allowed changes to be made quickly and fluidly during the build to accommodate unfore- seen construction variables and still meet the very tight schedule." He adds this new Esports Arena is the first of its caliber in Alberta and is expected to provide an international scale facility for education, recreation, and competition. The 3,500-square-foot arena on the Bow Valley College's South Campus features 40 competition- ready gaming stations, two full motion-rigged racing simulators, a state-of-the-art broadcast suite, and dedicated varsity esports training room. In 2023, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund gave the College's Digital Entertainment Nexus $5.5 million to fund the project, which allows for the training of 675 people. An anticipated growth of 125 companies by 2028 will support Canada's $.5-billion gaming industry. LIVING WALLS Nedlaw Living Walls, a leader in sustainable build- ing design, offers cutting-edge solutions to improve indoor air quality in institutional, commercial, and multi-unit residential environments. Their living wall system goes beyond aesthetics, serving as an active biofilter that enhances the health and sus- tainability of indoor spaces. "At the heart of the Nedlaw system is biofiltration," says Arjun Binning, client success consultant. "Unlike traditional green walls, which are pri- marily decorative, Nedlaw's living walls actively draw in indoor air and filter it through the plant root zone. Beneficial microbes on the plant roots break down pollutants like volatile organic compounds [VOCs], rendering them harmless. This natural fil- tration process purifies the air, contributing to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment, a cru- cial factor for buildings where air quality is of utmost importance, such as hospitals, offices, and schools." He adds the hydroponic technology integrated into the system ensures efficient water use. Instead of soil, the plants are grown in a special substrate, and water is circulated in a closed-loop system. "This minimizes waste while providing opti- mal hydration and nutrient delivery, making it an eco-friendly solution." This system requires less maintenance than traditional soil-based green walls. Its longevity is ensured by durable construc- tion and efficient resource management. Nedlaw Living Walls also provides aesthetic and biophilic benefits, creating lush, visually appeal- ing green spaces that promote mental and physical well-being for occupants. "Our walls can be tailored to various architectural designs, integrating seam- lessly into HVAC systems or standing alone to meet a building's specific needs," says Binning. From office buildings and hospitals to multi-unit residen- tial complexes, Nedlaw's living walls deliver cleaner air, improved occupant health, energy savings, and enhanced indoor environments. For designers and developers aiming for sustainable, innovative building solutions, Nedlaw offers an unmatched combination of functionality and beauty. A Nature Plus decorative panels. Living Wall systems provide aesthetic and biophilic benefits. Esports Arena, Calgary, AB

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