Case Study Conestoga College – Hush Acoustics USA

Conestoga College

Acoustic solutions to combat noise
and improve learning environments

Year Installed:
2024

Client:
Cornerstone Architecture

Location:
Brantford & Stratford, ON

For Conestoga College’s expansion, Hush Acoustics addressed the acoustic needs in the Brantford and College 1 Young buildings. The Hush team enhanced the architects’ original baffle designs by incorporating Linear Baffles, Room Dividers, and Encore Acoustic Shaped Wall Tiles. These additions effectively combated noise and significantly improved the learning environments.

SITUATION

As part of Conestoga College’s campus expansion, several new rooms and spaces required acoustic solutions to enhance quietness for the large student population. The Brantford and College 1 Young buildings were particularly in need of such materials. Hush Acoustics collaborated with the college to provide innovative acoustic products for these areas, effectively addressing their specific needs.

CHALLENGE

Both campuses featured learning commons, breakout spaces, concrete floors, concrete block walls, and high ceilings—ideal conditions for echo and noise issues. In these environments, whether in group settings or individual study, noise distractions made effective learning nearly impossible. The primary challenge was to create an acoustic environment conducive to both collaborative and individual study sessions without compromising the aesthetic vision of the architects.

SOLUTION

Hush Acoustics developed a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique acoustic challenges of Conestoga College’s new spaces:

1. Enhanced Baffle Designs:

The architects initially envisioned using baffles for both aesthetics and functionality, specifying their quantity, orientation, and colors. Hush Acoustics enhanced this concept by incorporating Linear Baffles and Room Dividers. These elements were strategically placed in hallways, learning commons, and meeting rooms to effectively manage sound distribution and absorption.

2. Elegant Acoustic Enhancements:

For smaller booths and study areas, Hush recommended the use of Encore Acoustic Shaped Wall Tiles from the Luxe series. These tiles not only provided superior sound absorption but also added a touch of elegance, complementing the existing metal structures and lighting fixtures. The aesthetic appeal of these tiles ensured that the acoustic solutions blended seamlessly with the overall design of the spaces.

3. Comprehensive Acoustic Strategy:

The Hush team developed a cohesive acoustic strategy that addressed the specific needs of various areas within the Brantford and College 1 Young buildings. This strategy included the use of fins and other acoustic elements to manage sound effectively in diverse environments, from open common areas to private study booths.

Collaboration and Customization:

Throughout the project, Hush Acoustics worked closely with Conestoga College and the architectural team to ensure the final outcome aligned with the college’s vision. By incorporating the architects’ design concepts and the client’s functional requirements, Hush delivered customized acoustic solutions that enhanced both the visual and auditory environment.

RESULTS

The collaboration between Hush Acoustics and Conestoga College resulted in significant improvements in the acoustic quality of the Brantford and College 1 Young buildings. The strategic integration of Linear Baffles, Room Dividers, and Encore Acoustic Shaped Wall Tiles successfully addressed the noise issues, creating a conducive learning environment for students.

Conestoga College expressed high satisfaction with the project outcomes, noting the seamless integration of acoustic solutions with the building’s architectural design. The enhanced acoustic environment has improved the functionality of study and learning spaces, contributing to a more productive and enjoyable experience for students and faculty alike.

By leveraging Hush Acoustics’ expertise in innovative acoustic solutions, Conestoga College has successfully transformed its new campus spaces into quiet, aesthetically pleasing environments that support effective learning and collaboration.

Project credits:

Office: Cornerstone Architecture
Photo Credits: Wilson Costa

Conestoga College

SITUATION

CHALLENGE

SOLUTION

RESULTS

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