Centralized Security Screening — Acoustic Performance at Unprecedented Scale
Following six years of planning and a year of construction, YYC Calgary International Airport officially opened Phase 1 of its new Centralized Security Screening facility — a transformative infrastructure project designed to streamline passenger flow and modernize the airport’s security experience.
When the original acoustic supplier was unable to meet the project’s accelerated timeline, Hush was brought in under urgent circumstances to deliver a fully custom acoustic solution for one of the most complex and visible public spaces in the airport. The result is the largest project Hush has completed to date, supporting a calm, efficient passenger experience in an environment every traveler passes through.
Emergency Supplier Replacement
Hush was engaged in early April after the incumbent supplier could no longer meet the project timeline. With construction already underway, there was no margin for delay.
Airport-Scale Complexity
The centralized screening area consolidates multiple checkpoints into a single, high-volume space. Acoustic performance had to support clarity, calm, and efficiency amid constant movement and elevated noise levels.
Highly Customized Design Requirements
The architectural vision called for large-scale acoustic clouds that were both visually refined and technically precise — far beyond off-the-shelf solutions.
Engineering & Safety Validation
Given the scale and public nature of the installation, all suspended elements required third-party engineering review and approval to meet stringent safety standards.
1. Rapid Design Collaboration
Hush worked closely with the DIALOG team to quickly align on design intent, performance goals, and constructibility. Despite compressed timelines, design refinement remained a priority
2. Custom-Engineered Acoustic Clouds
A fully bespoke acoustic cloud system was developed specifically for this project. Hardware configurations were customized using multiple components and adapted to meet both aesthetic and structural requirements.
3. Integrated Engineered Coordination
Initial design concepts were submitted to a third-party engineer, with Hush’s technical team collaborating directly to determine precise hardware specifications and load requirements. This ensured all suspended elements met rigorous safety standards.
4. Compressed Manufacturing & Delivery
Manufacturing and logistics were executed under tight deadlines without compromising quality, demonstrating Hush’s ability to scale production for major infrastructure projects.
A Landmark Infrastructure Success
The Centralized Security Screening facility is now a defining feature of YYC’s passenger journey, supporting a simpler, more efficient security experience in a high-stress environment.
Acoustic Performance
The completed installation delivers effective sound control while maintaining architectural clarity — proving that acoustic performance and design ambition can coexist at airport scale.
A Strengthened Architectural Partnership
The success of the project has positioned Hush as a trusted partner for large, complex builds. Following completion, the Calgary office of DIALOG recommended Hush to its Vancouver and Edmonton offices for future projects.
A Defining Moment for Hush
This project demonstrated what the Hush team is capable of when challenged by scale, complexity, and urgency — stretching imagination, engineering, and collaboration to deliver an exceptional result.
Products used in this project:
Project credits:
Client: YYC Calgary International Airport Authority
Installation Team: DIALOG
