Specifying the four roles of acoustic ceilings

The designer and specifier decide which of these roles the ceiling will take in any project. The ceiling can assume all, none, or any combination of the four roles. It is possible for the partitions and floor slab to provide adequate isolation without a ceiling. Mechanical equipment can be located remotely to sound-sensitive rooms. Absorption can be provided on other surfaces and via furnishing.

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Designing workplaces to minimize noise and sound impact

To tap into the built environment’s full potential to improve well-being, one needs to better understand not only how noise negatively affects occupants’ physical and mental health, but the ways in which “the sonic aspect of buildings can be intentionally articulated to achieve a richer, more satisfying built environment: one that responds to the ear as well as the eye.”

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Essentials for protecting wood balconies from rain and rot

Wood-framed balconies and terraces can be durable and long lasting; however, exposure to precipitation, especially rain combined with snow melt, presents challenges in design, construction, and maintenance. Wood-framed structural building components are susceptible to moisture and must be protected to reduce risk of rot, mould, and structural failure. Since this article focuses on waterproofing systems, balconies will be referred to, however, this topic also applies to terraces as well.

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HFO-blown spray foam to prevent air leakage, improve waterproofing

The growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions drives building engineers and architects to search for innovative and cost-effective ways to optimize insulation. One such cutting-edge insulation technology is hydrofluoroolefins-blown (HFO-blown) spray foam insulation, a high-performing, eco-friendly alternative to traditional insulating materials such as fibreglass or mineral wool.

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Integrating mass timber in low-rise construction

With operating energy reductions now incentivized by Passive House Canada and zero-carbon building programs, alongside incremental improvements mandated in legislation such as theBC Energy Step Code, increased attention is being given to the embodied carbon in buildings. In this regard, mass timber products and systems offer reduced carbon impacts, shorter construction times, and enhanced building performance.

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