Case Study Saddle Lake – Hush Acoustics

Saddle Lake

Integrated ceiling and wall acoustics boost comfort and clarity in a wood-forward school

Year Installed:
2023

Location:
Saddle Lake, AB

Situation

Onchaminahos Elementary School was designed with extensive exposed wood elements to create a warm and inviting learning environment. While visually appealing, the combination of wood surfaces and hard flooring created acoustic challenges throughout classrooms, breakout areas, and the gymnasium. The architectural team at Reimagine required an acoustic solution that could be applied consistently across the school while preserving the natural material palette and supporting a wide range of learning and activity spaces.

Challenge

Each area of the school presented different acoustic demands. Classrooms required clear speech intelligibility, breakout spaces needed sound control without visual clutter, and the gym required a solution capable of managing high noise levels. In the gym, the design intent called for a visually dynamic ceiling created from individual acoustic panels rather than a single printed mural. This approach required precise coordination to ensure each piece aligned correctly and formed a cohesive overall design.

Solution

Hush Acoustics installed square acoustic ceiling Clouds throughout approximately 15-20 classrooms to reduce reverberation and improve speech clarity. Linear Baffles were used in select breakout spaces to provide targeted sound absorption. In the gymnasium, standard-colour acoustic panels in Lapis, Ocean, and Vanilla were installed as individual pieces arranged to create a wave-like visual effect. Acoustic wall panels were also installed above classroom windows, closely matching the wall colour for a seamless appearance.

Results

The completed acoustic strategy significantly improves comfort and clarity throughout the school while preserving its warm, wood-focused aesthetic. Classrooms support focused learning, breakout spaces feel calmer and more controlled, and the gym features an engaging ceiling design that enhances both acoustics and visual interest. The project highlights how thoughtful acoustic design can support diverse educational environments without compromising architectural intent.