Year Installed:
2021
Client:
Kasian Architecture
Location:
Victoria, BC
Cristine Craik, an architect from Kasian Architecture Studio with a focus on healthcare design, reached out to Hush Acoustics to provide specialized acoustic solutions for the newly renovated Island Health hospital, a local modernist landmark originally built in 1953. The renovation required a thoughtful approach to noise reduction, particularly in the doctors’ rooms and corridor ceilings, while also incorporating an element of wayfinding into the design. The goal was to integrate acoustic panels that would effectively reduce noise pollution while contributing to the hospital’s overall design aesthetic and functionality.
Custom Product
Custom Product
“This space was the perfect place to overcome sparking joy with colour, texture, organic line, and form.”
The project presented several challenges, the foremost being the restriction imposed by the 8ft ceiling height. This constraint ruled out the possibility of using hanging elements such as clouds or beams, which are common in acoustic treatments. The design inspiration, based on the natural form of leaves, required a solution that would adhere closely to the ceiling without reducing the already limited headroom.
Carl Bradford, the design manager at Hush Acoustics, proposed an innovative solution: custom acoustic panels shaped like leaves. These panels, which could be directly affixed to the ceiling, offered both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. Additionally, the materials needed to be fire-resistant to meet the stringent safety standards required in healthcare environments. Hush Acoustics was able to meet this requirement with its GreenGold® certified products, which are not only fire-resistant but also easy to clean and maintain—essential qualities for any hospital setting.
Hush Acoustics developed a series of leaf-shaped acoustic panels in various colors that could be directly attached to the existing T-grid ceiling system using magnets. This installation method ensured the panels remained flush with the ceiling, maintaining the desired headroom and avoiding any visual clutter. The design not only met the acoustic needs of the space but also enhanced the hospital’s wayfinding system.
Kasian Architecture Studio designed three distinct color palettes for the clinic’s different sections, which were implemented through the acoustic panels. This strategic use of color served a dual purpose: it provided visual cues for wayfinding and contributed to the overall aesthetic of the space. For example, the green panels matched the color of the bike lanes that connect the clinic to the rest of the city, creating a cohesive visual experience.
As visitors walk through the corridors, they can easily navigate the space by following the color-coded ceiling panels. Each section of the clinic is identified by a specific color, allowing patients and staff to determine their location at a glance. The long hallways are visually segmented by these colored panels, making it easy to identify whether one is in the green, blue, or another designated zone.
For the doctors’ rooms, the architects envisioned a more subdued design for the walls—something soft and muted that would promote a calm and focused environment. Hush Acoustics proposed the use of square and rectangular wall tiles that provided the necessary sound absorption without overwhelming the space visually. These tiles were selected to complement the overall design theme while maintaining the necessary acoustic performance.
The installation of Hush Acoustics’ products at Island Health was expertly handled by Acoustics West Contractors from British Columbia, ensuring that the vision of both Hush and Kasian Architecture Studio was brought to life seamlessly.
The collaboration between Hush Acoustics and Kasian Architecture Studio resulted in an innovative acoustic solution that not only met the functional requirements of Island Health hospital but also enhanced its visual appeal. The leaf-inspired panels successfully reduced noise pollution while serving as an integral part of the hospital’s way-finding system. By addressing the unique challenges of the project, Hush Acoustics demonstrated its ability to deliver customized solutions that align with both the aesthetic and practical needs of modern healthcare environments.
The success of this project underscores Hush Acoustics’ commitment to excellence in acoustic design, offering solutions that are as visually striking as they are effective.
Shaped Wall Tiles
CUSTOM PRODUCT
Office: Kasian Architecture
Architect: Christine Craik
Installation Team: Acoustics West Contractors
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