The Longhouse project was part of a significant initiative at the Tellus building in downtown Toronto, where an entire floor was dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture and history. This space was envisioned as a tribute to the rich traditions of Indigenous peoples, particularly the Iroquois and Coast Salish, who historically lived in longhouses—traditional elongated, rectangular communal dwellings. These structures, made from wood, bark, and reeds, served as homes, meeting halls, and ceremonial sites for multiple families, featuring separate living areas and a shared central space.
To honor this cultural heritage, Two Row Architect, was commissioned to create an acoustically unique training room within this space, inspired by the traditional longhouse.
The challenge was to design a space that authentically reflected the essence of a traditional longhouse while meeting the modern acoustic needs of a training room. Two Row Architect envisioned a room that would not only function as a high-performance acoustic environment but also embody the cultural significance of the longhouse structure.
They provided initial sketches of how they wanted the space to appear, capturing the traditional longhouse’s essence through modern materials and design. The room needed to accommodate two TV screens, mobile seating, and various training activities, all while ensuring that the acoustics would support a distraction-free learning environment.
Custom Product
Hush Acoustics took the concept from Two Row Architect and transformed it into a reality, creating an acoustic environment that met the project’s dual requirements of cultural representation and functional excellence.
1. Innovative Acoustic Fins:
The room’s design centered around the use of three-ply acoustic fins, which played a crucial role in both sound management and aesthetic appeal. Each fin was composed of two outer layers in the Mocha Element colour, with a subtle Lilac layer sandwiched between them. This layered approach not only provided superior acoustic performance but also reflected the cultural and visual themes of the project.
2. Subtle and Creative Design
Inside the room, the primary visual experience is dominated by the rich Mocha colour, which evokes the earthy tones of traditional longhouses. However, the Lilac inner layer, visible as a delicate hue, added a creative touch that subtly complemented Tellus’s branding. This thoughtful integration of colour and material enhanced the room’s ambiance while maintaining the integrity of the cultural inspiration.
3. Optimized Learning Environment
The concentrated use of acoustic materials in the space created an ideal learning environment. The design ensured that participants could communicate clearly without distractions, making it an excellent setting for training sessions. The room’s acoustics were carefully calibrated to minimize reverberation and noise, allowing for focused and effective learning experiences.
The Longhouse project at the Tellus building stands as a successful blend of cultural homage and modern acoustic innovation. Hush Acoustics, working closely with Two Row Architect, delivered a space that not only meets the practical needs of a training room but also serves as a meaningful tribute to Indigenous architectural traditions.
The installation, managed by Hush Acoustics, was executed with precision, ensuring that the final result was true to the original vision. The use of three-ply acoustic fins provided both the functional benefits of sound absorption and the aesthetic qualities necessary to honor the cultural significance of the longhouse.
This project highlights Hush Acoustics’ ability to merge cultural sensitivity with technical expertise, creating spaces that are as thoughtful as they are functional. The Longhouse training room is a testament to how modern design can respect and celebrate historical and cultural legacies while meeting contemporary needs.
The Longhouse project is a powerful example of how architecture and acoustics can work together to create environments that are both beautiful and purposeful.
Fins
CUSTOM PRODUCT
Office: Two Row Architect
Installation Team: Hush Acoustics
