Case Study
Ministry of Children and Family Development Williams Lake
Year Completed
2021
Capital Cost
$9M
Total Size
16k sqft.

About This Project
This award-winning project transformed a 16,000-square-foot single-storey retail building into a NetZero Carbon Neutral office for the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) in Williams Lake, BC. Completed in 2021, this $9 million project was designed to meet stringent greenhouse gas reduction targets outlined in BC’s Climate Change Accountability Act. The facility features innovative Passive House design principles, including high-performance triple-glazed windows, enhanced thermal insulation, and geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Scope of Services
Working as a subconsultant for the project architect, Thibodeau Architecture + Design, we played a key role in ensuring the project’s success. Our scope included developing acoustical criteria to meet the project’s technical requirements and align with energy and sustainability objectives, reviewing architectural drawings and making recommendations to achieve project goals, providing specifications for sound isolation and speech privacy, and reviewing mechanical systems and making recommendations for noise and vibration control. We also conducted detailed commissioning tests to verify that the acoustical performance targets were met. Applying our extensive expertise in architectural acoustics, we collaborated with members of the design team and other project stakeholders to identify and overcome complex challenges.
Project Benefits
Our contributions significantly enhanced the functionality and comfort of this office space. We optimized the indoor environment to support a comfortable and productive work environment and helped control noise related to the operation of advanced mechanical systems. By applying our skills, experience, and knowledge in acoustics, we helped deliver a state-of-the-art, award-winning office space that meets rigorous sustainability standards.
Awards
The project was awarded a Grands Prix du Design Silver Certification in the Special Awards / Acoustic Category, and earned the Technical Award from SABMag’s Canadian Green Building Awards in 2024, both recognizing its groundbreaking achievements.



The People Behind Our Work
Our Technical Leads
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Paul Marks
M.Sc., MIOA
Vice President, Project Delivery
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Katrina Scherebnyj
M.A.Sc., P.Eng., MIOA
Technical Director, Building Acoustics
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Henning Schlechtriem
M.Sc.
Managing Specialist Acoustical Consultant
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Andrew Williamson
P.Eng., B.S.M.E.
Specialist Acoustical Consultant

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