Case Study: Ministry of Children and Family Development Williams Lake

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.