The rehabilitation of the West Block is a long term plan which is being implemented in several phases over the next several years. The House of Commons as the client has set high standards for acoustical performance, both for interior acoustics and speech privacy while maintaining the heritage components of the existing design.

The project involves a complete gutting of the existing building with all new architectural and M&E fit-ups. The project includes a new House of Commons, the Prime Minister's and Leader of the Opposition's office suites as well as the one for the Speaker of the House. The building has been expanded to fill the interior courtyard.

The speech privacy requirements for members' offices and the Prime Minister's office are exceptionally high. We will be meeting these requirements with custom designs for mechanical penetrations and the specification of wall sections, doors and windows for sound isolation. We will be completing extensive computer modeling of interior acoustic behaviors and mechanical system components to meet the client's requirements. Our firm is responsible for the acoustical design of the entire fit-up and renovation.

Project Value: $500 million

Contact: Arne Sideco, BFA M.Arch., ARCOP/FGM ijv Montreal, QC