Acoustical Enclosure in Downtown Calgary

Bringing Design to Reality

Back in 2022, a mixed-use building in the Downtown East Village neighborhood of Calgary, AB, managed by the Calgary Housing Corporation, was identified as violating the city’s noise bylaws due to excessive noise emitted by its air-conditioning condensers. To address the issue, the city had initially planned to purchase and relocate new low-noise variable refrigerant flow (VRF) condensers.

The building in question is located in the heart of Calgary’s Downtown East Village neighborhood

Despite these efforts, however, it appeared that the problem would persist based on the acoustical data provided in the proposed VRF manufacturer’s submittals. Although quieter than the previous equipment, the updated condensers had noise levels that were still above the city’s acceptable threshold. Even though the new condensers would provide more control and better overall performance, it was apparent from a design standpoint that noise would still be a concern for the residents of the affected building – and for the local authorities tasked with enforcing the regulations.

Faced with this continued challenge, the Calgary Housing Corporation recognized the need for a robust, specialized solution. The organization sought the expertise of professional firms, bringing on Williams Engineering to provide a comprehensive noise control solution and EMF Contracting Ltd. to aid in the construction of the project. Their roles involved conducting an in-depth assessment of the noise sources, developing tailored engineering solutions to reduce noise levels and ensuring that the building’s operations complied with the city’s noise bylaws. This collaboration aimed to resolve the issue conclusively, improve the living conditions for the residents and align the building’s operations with regulatory standards.

Using the Price Acoustic Analysis software, the team designed a custom enclosure

Williams Engineering consulted the E.H. Price Calgary and Price Noise Control teams to design and implement a solution to reduce the sound levels of the building’s condensers. With the help of predictions generated from Price’s Acoustic Analysis software, this would be accomplished by encasing the condensers within a specially designed acoustical enclosure that met the stringent noise level targets set by local regulations.

Once the construction phase was completed, the E.H. Price Calgary and Price Noise Control teams conducted a site survey, which was essential to confirm the noise reduction outcomes predicted by the Acoustic Analysis software used during the design phase. The teams measured the noise levels 3 ft. from the enclosure at both the edge of the building and the adjacent apartment balconies, testing the noise levels of the condensers while they were operating at full capacity during the daytime.

Noise levels were measured 3 ft. from the enclosure at the edge of the building and the adjacent apartment balconies

Under the bylaws, continuous sounds that exceed 65 dBA measured over one hour during the daytime are prohibited. The measured noise level was found to be 55 dBA, which is significantly below the target level. Notably, a 10 dBA reduction is perceived as half as loud by the human ear.

The E.H. Price Calgary and Price Noise Control teams’ accomplishment in designing a high-quality, cost-effective solution that exceeded noise reduction targets exemplifies the merit of expertise, meticulous planning and robust testing in achieving engineering success. Their efforts not only resolved the immediate noise issue but also demonstrated the benefits of employing a precise, science-based approach in noise control engineering.

For more information about our noise control solutions, visit our website or reach out to us at noisecontrol@priceindustries.com.

Mauricio Salinas is Application Engineering Manager for Price's Noise Control team. He is based out of Price's headquarters in Winnipeg, MB. Click here to connect with him on LinkedIn.