Delivering LEED Gold Acoustical Design for Ontario’s Forensic Hub

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Built EnvironmentBuilt Environment

Industry

Hospitals & Medical Centers

Location

Canada

Architect

WZMH Architects | Smith Group JJR (PDC) | Stantec Architecture/MWL Architects

Valcoustics, a Trinity Consultants team, delivered precise acoustical and vibration solutions for one of North America’s most comprehensive forensic service facilities, ensuring performance, privacy, and LEED Gold efficiency.

 

Challenge

The Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex combines the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the Centre of Forensic Sciences under one roof. Spanning 550,000 square feet, the facility integrates multiple highly sensitive spaces—courtrooms, autopsy rooms, laboratories, interview rooms, and training areas—each requiring strict control over sound isolation and vibration. Past shortcomings in the client’s former facilities added complexity, demanding a forward-thinking approach to prevent repeating prior acoustic problems.

 

Solutions

Valcoustics, serving as Lead Acoustical Engineer for the Compliance (PDC) team, collaborated closely with the client to deeply understand needs and align design expectations. The team conducted thorough analyses of the existing facility’s strengths and limitations, educating stakeholders on practical solutions. The acoustical scope included designing for interior room acoustics, noise and vibration control for extensive mechanical systems, and tailored acoustical briefs for open offices and specialized rooms. The solution addressed everything from courtrooms and video testimony rooms to laboratories, lobbies, and staff areas.

 

Services Performed

Trinity delivered interior acoustical design, including noise and vibration control for mechanical systems, open office acoustical planning, client collaboration and education, and comprehensive site performance assessments.

Results

The completed complex meets current industry benchmarks for sustainability and environmental design, achieving LEED Gold certification. Through expert acoustical engineering and vibration mitigation, Valcoustics ensured that all sensitive operations function optimally and confidentially, supporting Ontario’s leading forensic and coroner services with modern, efficient, and acoustically resilient infrastructure.

550,000 ft²

Forensic complex designed for precise acoustics

LEED Gold

Certification for sustainability

3

Integrated agencies housed under one acoustically secure facility