FEATURE
renovation
A spirit of sharing and connection is conveyed by large windows looking into the studios. The kitchen area, with its large island, is designed to host events.
Canada’s first satellite. Bleacher seating allows teams to work in a
textures, and finishes of the control room were completely redone.
reflective space away from their desks. The space also promotes
“We brought expertise in soundproofing to this project, as well
open-air meetings and musical performances, as does the open
as notions of intimacy,” noted Moreau. “We are experienced in
staircase that ascends one level.
condominium construction, so the idea of building small boxes
Under the mezzanine, the repair and transformation of instruments is carried out in an open workshop area. Once dark
within a large box, while designing acoustically independent parts, is one of our strengths.”
and gloomy, the MXMA team transformed the space into a
That expertise was also applied to the construction of La Haci-
bright and lively place by integrating new windows that over-
enda’s ceilings, using springs to absorb vibration, and in the design
look a terrace to the south. In addition to providing an abun-
of air-conditioning and heating systems that are extremely discreet
dance of natural light, they offer views of the historic building,
and quiet. Despite an abundance of concrete beams and low ceil-
also visible from the bleachers, like a window on the past of a
ings, Newsam and MXMA overcame the building’s technical chal-
great era for the sound industry.
lenges in order to provide La Hacienda with a truly unique sound studio. CA
SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW
To stay within budget when selecting materials, Moreau decided to retain as much of the building’s existing concrete flooring as possible, which had previously been covered with linoleum tiles. Varnished chipboard panels cover the bleachers and stairs, evoking the complexity of wood instruments. Several of the old RCA recording-studio doors were recovered as a design statement, while modern architectural solutions revamped the Victor Room, the building’s original studio. In addition to new acoustic walls, floors, and ceilings, each room was designed to contain sound and to insulate other tenants of the building against it. Additionally, the shape, 20
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
JANUARY 2018
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
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MXMA Architecture and Design Newsam Construction
