Octave 09 – Acoustics and Security: The Hidden Challenges in Defence Projects

Posted by Anthony Roppa / Mar 3, 2026

Acoustics and Security: The Hidden Challenges in Defence Projects

In today’s defence sector, acoustic performance isn’t just about comfort, it’s a critical component of security and operational success. In our latest blog post, we explore why acoustics plays a far more strategic role in defence projects than most teams realize, the unique risks that arise when sound meets security, and how early acoustic planning can safeguard both mission integrity and project outcomes.

Discover the latest Projects & Innovations of Aercoustics!

Aercoustics is proud to be supporting Block 2, a landmark project that will shape the landscape of Parliament Hill. Rendering by Studio Prospettica for Zeidler Architecture/David Chipperfield Architects.

Block 2

This project is a nationally significant redevelopment within Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct, modernizing offices for the Senate of Canada and the House of Commons and establishing a new public square. The program includes parliamentary offices, large committee rooms, shared atria, and new public-facing spaces, including enhancements to the Library of Parliament. Given the mix of secure, semi-public, and public functions within interconnected heritage and new buildings, acoustic performance is a critical design driver. Working with Zeidler Architecture and David Chipperfield Architects, Aercoustics is providing acoustic design services, with a focus on high speech privacy and security, committee room speech intelligibility, and acoustic comfort across offices and shared spaces. Our work supports the complex operational requirements of Parliament while enabling functional and welcoming environments.

Experts in Action

The Buildings Show 2025

At The Buildings Show 2025, Aercoustics Associate Eric Salt presented on Comprehensive Acoustic Strategies for Healthcare Facilities. His talk outlined why acoustic considerations need to be integrated into healthcare design as fundamental components rather than secondary details. Salt discussed how critical project elements including sensitive diagnostic equipment, patient comfort, and construction noise and vibration require a high level of specialized knowledge across acoustics, noise, vibration, and complex building systems.

Wood Solutions Conference: Calgary 2025

At the Wood Solutions Conference: Calgary 2025, Aercoustics Project Manager Donal Finnerty contributed to Solving for Timber, a session examining real‑world mass timber applications, including the Peel Manor Seniors Rental Building case study. The session emphasized the value of coordinated multidisciplinary strategies to support resilient and sustainable timber construction.

ASHRAE Toronto

ASHRAE Toronto’s January 2026 session, Aercoustics Senior Engineer Ben White spoke on Designing HVAC Systems for Speech Privacy, outlining how mechanical design directly influences acoustic performance. The session provided actionable steps for incorporating speech‑privacy considerations early in the design process to reduce risk and improve comfort

Culture

Great acoustic design starts long before we step onto a project site. Aercoustics held our annual strategic planning sessions in January. These strategy sessions help us look ahead, challenge assumptions, and ensure we’re delivering thoughtful, future‑focused solutions for every client.

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