St. James Sound

Completed Project

Our client, Saint James Music Academy, expressed their need for soundproofing to improve the functionality of the donated space. After evaluating the high priority spaces outlined by the Academy, assessing the type of sound produced by the classes, and considering the available options we were able give Kathryn, Stephen and Chris a good idea of what improvements can be made and how much it will cost to implement.

The walls separating the two sets of spaces that we worked in, (The Nursery/May’s Room and the Basement Music Rooms) adequately prevented transfer between the rooms. The main issue we encountered was sound transfer through the doorways. There was also a slight issue with the echo off the solid concrete walls. To address these two issues, we have expressed the need for sound panels and a new solid core door.

The sound panels will be placed on the problem door separating music room one and two in the basement. The panels will be removable to comply with the regulations set by Saint James Anglican Church. We agreed with Kathryn that the panels will most likely remain up, even during hours where other groups (other than the Academy) are using basement rooms. The panels are designed to reduce the transfer of sound and echoing, which would benefit any group wishing to use basement rooms one and two simultaneously. The new solid core door will be installed to replace the existing door entering the Nursery. A base strip will also be added to the door to further minimize gaps that allow sound transfer.

During the CSL Project, our group followed a similar project plan to that learned in CIVIL 201. We undertook distinct researching, planning, and implementation stages resulting in an organized project management process. As noted in the schedule, we are actively still in the installation phase due to delays in receiving the door that we ordered. As a team, we have consciously stayed aware of the project timeline throughout the past weeks. Time-wise, the schedule is similar to the preliminary schedule outlined in blog post ‘Project Week 2’, with the exception of the installation phase. The delays associated with the door company surely makes us, as students, more aware of problems that can occur on the job. In the context of an engineering project, this could relate to a company contracting work out to a third party to satisfy specific needs of a client.

The whole process is outlined below in an updated schedule, complete with an accurate description of activities.

Research, Planning and Information Development

Jan 13^th 2012 – Feb 4^th 2012

This stage in the CSL project involved doing extensive research into soundproofing. It involved both research on the Internet as well as traveling to home improvement and soundproofing companies in order to find more information, including pricing for the materials and for installation. The group prepared a report that could be presented to Kathryn. It contained all our findings, including sizes and price ranges.

During this period, our group decided to meet at least twice a week to either discuss information or to plan the installation of the soundproofing equipment. In addition to group meetings, a visit to the SJMA Music Academy was organized as well as a meeting with our grad student advisor, Drew Serles. The first site visit gave us a great view of what was expected of us, allowed us to set reachable goals, and gave us an opportunity to meet Kathryn Walker and the crew at SJMA.

Coordination with Kathryn Walker and Second Site Visit

Feb 3rd 2012 – Feb 11^th 2012

Photos by Chris Loh

We got a hold of Kathryn via email and organized a meeting. During our second site visit with Kathryn, we hoped to coordinate our findings with her needs to see what the best solution for SJMA would be. We outlined a number of options for her in a report. The report contained multiple technologies that would offer the music academy a solution without breaking the budget. A table with sizes and prices was displayed. Kathryn was pleasantly surprised that we had given her multiple options to choose from. She decided that soundproofing panels and thicker doors would be the best option of the academy.

Buying Materials and Organizing Installation

Feb 11^th 2012 – Feb 14^th 2012

With the thumbs up by Kathryn Walker, we ordered the materials needed to complete the project. We kept a record of all financial dealings, so we can present her with the details.

——————–READING BREAK——————–

(Waiting for the Materials)

Installation

Implementation Day, TBD 

The installation of the soundproofing equipment will take place within the next week. Some problems have been encountered with the company fabricating the soundproof door. They have not responded to emails and phone calls but progress was made on Friday March 2^nd when we got through to personnel at the company. Implementation will take place next week on Thursday March 8th as this day works best with Kathryn Walker.

Searching for a suitable door…

To meet the needs of SJMA, we decided to look at different door options. We looked at general home improvement stores, such as RONA and Home Depot. However, we were not able to find exactly what we were looking for. Finally, we visited Wood Doors Vancouver in Richmond. There, we were able to discuss the constraints of our project with the door expert. He was able to give us an estimate on a solid core door with a viewing panel on the side. The estimate also included door fitting and a door accessory. He also gave us some information on effectiveness of the door in terms of soundproofing. The door should reduce the sound travelling between the rooms by 50% – 80%. Chris finalized the door order and we are expecting to install it by the end of next week.

Safety concerns…

As requested, we drafted a safety plan for the installation of the soundproofing panels and the door. In this plan, we outlined likely safety hazards and preventative measures. The document also included also included a list of emergency contacts. We are currently trying to set up a meeting with Mark to review our safety plan.

Our first group meeting after the proposal presentation took place on Monday of this week. With our project perfectly on schedule (outlined in Project Week 2), a successful proposal, and an enthusiastic response from SJMA, we were ready to jump into buying materials and organizing installation. With everything going so well we presumably ran into a slight hitch..

We initially thought, through some miscommunication, that the ATS Acoustic panels were manufactured and available for pick up in the Lower Mainland. It turns out that the panels would have to be manufactured and shipped from Illinois, adding shipping costs and restrictions on time to install the panels. We paused for a while to think about our next steps, with the first being to notify Kathryn.

This situation could have been a definite game changer, in that we would re-look that portion of the proposal. In actually, Kathryn quickly gave us the ‘ok’ to continue with the order despite the miscommunication. Its evident that during the span of the project, working with SJMA has definitely been about having a positive outlook and cooperation. Even though we did miss a detail, overall we have worked to keep our client in mind and involved with the project.

This week our focus was on our proposal, which we presented on Thursday, February 3 at the Saint James Music Academy. We met Chris, the Operations Manager, who was there for the proposal along with Kathryn and Stephen who we met during our first visit.

What we presented…

For the presentation we described various sound proofing materials. We compared the materials (both on their own, and in combination with each other) while taking into account the projected decrease in sound transfer and the cost.

Our report can be be found here >> CIVL 202 – SJMA Presentation

Their reaction and the next steps…

Kathryn, Steven and Chris all were very excited about our proposal. We are making great time in terms of our schedule and will be meeting Chris this coming week to buy materials. After taking in our suggestions, they did lean towards our preferred option – which was getting custom door covers to absorb the sound and sealing the gaps at the bottom edges of the door. Both parties felt that the doors were the biggest issue in terms of sound transfer, so they also added to our preferred option by requesting a solid core door for the nursery. We have tentatively set our shopping day with Chris for Thursday, February 9. The date may change depending on the day that the custom door covers will be ready for pick up.

Our research for affordable soundproofing includes online sources and in store visits.

This week our group discussed these options for sound proofing based on our current research.

During Monday’s meeting, we were asked to consider how this CSL project is similar to what we may experience as civil engineers. Typically, engineering projects have a detailed project timetable that outlines the major objectives, phases, and deadlines among other things. For this reason, group member Paul Docherty put together the following timetable which outlines the major phases of our project.

Research, Planning and Information Development

Jan 13^th 2012 – Jan 30^th 2012

This stage in the CSL project involves doing extensive research into soundproofing. It involves both research on the Internet as well as traveling to home improvement and soundproofing companies in order to find more information, including pricing for the materials and for installation.

During this period, our group will meet at least twice a week to either discuss information or to plan the installation of the soundproofing equipment. In addition to group meetings, a visit to the SJMA Music Academy was organized as well as a meeting with our grad student advisor, Drew Serles.

Coordination with Kathryn Walker and Second Site Visit

Jan 30^th 2012 – Feb 3^rd 2012

During our next site visit and meeting with Kathryn, we hope to coordinate our findings with her needs to see what the best solution for SJMA would be. Since they are on a tighter budget, we need to see what price range the board will give her before we can buy the necessary materials.

In this period we also hope to hear the children play a little more, in order to see the extent in which to provide sound control. At this time, each member in the group will have a much better knowledge of what soundproofing entails.

Buying Materials and Organizing Installation

Feb 3^rd 2012 – Feb 12^th 2012

Should the thumbs up by Kathryn Walker be provided, we will order/buy the materials needed to complete the project. We will also keep a record of all financial dealings, so we can present her with the details. This time will also include a third site visit.

Installation

Implementation Day, Feb 13^th 2012

Ideally, if all goes well up to this point, the installation of the soundproofing equipment will take place during this period. (Fourth site visit)

Final Check and Record of Improvement

After Feb 13^th 2012

This period will consist of our group visiting the site for the last time, in order to record the level of improvement within the building and to make sure that we met all our goals. Assessing the improvements can give SJMA ideas for future upgrades in the facility.

Exact Dates of installation, group meetings etc. are not yet set due to the fact that SJMA’s plans for budgeting are still in progress. Therefore, date ranges are approximate. This blog will be updated accordingly throughout the project.

Hi, we are team SJMA and our project is to look at various options for soundproofing rooms for Saint James Music Academy. Our team consists of six second year civil engineering students. We assigned team roles as follows:

• Colby Redekop – Contact Liaison
• Paul Docherty – Information Manager
• Annie Stancheva – Research Analyst
• Jason Yang – Photographer
• David Klassen – Note-taker
• Katrina Ong – Blog Editor

A little about Saint James Music Academy…

Saint James Music Academy is located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and offers children from low income families to experience music in a powerful way.  Having met with Kathryn Walker, the executive director, she expressed the main goal of the program, which is to provide a positive community for children to thrive in. It’s amazing how a non-profit organization has done so much with the few resources they initially had. They now have about 70 students, all of which are provided an instrument to use. Classes are conducted in the space provided by Saint James, where almost all ‘rooms’ have the potential to be music rooms. I say this because every space big enough for a few chairs and stands is used for lessons, including stair landings and storage nooks.  With multiple lessons going on at the same time, it is understandable why they are looking for some soundproofing options.

Our site visit…

On Tuesday, January 17 our group went to visit the Saint James Music Academy.  Stephen Rathjen, the Program Coordinator, as well as Kathryn Walker showed us around the facility. We were able to take some photos and approximate dimensions of the spaces, making note of which were the highest priority in terms of our project. Near the end of our tour Kathryn and Stephen went back to preparing while the students and music teachers started filing in. Upon arriving, all the students had their afternoon snacks and then lessons began.

As a group, we discussed our first impressions of the space and jotted down some ideas. We went around individually (in hopes of not looking too intimidating as a group of six university students) and re-visited all the rooms as the music lessons were in session. We could hear the amount of sound transfer through the problem areas that Kathryn mentioned in the tour.

Project constraints…

The space provided is borrowed from Saint James Anglican Church. This means that all permanent changes made to the building must be approved. Kathryn mentioned that she has already pitched some ideas, for example converting the movable divider into a permanent wall. There is also the option of temporary items that can work to sound proof. This is a good way to dodge the need for renovation approvals from the church; however, it adds to the list of items that the music academy uses on a ‘set up, take down’ basis. By the end of this project we hope to find a happy balance between the needs of both the music academy and the church providing the space.

Hey everyone,

My name is Drew Serles, I’m the grad student who will be working with you on the sounds insulation project. Alaya Boisvert is currently talking to the client and figuring out when you guys could go take a tour so I’ll keep you posted about that.

We should get together soon so I can meet you and we can figure out what you need to find out from the client when you go to meet them.

If you could post a reply with your name and email that would be great and I’ll send out an email soon about meeting up. My email is dserles@interchange.ubc.c.

Take care,

Drew

You can chronicle your CSL team’s weekly accomplishments as you move toward the successful completion of your project.