Canadian Bank
Ottawa, ON
Project Team
Installer: Outsourced by Durisol
Contractor: Hughson
Project Overview
Ottawa, ON
As a longtime supplier of Canada’s banknotes and other secure documents, the Canadian Bank Note Company (CBNC) is a cornerstone of national security infrastructure. Durisol was proud to support their Ottawa facility with the design and supply of a high-performance acoustic barrier system, enhancing both operational privacy and community well-being.
The project was completed in May 2025, and it addressed the complex acoustic and safety challenges of a busy urban environment where a commercial/industrial facility borders a residential neighbourhood. The facility functions as a busy distribution center, with trucks continuously arriving and departing throughout the day, accompanied by the loud sounds of loading and unloading. This constant activity had become a growing concern for nearby residents. The noise wall was specifically developed to mitigate persistent sound from truck activity at the loading docks, one of the main concerns raised by nearby residents.
With the noise now mitigated, the next challenge was ensuring safety. The wall obstructed visibility at the crossroads, making it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic, potentially creating a risk of accident. The use of light-transmitting materials was a critical requirement due to the site’s proximity to a busy intersection and the need for unobstructed sightlines for trucks entering and exiting the property. Durisol designed the wall to not only meet acoustic performance standards but also to improve overall safety and visual integration into the surrounding neighborhood.
An innovative aspect of the project was the vertical installation of two stacked acrylic panels within two separate wall bays – a departure from the standard four-bay layout originally planned. Although this stacking method is not typically used, Durisol engineered the panels with versatility in mind, enabling the installer (Hughson, who is a frequent General Contractor partner of Durisol) to make layout decisions based on site conditions. This flexibility allowed for a striking visual effect while maintaining structural and acoustic integrity.