Fogo Island Inn, Joe Batt’s Arm, Newfoundland, Canada
Retrofit Team
Manufacturer’s Representative: Audio Systems Limited, St. John’s, Newfoundland, (709) 754-2244
Materials
Fogo Island Inn installed the LogiSon Acoustic Network—a networked sound masking, paging and music system—not only to help ensure guests enjoy excellent room-to-room privacy, but to provide a comfortable background sound for those used to living in urban areas with higher ambient levels.
Hotels typically install sound masking to cover unwanted sounds related to in-person and telephone conversations, electronic products, minibars, ice machines, elevators, HVAC, plumbing equipment, construction projects and doors shutting. However, soon after Fogo Island Inn was built, the inn’s team realized noise control was needed to ensure the sounds of barking seals and crying seagulls did not disturb guests when they opened the windows to enjoy the fresh air.
A loudspeaker was installed above the wooden ceiling in each guest room and a hole pattern drilled beneath it to allow the sound to diffuse into the room. A keypad allows the guest to set the masking volume according to personal preference. The inn can page the guest rooms to provide voice clarification in emergency situations. Elevators and common spaces use the LogiSon system to not only distribute sound masking, but also music and to create natural soundscapes that complement the inn’s wild North Atlantic setting.
LogiSon Acoustic Network Manufacturer: LogiSon
The Retrofit
Using wood as the primary material, Newfoundland-born, Norway-based architect Todd Saunders designed the five-star Fogo Island Inn for Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity dedicated to building economic and cultural resiliency on Fogo Island. The inn was built to assist with the island’s economic and cultural survival. To this end, all surpluses from operations are reinvested in the community. In addition to 29 suites, the 43,000-square-foot property includes a dining room, bar, lounge, library, reading room, cinema, art gallery, meeting room and gym. The roof deck features wood-fired saunas and outdoor hot tubs.
Photos: Fogo Island Inn