Designing a flexible room
Most halls earn their income by being rearranged. That calls for operable partitions, strong ceiling structure, well-placed power and data, and storage for tables and chairs close to where they are used. Large clear spans also mean larger roof structure and bigger HVAC loads than a typical commercial space.
Occupancy drives everything. The number of people the room is approved for sets exit widths, washroom counts, fire alarm and sprinkler requirements, and ventilation. We confirm this against the Alberta Building Code and local authority requirements early, so your guest count and floor plan match.
What our crews build
Lighting and sound make or break the atmosphere of a hall. Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, installs dimmable lighting, stage and feature lighting, and emergency egress lighting. Our low voltage team handles audio, video, projection and wireless coverage.
Our mechanical crew sizes and installs ventilation so a full room stays comfortable, and runs the plumbing for washrooms, bars and the catering kitchen. Our drywall, ceiling and carpentry crews deliver acoustic ceilings, wall finishes, bars, entrance features and stage platforms.
- Operable walls and acoustic treatment
- Dimming, feature lighting and egress lighting
- Catering kitchen or warming kitchen
- Bar, coat check and entrance millwork
- Accessible washrooms and exits
Common challenges
Echo is the most common complaint in finished halls. Acoustic ceilings, wall panels and soft finishes should be planned from the start, not added after complaints. Another frequent issue is service flow, where food, drink and staff paths cross guest paths. A good layout keeps back-of-house routes separate.
If you are renovating an older hall, expect to bring electrical, ventilation and accessibility up to current standards. We assess the existing building early so that surprises are found before the walls are opened.
Opening for the booking season
Banquet halls are busy at predictable times, such as wedding season and the holidays. If bookings are already on the calendar, the construction schedule has to respect them. We plan around confirmed events, and we protect your reputation by finishing the room to a standard that stands up to the first event.
Allow time for commissioning of lighting, sound and ventilation, and for a walk-through with your events team before the first guest arrives.