Specialty Church Construction — Quick Reference

Sound Isolation (STC Ratings)

Wall Assembly	STC	Application
Single stud, 2 layers/side, 89 mm batt	50–52	Classroom to classroom
Staggered stud, 2 layers/side, 89 mm batt	56–58	Sanctuary to corridor
Staggered, 2 layers, 2×89 mm batt, sealed	60–63	Sanctuary to nursery
Double stud (25 mm gap), triple layer, 2×89 mm	65–68	Sanctuary to gym

Mass: Double 15.9 mm Type X each side is the starting point
Decoupling: Staggered studs or resilient channel (+10 STC)
Absorption: Min. 89 mm batt in all acoustic walls
Airtight: Acoustic sealant at every joint — one unsealed outlet drops STC 60 to STC 42

Item	Specification
Water weight	1 kg/litre; typical 3,000–8,000 L pool
Structural	P.Eng. mandatory — full-water dead load
Waterproofing	60 mil polyurethane membrane or FRP lining
Water temp	30–33°C (in-line heater on recirc loop)
Plumbing	Fill (H&C), overflow, bottom drain, recirc loop
Ventilation	Dedicated exhaust fan or dehumidifier
Leak detection	Containment pan + sensor → BMS
Accessibility	Stairs + handrails both sides (OBC 3.8)

All plumbing by licensed 306A. Treat as small pool — not a simple fixture.

OBC Part 4: Structural — wind, seismic, assembly occupancy
OBC 3.8 / AODA: Barrier-free access to platforms, baptistries
CSA S16: Steel structures (steeples, rigging frames)
CSA O86: Timber structures (timber steeples, trusses)
CSA B72: Lightning protection systems
NFPA 96: Commercial kitchen exhaust & ventilation
OESC / CSA C22.1: Electrical — ESA inspected
Trades: 403A Carpenter, 420A Ironworker, 306A Plumber, 421A Glazier, 308A Sheet Metal, G1/G2 Gas Tech

Baptistry leak = structural emergency. Drain immediately, identify source before refill.
P.Eng. required: All steeples, bell rigging, large-span roofs, baptistry structure, exterior crosses.
Stained glass = irreplaceable. Plywood covers during adjacent work. Report any damage immediately.
Bell lift = critical lift. P.Eng.-stamped lift plan, exclusion zones, tag lines.
Sound isolation: One unsealed penetration destroys the entire wall rating.
Platform ramp: Max 1:12 slope with handrails (OBC 3.8).

Steeple day: Invite congregation to watch crane set — milestone moment for community.
Acoustic sealant at every joint: Top track, bottom track, abutting walls, outlets, penetrations.
Baptistry ventilation: Without it, condensation destroys surrounding structure in 5 years.
Platform floor boxes: Rough-in before subfloor closed — retrofit is painful and expensive.
Stained glass condition survey: Photograph every panel before and after installation.