Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex Project Update

Building a Community Hub on Ice

Executive Summary:

RWC Systems is delivering all interior and select exterior wall and ceiling systems at the new Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex in Surrey, BC.
Specialty acoustic products, including Acoustibuilt ceilings and HeartFelt felt baffles, were installed to control sound and elevate design.
Complex structural challenges and a tight schedule were met with detailed planning, collaboration, and high-quality execution.

The Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex is a major new recreation facility in the heart of Surrey, BC. Spanning over 105,000 square feet, the arena will feature two NHL-sized rinks, change rooms, meeting spaces, spectator seating, and a welcoming concourse area — all designed to serve the growing community.

With completion expected in summer 2025, this facility is set to become a hub for families, athletes, and events in the region.

RWC Systems was brought on to deliver a wide scope of interior and exterior systems, including:

All interior wall and ceiling assemblies
Exterior parapets, cooling tower walls, and feature fin walls
Two major acoustic systems:
- Acoustibuilt (drywall-style ceilings with noise absorption, installed above the bleachers)
- HeartFelt (felt baffles on walls and ceilings in the main concourse to reduce echoing)

In total, RWC installed:

~100,000 linear feet of steel stud assemblies
~125,000 square feet of gypsum board

Acoustic Finishes That Look as Good as They Perform

The Acoustibuilt ceiling system was a standout on this project — installed above the bleacher seating areas, it maintains the sleek look of traditional drywall while delivering significant sound absorption. This is essential for arenas where noise levels can easily overwhelm the space.

In the main concourse, RWC installed HeartFelt felt baffles along the walls and ceilings. These soft acoustic elements dramatically reduce echo but posed a challenge: unlike rigid materials, felt requires special cutting tools and a careful installation pattern. Attention to detail was crucial to maintain both function and form.

Exterior Fin Walls: Design Meets Complexity

The feature fin wall system added a modern architectural touch to the building’s exterior — but it came at a cost in complexity. A typical wall might take three days to frame. This one took two weeks due to its unique design and challenging angles.

RWC worked hand-in-hand with structural engineers to validate and reinforce the design, ensuring safety without compromising the look.

Staying on Track with a Staggered Schedule

In today’s construction environment, extended schedules and fragmented scopes are increasingly common — and this project was no exception. RWC responded by working closely with the general contractor to lock down timelines, reduce idle time, and ensure that critical paths remained open.

That level of planning and communication helped keep progress moving — even when project conditions shifted.