"ceiling"

An £8m administrative hub at Bristol Airport has a bespoke Knauf AMF ceiling system fitted throughout. A visually intricate honeycomb effect ceiling required the meticulous installation of suspended hexagonal acoustic rafts with precise spacing. A bespoke Donn grid ensured each Topiq Sonic Raft was positioned equidistant to each other. Stride Treglown Associate Architects commented, “The internal aesthetic is an honest expression of the steel structure and exposed services installation. However, these two factors require careful acoustic consideration. The result is a series of randomly arranged, hexagonal suspended rafts that provide acoustic function, and a strong visual statement.”

Leeds Arts University completed a 5-year £22m building expansion with Heradesign rafts and baffles, installed throughout the main entrance, library and the new group spaces to minimise noise disturbance. The design for the project meant all the mechanical services had to be exposed and the lighting integrated into the hanging rafts. Paul King of DLA Design Group said, "We chose Heradesign because, aside of the acoustic performance, we liked the natural, raw wood wool. It’s a striking and versatile material and we were really impressed with how the individual panels could be matched to the chosen colour scheme.”

Design and acoustic performance were key criteria for this project, which is why HERADESIGN was installed in all the classrooms as floating rafts and throughout the school, in the main corridors, where bespoke swing down access panels were also installed. Reddy Architecture commented, “We really love the architectural raw wood wool quality of HERADESIGN. The visible texture provided the required aesthetic contrast.” A calm neutral colour palette with HERADESIGN specified in warm-white provided a gentle contrast with the soft charcoal walls and floors - the perfect backdrop for bold bursts of colour at the entrance to the classrooms.

Richard Bowler wanted to tackle noise transference as part of his basement flat renovation in Autumn 2020. He turned to Oscar Acoustics to solve the issue cost-effectively, choosing Iso-Mount Type1 acoustic hangers to dramatically reduce noise from the house above with minimum ceiling height loss.Quality soundproofing is fundamental to the enjoyment of our homes. High levels of noise can affect our health as well as our sense of wellbeing. So, when Richard planned a complete revamp of his basement flat, part of his nineteenth century, four storey Devon property, he was determined to factor in sound insulation, while also creating a beautiful interior finish.Problem: Lack of sound insulation“Dating from 1850, the basement flat was of very poor construction and in need of complete renovation,” clarifies Richard. “In particular, with respect to the seven different ceilings of the flat and the ground floor of the house, there were undersized joists, making it uneven, bowed and springy. The wooden floorboards in the house had large gaps between them, and the ceiling of the flat was constructed with thin plasterboard. This meant no sound insulation at all - even a conversation could be fully overheard.”Solution: Soundproof ceiling with minimum ceiling height lossRichard wanted a fast, cost-effective, and easy to install solution to solve the noise problem. He discovered Iso-Mount Type1, an isolating acoustic ceiling hanger which significantly reduces transmission of noise from the floor above but only loses 6mm of ceiling height. Further with this choice, it’s possible to carry out all work from the room below."I selected Iso-Mount because it was simple and easy to install with extensive video instructions,” Richard says. “My builder, had never installed an acoustic ceiling, so it was important to find a solution he was confident with."“I did not fully appreciate at the time, but the use of Iso-Mount with an industry standard metal channel was a huge bonus and cost saver. We have saved a great deal of time and money using the adjustable Iso-Mounts to level the uneven joists.”Process: Simple installation of acoustics hangersRichard’s builder, Mark Lipton started the Iso-Mount Type1 installation in one of the smallest rooms of the flat. Within two days, he was confident using the height-adjustable acoustic hanger.Marks says, “Initially I was unsure about the system as I had not used it before. I started with the bedroom as it seemed the easiest to install. Once that was done it was easy to fit the other ceilings. The living room was the largest room and the most uneven in terms of joists. The ceiling went up in no time.”“One of the nice features of the system is that it is easy to create a false ceiling to run services. It was also useful in complex areas where, for example, we had a concrete lintel to accommodate. The fiddliest part of the whole install is fitting the rubber isolators to the mounts. On the other hand, achieving perfectly level ceilings was very easy.”“We used belt and braces which included the Iso-Mounts, the acoustic tape, the sealant, foam filler, acoustic insulation, and two layers of SoundBloc plasterboard,” says Richard. “The SoundBloc was the most challenging install since it was much heavier than ordinary plasterboard and my builder had to work hard to install it. From my perspective it is only marginally more expensive and worth it for the extra isolation.”   Result: A ‘superb’ soundproof ceiling systemWith installation completed in ten days, Richard was delighted with the ceiling.  “For acoustic isolation, the Iso-Mount system is superb. It even created a perfectly flat ceiling despite the uneven joists above. Noise transfer between house and flat is far, far reduced. When experiencing noise transfer now it is normally through an open door or window rather than transmitting through the floor/ceiling." “We had no woodworking or fillers to add or level off. We simply used the adjustable Iso-Mount for reduced noise transfer. The Iso-Mount system is a brilliant way to isolate between floors and I couldn't be happier with the results. The ceiling is superb and flat as a pancake despite the uneven joists above. I highly recommend it."Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, says: ‘Unwanted noise can negatively impact on our lives at home, and affect our health. With over 43 years of acoustics and soundproofing experience, we developed the Iso-Mount system to manage and reduce sound transfer reduction between floors, to help restore the peace and create a tranquil home environment.”

University of Strathclyde TICArchitect: BDPInstaller: Linear Projects LtdProduct: Gustafs Acoustic Panel System and Linear RibsGustafs Panel System was specified for the feature ceiling in the entry foyer as well as walls and ceilings in the lecture theatre at the University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovations building which opened in 2014.The £89 million campus will share facilities with local business, industry and public sector projects as well as being a leading research facility for Health, Energy and Environmental studies.Wall and ceiling panels in natural Oak veneer with SH8 slotted acoustic perforations were used on the atrium ceilings as well as the walls and ceilings of the lecture theatre. Gustafs Panel System was chosen to achieve a consistent look across wall and ceiling elements throughout the campus as well as for the flexibility of acoustic perforation styles and versatile Capax invisible installation systems.The Gustafs ceiling panels in both the foyer and lecture theatre of the Technology and Innovations centre at Strathclyde University were specified to be triangular, this design feature was approached differently for each area.The panels in the lecture theatre were cut and finished at the Gustafs factory to have finished edges on the finished triangles and a border of plain panel around the outside (completed using a special perforation pattern).In the foyer the panels were trimmed at the site finished with the white frames to give the illusion of triangular panels.In addition to Gustafs Panel System at the University, Linear Ribs were used across the vast atrium space along the mezzanine and balcony areas with varying widths of rib in Natural Oak VeneerLinear ribs were specified for its flexibility in design and installation, allowing the product to work continuously around the internal and external curves of the space.In addition to this, linear ribs enable the specifier to vary both the width and depth of each rib as well as the spaces between on a piece by piece basis giving infinite possibility for acoustic performance variations as well as value engineering.

FIREFLY ZEUS Lite™ Safeguards Ceiling Spaces Across Wakefield Food WarehouseForming a fresh element to the UK’s critical food supply infrastructure, a new distribution warehouse in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, is near to completion with the specialist suspended ceiling installer making use of ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 from the range of TBA FIREFLY™, to create vertical fire barriers at intervals within the roof-space across the footprint of the building.The 15,300m2 facility at Headways in Stanley, on the outskirts of Wakefield, has been built by GF Tomlinson for the Kitwave Group, a national distribution business with a fleet of over 500 vehicles supplying hotels, restaurants and many other venues across the country. The installation of the ZEUS Lite™ was undertaken by Nottingham Suspended Ceilings, as the sub-contractor well experienced with the performance and user-friendly characteristics of the Firefly range.All the rolls of ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 material and the well proven FIREFLY™ fixings, including stainless steel staples and fire-resistant adhesive, were supplied to Nottingham Suspended Ceilings by the merchant, Minster On-line.The site agent for Nottingham Suspended Ceilings, Mark Prescott, commented: “Our company carries out commercial contracts right across the East Midlands and beyond, where we have made use of Firefly barriers on a large number of past projects. Although you have to be a competent contractor and follow the manufacturer’s guidance precisely, we find the ZEUS Lite™ and other products in the FIREFLY™ range straightforward to install. In the case of the warehouse here, we have now completed the installation of the fire barriers up to roof level in dozens of locations across the building; as well as installing all of the suspended ceilings throughout.”FIREFLY™ ZEUS Lite™ is ideally suited to this type of application, comprising a flexible woven fabric fire barrier that has been specifically developed for the vertical separation and compartmentation of extensive concealed spaces within buildings.By offering 90 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, FIREFLY™ ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 exceeds the minimum requirements regarding fire barriers under the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety). The specially treated glass fibre fabric is strong and resilient as well as flexible while, crucially, the system’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations; which many alternative products do not.

Being in an overtly-loud space – whether it’s in a restaurant, an office, a gym or anywhere else – is really irritating, right? You’d be reluctant to go back or never return again. Maybe at home, the marble top counter in the kitchen wasn’t the best idea for open plan living, but you’re stuck with it. Or are you?  Rockfon is proud to announce it has been awarded the industry-leading Quiet Mark certification for its Mono Acoustic, Blanka and Color-all acoustic ceiling tile ranges which will help solve these excessive noise issues, and they will look amazing. https://www.quietmark.com/brands/rockfon Here we have a beautiful range of colours and styles that allow you to get as creative - or discreet - as you like with your acoustic ceiling and they all have built-in Class A sound absorption from the stone wool core.   Rockfon is one of a growing number of building material manufacturers to have its products assessed by Quiet Mark. Nigel Watkins, Country Director at Rockfon UK & Ireland, explains why: “Rockfon has been an expert in acoustics for over 60 years, but we understand very well that acoustics can be complex. Quiet Mark certification is a short cut for saying “this product is going to help make your space quieter.” Rockfon Mono Acoustic is a seamless acoustic ceiling. It is often used discreetly in residential properties, heritage projects or offices where it looks like a smooth plasterboard finish, but it has Class A sound absorption. But Mono Acoustic has allowed the imaginations of some architects to run riot, creating big geometric shapes or curves on walls and ceilings, to create Instagrammable moments for their clients in restaurants, shops and public spaces. Not all acoustic suspended ceilings are white. There are 34 contemporary colours in the Rockfon Color-all range which has been curated by Interior Designer, Sara Garanty, chosen to reflect nature’s colours.  The tiles – which come with a matching grid – provide great opportunities for zoning different areas, depending on how you want to make people feel. Greens are relaxing, blues encourage us to think outside the box and be creative, yellows are uplifting, creams and browns feel cosy, and so on. These tones are designed to bring acoustic and visual comfort to interiors, to enhance well-being Quiet Mark is an independent global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation. Its international award programme recognises excellence in low-noise products, technology and solutions to unwanted noise. Poppy Szkiler, chief executive and co-founder of Quiet Mark, said: “Because sound is invisible, it is often overlooked. Yet the fundamental impact it has on all the physical rhythms of our bodies, our hormones, heart rate and brain waves, is so profound and inherent to our wellbeing, and therefore also to the design process of the buildings we live in.” “Quiet Mark and our expert team of acousticians are delighted to approve and certify three beautiful acoustic ceiling products by industry leaders, Rockfon, whose vast selection of edge designs, dimensions, colours and shapes help architects create spaces that people can enjoy with their eyes and their ears”.

The challengeQueen Elizabeth University Hospital were looking for a ceiling manufacturer that could provide a ceiling solution that offered excellent cleanability, resistance to disinfectants and offered a balance of sound absorption and attenuation to help improve patient wellbeing.This is one of the largest retrofitting projects to implement Zentia’s mineral fibre tiles and ceiling systems. Zentia provide a range of solutions for healthcare applications that improve patient outcomes by improving light reflectance, cleanability and helping to reduce noise in the hospital environment.The solutionThe tiles selected were over 110,000m2 of Zentia’s Bioguard Acoustic Board 600 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm with its hygienic performance and enhanced water repellency is an ideal solution for healthcare environments with average or severe risk of infection. These where installed on a Prelude 24mm and Prelude 24mm corrosive resistant grid which has a patented design for improved strength and stability that is also easier to cut than standard grid types.30,000m2 of Zentia’s lifetime-guaranteed Dune eVo Max Tegular mineral tiles was selected to provide the perfect balance of sound absorption and attenuation for patients wellbeing in general circulation areas.A variety of Zentia suspension systems were used on the project including 10,000 linear metres of Axiom Transitions profiles (which help with ceiling level changes, floating ceiling construction and lighting integration) and over 40,000 accessories including connecting brackets, clips and hanging brackets.Zentia also provided a recycling service as part of the retrofitting process for the older ceiling tiles, helping to reduce the environmental impact of this large-scale project.

The UK's most exclusive and largest bungalow provider needed a refurbished space to tell their story. Vtec was excited to support the designers with a premium and modern ceiling beam design with the MaxiBeam system. The ceiling beams were 39mm x 85mm tall and the decorative ceiling was coffered, creating a sunken rectangle in the space. The ceiling carries occupiers on a journey in the large open areas achieving both visual and functional benefits. Learn more about how the Click Fix installation system made it easy for the beams to be removed for access to M&E services.

Boston Endeavour Academy is a newly built special school for children age 2-19 with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities, located in the market town of Boston, Lincolnshire. It opened to 100 pupils in September 2021 building to 140 over the coming few years. It features many state of the art facilities including therapy rooms classrooms and a hydrotherapy pool. Key Considerations:Installing ceiling hoists within multi-height ceilings Large spans are required throughoutRequires bespoke solution Working in collaboration with Kier and Wates Construction on this state of the art academy, our Astor OT200 hoisting system and Sensory Integration Swings have provided safe, supportive and comfortable accessibility to the children, allowing them to thrive in their educational setting. Main Equipment: Astor OT200 ceiling hoistH systemBespoke track systemRoom to room gatesTurntablesSensory Integration Swings“ The ceiling hoists are infinitely more convenient for supporting pupils from chairs to the floor to complete their work and postural changes. No longer having to rely on mobile hoists increases the space available that can be deployed for learning activities. The tracking in the pool area allows for speedy transitions to changing rooms reducing waiting times and the number of staff required to support transitions. The Sensory Integration swings have become a much-valued resource for supporting the regulation of many pupils. The advice given by Astor Bannerman representatives to be reliable and leading to excellent outcomes in terms of the resources for our pupils..” Richard Gamman, Headteacher Boston Endeavour Academy 

The challengeA new 53,280ft campus was being built to enable three schools to co-locate. An Additional Support Needs (ASN) unit and a new Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) would also operate at the site.In total there would be 21 open-plan flexible learning spaces for the potential 747 students, as well as a centrally-located shared administrative areas, gym halls and assembly area, while the ASN has capacity to assist 36 pupils with a varying range of support needs.To ensure the success of this modern and multi-faceted open-plan approach to learning, the specification of ceiling systems with high performing acoustic control and total design flexibility was imperative.The solutionFor maximum acoustic comfort Zentia’s Perla OP 0.95 Tegular within a standard 24mm grid was used in offices, classrooms and stores.These tiles perform to Sound Absorption Class A and were also the first mineral ceiling tile in Europe to win Cradle to Cradle™ certification as part of the new generation of sustainable and acoustic ceilings offered by Zentia.In keeping with the modern and sleek design of the campus, Zentia’s integrated ceiling systems featuring Perla OP MicroLook planks were also used throughout. Whilst, in the kitchen and changing room spaces, Zentia's Hygiene board mineral tiles on a 24mm corrosion-resistant grid was specified.

ChallengesSinclair Watt were provided with a detailed brief to provide accommodation for a new main entrance and reception area, product display hall, meeting room suite, additional office space and customer service telephone hall and ancillary accommodation. By necessity these were required to be large spaces to accommodate large numbers of employees and visitors.The building had to achieve seven basic goals – to allow VELUX to be a good neighbour, to be simple and beautiful, to make arrival a good experience, to be a model of balanced daylight, natural ventilation, good indoor comfort and healthy materials, to apply a well-defined, high-quality structural concept, to obtain good sustainable standards with a minimum use of energy, to be visible and logical, and to create value and express the VELUX values.The ceiling systems had to meet the Class 1, aesthetic, fire and acoustic performance required for the 37,673ft2 two-storey building which features an engineered timber and steel structural frame. The project was the first time Zentia’s Ultima+ Finesse mineral tiles had been installed in Scotland.SolutionsSinclair Watt met the brief by incorporating a regular and prominent engineered timber and steel structural frame that provided a design with a clear distinction between the supporting structure of the building and the facades and roof. This was both to create clarity and logic in the design and to make it possible to replace or update the not-so-permanent parts of the building.The internal design incorporates a central street and atrium that acts as a meeting place as well as a general circulation area and allows the best use of natural sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the building. The building provides good indoor comfort and utilises healthy materials.The three key areas – energy efficiency, healthy indoor environment and renewable energy – constitute the basis of the new building. A fabric-first approach for the building was adopted with high insulation levels and low air permeability rates to reduce overall heat loss from the building. This combined with a natural ventilation and daylighting strategy, and the use of LED lighting and air source heat pumps as the main heating source, resulted in a highly energy efficient and sustainable building.Some 1,1,00m2 of the Zentia Ultima+ OP Microlook tiles were used in the ground floor offices and storerooms, while 100m2 of the Finesse tiles were used in the restaurant, kitchen and toilets. The Ultima+ range features class-leading light reflectance of 87% and Euroclass A2-s1, d0 fire classification, the OP Microlook variant with Class A sound absorption and Finesse a fully concealed, fully painted edge detail.Architect Iain Mitchell said: “We specified the Zentia systems as they have a good product range, good suspension systems, with good product information and good technical backup. They met all the aesthetic, fire and acoustic performances.“Zentia shadow and transition trims were used so the Zentia ceilings tie in well with adjacent plasterboard walls and ceilings. The client is very happy with the ceiling installation and building as a whole.”Colin Burns, commercial director of specialist sub-contractor PFP, said: “We had some meetings with Zentia to talk through the detailing of the Finesse element and put it to the guys on site but apart from that, and some coordinating with services, it was very straightforward. It looks good as it always does and gives a nice bright finish. It was interesting to be the first installer of Finesse in Scotland.”

A bright contemporary hotel with a geometric beam ceiling design was specified for a new hotel in its large open space lobby, providing an embracing and welcoming appeal for business and leisure travellers. With a fun colour scheme, the expansive space was flanked by beautiful MaxiBeam ceiling designs adding to its quirky sculptural look that highlights the relaxing and enjoyable nature of the hotel.Explore how we achieved this free-flowing ceiling design with easy integration for other support services.

The Dyson Institute has been established with the ambition of being the best higher education engineering institution in the world. The campus radiates around the two-storey Roundhouse where 220 panels of Rockfon Eclipse® ceiling islands are installed. Rockfon Eclipse is very versatile and can be hung from several kinds of structures where traditional suspended ceilings cannot usually be installed. World leading architectural practice Wilkinson Eyre designed and oversaw the project. Hannah Richmond, “We chose Rockfon because we were looking to construct a floating, acoustic ceiling and found the Eclipse system to be the best product to realise this intent

Architects: Woods BagotLocation: Wiltshire, UKPhotography: Will PryceMaterial: NATURSOFFIT-W CladdingFinish: RustikThe project by the Woods Bagot architecture studio for the library at St. Mary’s Calne School re-centres the space as the hub of academic and social activity. Completed in 2020 and located in the British county of Wiltshire, the project maintains the school’s traditional aesthetic, all while incorporating a central garden with apple trees.The library’s faceted ceiling is a central part of the design, which evokes spreading tree branches. All of the wood panels are held up by an iron truss structure connected to large pillars, simulating the vertical nature of trunks. The properties of Parklex Prodema’s false ceiling allow continuity for the wood from the interior to the exterior, making it visible through the clerestory windows.The triangular panels that make up the complex faceted geometry are resistant, long-lasting, sustainable, and maintenance-free. They were custom manufactured for this project, including perforations for acoustic purposes, allowing sound to pass through the panel to be absorbed by the insulation behind it.The natural Okume wood panel selected by the architects provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere, creating a point of inspiration for learning. Combined with the garden landscape around it, the continuous ceiling magnifies the building’s appeal and integrates it into his surroundings.

This high-profile London office needed a stunning re-design and high-quality finish to reflect the client’s values and surroundings. Vtec was specified to provide visually stunning acoustic ceilings. The contemporary design encompassed a modern reception area leading to a large open office floor with a staircase to breakout spaces and an attractive roof terrace. Finished to an extremely high standard throughout, the design featured Vtec MaxiBeam ceilings in white Supalami and Supacoustic panels in Oak Supalami. In the kitchen area, Supacoustic panels were specified in an oak Supalami finish and circular perforated design (SP4 with 10mm perforations) echos the circular supporting pillars and helps soften the acoustics.Explore how we ensure pinpoint accuracy in the design and production to ensure seamless integration.

Vtec was specified to provide feature ceiling beams using our MaxiBeam raft above an informal seating area in the large social space. Finished in a special Oak laminate, the raft’s interesting geometry follows the shape of the building and draws the eye. No two beams are the same; each was individually shaped and sized to perfectly fit the perimeter. Our Technical Team provided detailed set out dimensions to ensure correct positioning of the MaxiBeams for smooth installation, with the outcome that every single one of the feature ceiling beams is fully removable using our Click-Fix method.

Our lightweight MaxiBeam System in a warm oak finish adorns the ceiling in a newly renovated 76,000 sq ft, multi tenanted commercial office building in Bristol. The design brief was to create a modern and welcoming reception space as well as an upgrade to lift core areas with the purposes of attracting new tenants to this centrally located office building. The ceiling design featured 40mm x 150mm MaxiBeams finished in a Warm Oak Supalami, FR Class 0, also incorporating a 12mm Black Acoustic Backing Board to provide further acoustic benefits. VIEW TECHNICAL DETAILS AND FULL PHOTO GALLERY...

This was a large-scale wall and ceiling project in a 3-storey atrium of a major university reception. Vertical MaxiBeams were specified for the walling, including parts of the stairwell, because of its adaptability. It could accommodate the complex demands of the diverse elevations, with the additional technical challenge of spanning over the large windows. The vertical beams flowed down the inner faces of the atrium and wrapped under the soffit. The ceiling benefitted from our discreet Click-Fix installation method, which ensured beams could be removed individually, as required.

The client for this stunning interior in an EC2 high rise required an inspiring design to suit their long-term goals both for increased brand identity and their future vision which the Vtec Team helped to enable, tailoring our SupaSlat system to suit the ceiling design.Vtec was thrilled to have been involved in this fantastic project which won Mixologist’s Project of the Year in the Design & Build category, supporting this achievement by producing an easy-to-install and functional SupaSlat ceiling system. 

A Gloucestershire based independent care provider has recently completed a 46 bed extension on their care home for clients with dementia and nursing care requirements. Having worked with the contractor on a similar project, Astor Bannerman were recommended to the company to supply ceiling track hoists in an effort to future proof the needs of the home. With floor space at a premium, the company wanted to move away from the traditional style mobile hoists, which need to be stored away when not in use. Also, as using a ceiling hoist system normally only requires one carer to operate, this enables the company to adapt to the possible implications of Brexit on staffing levels.During the installation, we successfully added an XY (H-frame) hoist system into 3 assisted bathrooms and added 3m straight track OT200 hoists in 6 bedrooms allowing simple transfer in an out of bed.Fixings were also installed during the main build in the remaining 40 bedrooms, enabling the care provider to retrofit track and hoists as and when they require them at any point in the future.

Coal Drops Yard, the new retail and lifestyle district where acoustic performance was vital for the SamsungKX experience space. Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic provides Class A sound absorption helping create the perfect environment for visitors to interact with Samsung technology. Associate Trevor Gidlow from KSS, “The installation fully achieved the original design vision”. ROCKFON Mono Acoustic is a unique product providing the elegance of a seamless ceiling with high performance sound absorption, previously thought only possible with modular suspended ceilings. Craig Wheatley, Pacy & Wheatley Acoustics, “What an amazing project, from design to completion, another real flagship project for us.“

Ceilings from four ranges were specified to suit particular needs throughout this four storey school and meet BB93 requirements. David Woolley from The Laurus Trust, “The brief had significant environmental, educational and financial challenges. Architects Pozzoni have faced each of these head on with great creativity. They have developed a fabulous design ….” Design Manager Lee Parker, BAM, “We collaborated with Rockfon to create the ceiling specifications proposal and then liaised with the acousticians Ramboll and Graham Flynn of installers, Sound Interiors, to ensure the varied demands of each space were successfully met.”

Oscar Iso-Mounts combine space saving with isolating acoustic technology to provide clients with the best possible ceiling acoustics and soundproofing, perfect for house/flat/apartment conversions, new builds and renovations. Commercial applications include hotels, offices, shops and restaurants. The mount fixes under existing concrete and timber joist ceilings with just one fixing saving time and money. Extensions are available for 50mm to over 1 metre voids for acoustic services and thermal insulation.

The challengeThree types of mineral ceiling tiles feature at the Jenny’s Well care home for older people with sight loss. It is operated by the Royal Blind charity, which shares sister charity Scottish War Blinded’s new Hawkhead Centre for visually impaired veterans.The Jenny’s Well care home designed by the Unum Partnership features Zentia’s tiles in the main entrance, reception and manager’s offices, all the corridors, back of house staff areas, kitchens and toilets.The solutionThese include 1,000m2 of Zentia’s Perla Tegular and 250m2 of Ultima+ dB Cradle to Cradle® certified tiles, as well as 350m2 of Dune eVo Max, all mineral with Tegular edges installed on a Zentia Prelude 24mm XL2 grid system.In addition, it features ISO clean room rated Hygiene tiles to the main kitchen and humidity-resistant Hydroboard tiles to laundry areas and wc, both square-edged 600mm x 600mm in a Prelude 24mm Corrosive Resistant grid. The use of a 200mm high Axiom profile also provided a solution for ceiling level changes with a pre-finished bespoke upstand.The Zentia systems were supplied by CCF in Glasgow and installed for main contractor CCG (Scotland) Ltd by specialist sub-contractor Brian Hendry Interiors, a member of Zentia’s Pinnacle Partner network of sustainably-certified installers, whose squad of specialist fixers completed over a six-month programme.Unum found the site for the client, The Royal Blind, to not only accommodate proposals for the bespoke care home but also a drop-in centre for the Scottish War Blinded. The care home is designed to provide an exceptional caring environment designed to the exacting requirements of the visually impaired. The design has been developed to create domestic-scale pavilions centred around a sensory courtyard, creating a community hub, with the aim of providing a secure environment that promotes care and social interaction and encourages self-confidence and independence among its residents.

Vtec Texture Panels were specified in the room designs for the first flagship Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone, London. The existing concrete slab didn’t have a high quality finish, so Vtec’s rough concrete panels were included as part of the design. They are very light so can be used to create stunning ceilings. Following sign-off of a trial room, Vtec’s Rough Concrete Horizontal panels in Light Grey, fire resistant grade, were installed in all 95 hotel bedrooms. The team worked closely with the contractor throughout this phased project to help them deliver stunning results.

The MicroSlat System was specified in three areas of this premium development, each space requiring very unique shapes. Bespoke spacing was required in order to accommodate LED strips between the grooves. The client ordered MicroSlat 25-18 that was spray finished to a high quality sheen using a bespoke lacquer finish to match other materials at the site. Black slat core and black acoustic backing complete the look to help transform the interior. MicroSlat was specified as it's a lightweight, modular system that's easy to install, which provides excellent acoustic absorption for a space with such high ceilings.

Vtec’s MaxiBeam system was included in the design for a new reception area in a corporate office building. Both the client and designer wanted a statement feature that had a real ‘wow factor’ that also worked alongside the rest of the scheme. The design involved complex geometry and integrations for a stunning acoustic wall and ceiling in MaxiBeam Light Oak finish. The project involved bespoke angled ends on the interface, precise spacing and complete integration with the lighting scheme. In addition, timescales were extremely tight so drawings with full install details and 3D visuals were turned around very quickly.

CREATING DEFINED ZONES IN OPEN PLAN OFFICE WITH MAXIBEAM AND SUPASLAT >> An office project in an outstanding building in a prime location overlooking London’s Oxford Street deserves a premium interior! This was achieved by the cleverly designed open-plan layout. The design includes a mix of social, collaborative, private and meeting spaces, each with its own distinct feel. Our Timber Slatted Ceilings System were chosen as the ideal solutions for the boardroom and large general meeting space.

The brief to Habit Action was to create a space that was fit for high-profile clients and that would elevate their client's brand taking the business to the next level. Our acoustic solutions, including Breeze Acoustic Ceiling Baffles, played a big part in helping to deliver a space that was comfortable and that everyone would be proud of.

Exterior 70U Metal Ceiling Project

Weaponness Park in Scarborough has been transformed into a £15million development comprising an improved community leisure centre, a new stadium for Scarborough Athletic Football Club, a University Technical College and a satellite campus for Coventry University. Willmott Dixon were appointed by Scarborough Borough Council. The ground is next to the new UTC and Coventry University Scarborough Campus, a purpose-built campus with library, IT suites, café, mock law court, engineering and science labs. Rockfon worked successfully with Willmott Dixon and FaulknerBrowns to establish a fully compliant range of acoustic ceiling solutions that meet or exceed performance specifications in all buildings.

Recent economic growth in Cambridgeshire has led to huge demand for new educational facilities. An ambitious £37.5 million Littleport complex comprising special educational needs (SEN) and primary schools, an Academy and a leisure centre is nearing completion. Rockfon ceilings, baffles and wall panels are installed throughout the Academy and the SEN school which opened their doors in 2017. Rockfon products were chosen because they offer excellent sound control, Class A1 fire safety, durability and are environmentally friendly.

Architecture and design practice KSS Associate, Trevor Gidlow commented, “We were commissioned by interior fit-out specialists, Portview, to review various ceiling systems for application within Coal Drops Yard. Five were reviewed including monolithic and stretched fabric systems. Our assessment criteria included - appearance, sustainability, acoustic class, fire resistance, combustibility, weight, installation angle and curved edge profiles. Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic was our final recommendation and main contractor selection based on the ability to install as a multi-gang operation, thereby gaining significant programme benefits. The appearance of the installation fully achieved the original design vision”.

Manufactured from light-weight, durable aluminium components, the Ecco concertina loft ladder is easy to operate yet still offers excellent performance. Capable of supporting loads of 150 kg per step, it is also tested to EN 14975 (DN 4570). It is supplied as a ready to fit unit for ceiling apertures as small as 800mm long by 550mm wide. Furthermore, the ladder is fitted within an insulated and airtight wooden hatch box. Technical drawing NBS Specification and BIM object available.

Anyone with a sloped ceiling loft hatch will appreciate the difficulty of finding a suitable loft ladder, particularly when positioned over a staircase. This is exactly the problem faced by Michael Hall, who needed an easy to operate loft ladder to provide safe access to the loft space in his home. The Elite Vertical loft ladder from Premier Loft Ladders provided the perfect solution. It's highly engineered counter-balance system makes it easy to operate, as well as being safe. In addition, the Elite Vertical is designed for heavy duty use. As such, it is particularly robust and rigid.