When it was time for Belden—a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions—to open its fourth Customer Innovation Center, the company’s experiential marketing agency in the U.K., 2Heads, had a clear vision of every element defining the 8,500 square-foot space. The ceiling design would play an integral role in the customer’s experience, supporting the CIC’s functionality as a place for learning and creating and validating solutions, as well as showcasing Belden’s leadership in networking and connectivity innovation.

Complexity Ranking a Nine Out of 10 Calls for Collaboration and Customization

For Whitney, the architect of record, the process was unconventional because the design vision didn’t start with them. Nonetheless, the team embraced it as its own, dedicated to making 2Heads’ vision come to fruition.

The 2Heads renderings specified a ceiling design distinguished by metal discs “floating” within a frame of curved trim with lighting. Requirements also included that the large central space needed to be conducive to conversation and education and be cohesive with back rooms designated for offices and learning. Whitney was familiar with the ceiling solutions and customization capabilities of Armstrong World Industries and made the decision to collaborate with the company on the project.

“The ceiling concept was initially developed and presented by 2Heads but they turned to us to source materials, detail the construction, and bring their vision to life,” says Laura Grodoski, senior project manager at Whitney. “On a scale of one to 10, the complexity was at least a nine, considering the need to integrate custom lighting and ceiling mechanics seamlessly. Knowing Armstrong’s expertise in customization, we engaged them early in the process.”

Realizing the complexity of the design, Armstrong brought in the team from its ProjectWorks Design and Pre-Construction Service to help ensure the high attention to detail and coordination of vast amounts of “parts and pieces” required for a successful ceiling design and installation. In addition to determining standard products available to bring the renderings to life, Armstrong manufacturers pursued a fully custom solution to create the discs that would set the space apart.

In conference and education spaces, acoustical mineral fiber ceiling panels provide the ideal levels of sound absorption and sound blocking while keeping the clean, sleek aesthetics defining the entire project.

“Out of the Circle” Thinking Meets the Demands for Functionality, Aesthetics and Acoustics

Armstrong provided Whitney with samples of multiple options for the custom discs, ultimately using 8- and 12-inch non-perforated aluminum discs with a Silverlume finish. Custom 18-inch black Axiom Vector Trim framed the design along a series of straight and curved lines, and black MetalWorks Torsion Spring ceiling panels were chosen to provide a sleek background that showcased the aluminum discs. These panels were backed with an acoustical fleece to facilitate sound absorption in the vast space. Factory-drilled holes in the panels allowed the discs to be attached with a stud, washer, and nut. By attaching the discs in this way, the torsion spring functionality remained intact, allowing access to the plenum. In backroom offices and learning spaces, Calla Total Acoustics mineral fiber ceiling panels provided critical sound absorption and blocking, as well as a bright, clean look.

With these critical elements in place, the manufacturer turned Whitney’s reflected ceiling plan into detailed shop drawings, with the two companies working together on some initial revisions before finalizing a set of comprehensive specifications all parties felt would best bring the design vision to reality. Preliminary CAD drawings were then submitted to the ceiling contractor for installation.

“The floating discs depicted in the rendering looked interesting, the question was, was this design doable,” says Ivan Meiring of Integrated Specialty Contractors. “It was highly complex with 42 different panels—everything custom and with a very specific placement. We received everything correctly and on time for the install, and the project was a definite success.”

Thanks to collaboration, planning, and innovative solutions that “pushed the envelope” there was no distinguishable difference between the original ceiling design renderings and the finished product.

A Showcase Ceiling Delivered

The ProjectWorks and Whitney teams agree that coming together early and engaging in ongoing communications was key to achieving the customization and level of detail necessary to complete the ceiling on time and on budget. Also important was both teams’ commitment to understanding, and providing solutions that remained true to, the design vision. The proof that everything came together successfully lies in observations that there is no visible difference between the initial ceiling rendering and the final product.

“The Belden team is thrilled with the space, and the CIC is already proving to be a valuable tool,” says Grodoski. “It’s a showplace that truly resonates with their customers, highlighting Belden’s services in a way that’s authentic to their brand.”

Getting the Acoustics Right in Any Exposed Structure Space

The Belden CIC project demonstrates how acoustical ceiling technologies have evolved to meet demand for—or, in fact, inspire—bolder ceiling designs. Continuous ceiling acoustical solutions will always play a significant role in the built environment, however architects and designers looking to create statement-making ceilings may turn toward exposed-structure solutions. These exposed structures must support acoustical requirements for reduced noise, improved speech intelligibility, and confidential speech privacy.

As the Belden project shows, metal ceiling panels are modern and offer a considerable amount of design flexibility to deliver on highly creative visions. Although the Belden metal ceiling panels were customized, standard options have come a long way. In addition to traditional square or rectangular panels, metal ceiling products include blades, mesh, and open cells that offer a more open look; 3-D options and cloud configurations that add dimension; unique shapes for visual interest; and a wealth of color and finish options, including natural wood looks. In terms of acoustics, although metal ceiling panels are typically associated with echoes and significant reverberation, amazing exposed-structure ceiling aesthetics can deliver the same great acoustical performance offered by mineral-fiber ceiling panels.

Creating an acoustical metal ceiling panel involves perforating it by drilling holes. These perforations allow sound to travel through what would otherwise be a metal barrier. Typically, perforations in metal ceiling panels are uniform and evenly spaced, but, if desired, they can be customized and used as an added design element. The perforated panels are then backloaded with a sound-absorbent liner, usually in the form of thin, black acoustical fleece, mineral-fiber ceiling panels, and/or a fiberglass infill. In general, when the open percentage of the metal is at least 25 percent, the acoustical absorption of the liner material is preserved.

For example, by meeting a 25 percent open area requirement and using acoustical mineral-fiber panels with an NRC (measuring sound absorption) of 0.85 and a CAC (measuring sound blocking) of 35, 85 percent of the sound hitting the ceiling can be absorbed, with sound blocking attaining a level recommended for confidential speech privacy.

Today’s ceiling technologies provide a critical bridge between sight and sound, allowing the right acoustical performance without limiting aesthetical imagination. The result is a space—with a continuous ceiling, exposed structure, or both—that delivers on every level, from design intent to functionality to acoustical requirements.