Armstrong World Industries earned the 2026 Construction Excellence Award in the Manufacturers’ Category from the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association for its acoustical ceiling system at the John Barry Performance Hall within Phillips Academy’s Falls Music Center in Andover, Massachusetts. For ceiling contractors, the recognition centers on execution of a complex, high-performance acoustical assembly delivered through early coordination, digital modeling and prefabrication.

The 238-seat performance space required a ceiling system capable of controlled sound reflection and diffusion. Armstrong engineered five undulating ceiling ribbons using custom CastWorks glass fiber reinforced gypsum (GRG) panels at 1/2-inch thickness—denser than typical GRG assemblies—to meet acoustic targets. The geometry and mass contributed to sound clarity, illustrating how panel density and profile directly affect performance outcomes in specialty ceiling applications.

Preconstruction coordination through Armstrong’s ProjectWorks services shaped constructability. Working with ARC (Architectural Resources Cambridge), installer T.J. McCartney, Inc. and acoustical consultant Kirkegaard, the team used 3D modeling to rationalize the curved forms into 16 master molds. For field crews, this reduced layout ambiguity, limited rework risk and supported schedule control—key factors when installing custom GRG with tight tolerances and complex suspension interfaces.

The project demonstrates the value of prefabrication and accurate shop drawings in specialty ceilings. According to the installer, resolving curves, bevels and angles during preconstruction eliminated field adjustments and helped maintain budget and timeline. For contractors, the takeaway is clear: early engagement and model-based coordination can mitigate common failure points such as misaligned panels, inconsistent reveals and compromised acoustical performance.

The hall opened in February 2025, with feedback from users confirming the acoustic intent. For interior finishes professionals, the project highlights how integrated design-assist, material engineering and disciplined installation practices can deliver high-performance ceiling systems in demanding architectural environments.

For more information on this award-winning project at the John Barry Performance Hall at Phillips Academy’s Falls Music Center, please visit armstrong.com/CISCA26.