Metal Ceiling Makes Waves at Student Center

Metal Ceiling

A wave-shaped metal ceiling controls noise and adds visual interest to the dining area in the new Student Center at Miami University.

When students at Miami University of Ohio want to grab a bite to eat or catch up between classes, they head to the Commons, a large, open dining and gathering space in the new Student Center.

When designing the space, an acoustical ceiling that would both control noise in the busy dining area and add visual interest to the space was a key consideration. “Acoustics was important because we wanted to keep noise from bouncing around, but we also wanted something that would create interest in a place where people wanted to be,” says Samantha Delabar of BHDP Architecture, Columbus, OH.

In addition, a metal ceiling was desired because of its durability and longevity. “Due to the high volume of the space, we wanted something that would last a long time and require very little maintenance,” she says. The ceiling also had to be 100 percent downward accessible to provide access to the mechanicals in the plenum.

The eventual design concept called for a metal ceiling that resembled a cascade of wave-shaped ribbons. Working with the You Inspire Solutions Center at Armstrong Ceilings, the design team was able specify a MetalWorks RH215 Faceted Custom Ceiling System that met its design criteria.

The wave-shaped ribbons were created by installing rows of 12-inch-by-56-inch white steel ceiling panels with matching trim on a faceted suspension system. All the panels are micro-perforated and backed with an acoustical fleece to control noise. “We wanted the ceiling to complement the activity going on in the space,” explains Delabar, “and the visual impact of the waves accomplishes that.”

www.armstrong.com/commceilings

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Texas District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Splendora Independent School District (SISD) in Splendora, Texas, recently broke ground on a replacement facility for Greenleaf Elementary School, according to a news release. The district partnered with planning, engineering and program management firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) for the project.

  • Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture Announces Merger with PBK

    Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture (CGD), based in South Carolina and Maryland, recently announced that it has merged with PBK, the largest K–12 architectural firm in the U.S., according to a news release. The firm will operate as Craig Gaulden Davis | PBK with 31 offices across the country.

  • Pfluger Architects Announces Promotions of Seven Staff Members

    Texas-based architecture firm Pfluger Architects recently announced that it has promoted seven staff members to senior-level positions. One of the promotions is that of Dallas-based Senior Project Architect Chad Martin to Principal, according to a news release.

  • Greenheck Launches New Series of Rooftop Units

    Air movement, control, and conditioning solutions provider Greenheck recently launched a new line of rooftop units that merge the conveniences of traditional rooftop ventilators and dedicated outdoor air systems, according to a news release. The Model RT controls temperature and humidity for indoor comfort.