In commercial settings, ceilings have become a vital design element that contributes to both aesthetics and functionality. Matthew McDonald looks at the various products of this kind currently on the market.

The specification of commercial ceilings involves a range of considerations, including seismic design, acoustic performance, the potential for lighting integration, compliance with fire safety regulations, environmental sustainability, installation and maintenance requirements, and more.

In addition to these functional requirements, and increasingly, ceiling systems have come to be judged in terms of their design potential.

The aesthetic aspirations of architects and their clients, combined with an expansion of what is possible from the manufacturing perspective, has seen a rise in the variety and quality of decorative and architectural ceiling solutions on the market.

So, what are these products and what sorts of questions should specifiers ask before choosing them?

Biophilic design, lighting integration and more

“When specifying a commercial ceiling system, design vision and acoustic goals are paramount,” says Ben Grace, CEO at Acoufelt.

“Additionally, it's essential to address structural integrity, ensuring the ceiling can support new installations without compromising safety.”

“Factors like load-bearing capacity and moisture resistance are crucial, especially in environments like aquatic centres and gymnasiums where conditions can challenge the durability of ceiling materials.”

In terms of emerging trends, Grace says he is seeing an increase in biophilic design, enhanced acoustics, and integrated lighting.
“Acoustic enhancements are also pivotal, with specialised frames and ceiling systems improving sound quality while adding visual interest,” he notes.

Acoufelt is responding to this trend with innovations like the ‘Framework & Waffle-Style Ceiling Frames’ and the ‘Softenup Ceiling System’, which blends aesthetic appeal with functional sound absorption thanks to the company’s ‘Woodbequiet’ technology.

“Lighting integration is another key trend,” says Grace. “Seamlessly incorporating fixtures into ceiling designs to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.”

According to Grace, the Trivest Equity Headquarters is a good example. "Here, the Softenup Ceiling System was implemented to achieve a sophisticated, acoustically optimised workspace. This installation not only provided exceptional sound control but also elevated the aesthetic quality of the office, resulting in a workspace that reduces noise distractions and fosters productivity.

Fibre cement panels

When it comes to commercial ceilings, specifiers are sometimes forced to choose between aesthetics, compliance, and performance. For Decor Systems, a supplier of acoustic decorative wall and ceiling panels and panelling systems, this doesn’t have to be the case.

According to the company, its latest innovations in fibre cement panels and its ‘Decorzen Micro’ product meet the highest standards of fire safety, durability, and acoustic performance, while also ensuring design flexibility.

Decorzen Micro solves the performance versus aesthetic issue by incorporating thousands of ultra-fine perforations, which make it look like a solid panel, while delivering excellent acoustic absorption. It achieves an elegant, uninterrupted timber veneer aesthetic while still reducing reverberation.

In addition, unlike standard perforated panels, the micro-perforations are small enough to prevent damage from fingers, dust, and debris – making it suitable for high-traffic spaces.

Because Decorzen Micro has low maintenance requirements and is easy to clean, it is particularly suitable for applications in education, healthcare, and corporate environments where longevity is key.

A non-combustible, highly durable, and moisture-resistant solution that can be used both indoors and outdoors, fibre cement is fast becoming a go-to material for commercial ceiling applications.

Thanks to the UV-printed timber look offered by Decor Systems, it delivers all the warmth of timber without compromising on fire safety.

The company’s efforts to incorporate Indigenous designs – as, for example, in its “Contours of Country” fibre cement range – is particularly noteworthy. Bringing First Nations storytelling into the built environment, these panels allow for culturally significant and visually striking ceilings that stand the test of time.

Large-format printing

Raw Inkk – a large-format printing company specialising in creating custom ceilings, panels and more for architectural projects – also favours the use of fibre cement in this context.

**Above: Raw Inkk Balso Beams / Supplied**

The company’s large format digital printing services deliver the benefits of fibre cement, while providing scope for aesthetic ambition. Raw Inkk also offers a clear polyurethane coating to offer extra protection.

Because fibre cement offers a perforated option for improved acoustics, it is ideal for large spaces that require sound control without compromising aesthetics. Installation is simple, with panels secured by screwing through the face.

To maintain a seamless appearance, the company offers printed screwcaps that match woodgrain or patterned finishes. This product is ideal for commercial spaces, public buildings, and outdoor structures that need a stylish, durable ceiling solution.

According to Raw Inkk, Balso Beams are another option worth considering. Realistic and almost indistinguishable from real timber, they carry a Group 3 Fire Rating and therefore ensure safety compliance.

Lightweight and cost effective, they are ideal for a broad range of commercial applications. In addition, unlike solid timber which can be costly and cumbersome, Raw Inkk’s balsa beams are non-load bearing.

Representing providing an affordable and sustainable solution, they are recommended for a range of commercial applications, including hospitality and retail.

According to Raw Inkk, MDF ceiling panels are another great ceiling option. Offering versatility, customisable shapes, and enhanced acoustic performance, these panels can be perforated to improve sound absorption. As such, they are also suitable for a variety of applications, including for theatres, conference rooms, and educational facilities.

Available in a range of sizes and thicknesses to suit specific project requirements, they are designed with both aesthetic considerations and functionality in mind. Combining modern design, acoustic efficiency and fire resistance, they are well-suited for corporate offices, healthcare settings, entertainment venues, and retail spaces.

Metal ceiling systems

On a different tack SAS International, a manufacturer of bespoke metal ceiling systems, offers options like SAS Mesh and the SAS130 metal ceiling system.

The attraction of the former, which can be used as an alternative option to exposed soffits, stems from its capacity to achieve contemporary aesthetics.

**Above: 50 Martin Place / SAS International**

Suitable for applications across the commercial, transportation, retail, leisure and educational sectors, SA Mesh is available in a wide range of pattern and finish options.

Thanks to its textured surface, which provides depth and visual interest, it has a unique appeal. Indeed, the appearance of the mesh changes when viewed from different angles (defined as ‘open view’ and ‘closed view’). Essentially, the ‘open view’ allows light to pass through the gaps while the ‘closed view’ reflects light on the surface depending on the viewer's perspective.

Meanwhile, as specified at Bresic Whitney Offices (at Mosman on Sydney’s lower north shore), at Iris Capital (also in Sydney) and elsewhere, SAS130 is a lay-in tile system which offers the facility to design the metal pan suspended ceiling to suit any building module.

The lay-in tiles are suspended from an exposed modular top hat or tee bar grid. Delivering on functionality and performance, the metal pan ceiling tiles are available in a range of shapes and sizes and can be specified with perforations up to 65 percent open area.

A modular approach

Sculptform, a designer and manufacturer of timber and aluminium modular wall, ceiling and façade systems, notes that commercial ceilings are becoming more sculptural and three-dimensional, with architects using materials like aluminium and timber to create dynamic, flowing forms.

The company says current trends include open-cell and pixelated ceiling designs, exposed ceilings with integrated feature elements, the integration of LED lighting within ceilings, and the incorporation of curved and organic forms.

One of its latest offerings, the Click-on Batten ceiling system offers a high-end, modular approach to commercial ceilings. Easy to install and featuring the company’s patented clip system, it is available in timber and a variety of aluminium finishes.

Thanks to Sculptform’s timber and aluminium batten bending processes, the system offers the capacity for custom curvature and shaping; while the option of integrated lighting provides further opportunity for architectural impact.

Moving to functional features, the Click-on Batten ceiling system’s custom spacing and integrated backing options enhance acoustic control, while in terms of fire safety, options are available to ensure the system meets Group 1 compliance.

In terms of applications, the company recommends the system for transport hubs, airports, civic spaces, retail spaces, office buildings, and more.

Broadening appeal

Supawood, a supplier of pre-finished, decorative, and/or acoustic architectural lining panels, has taken it upon itself to make feature ceilings more readily available to a wider audience.

**Above: Supawood Waffle Blade technology at JQZ Speculative Suite / Supplied**

The company has developed a ceiling product configurator that helps designers create their own designs directly through its system and, in real-time, to address concerns like finishes, acoustic rating, compliance and pricing.

Once complete, the finished design can then be sent directly from the customer’s computer to the factory without the need for additional support or cost.

In terms of products, Supawood’s latest include the ‘Wave Blade’ and ‘Waffle Blade’ ceiling systems.

According to the company, Wave Blade allow clients to create contoured wooden blade feature walls or ceilings, without the need to draw them. Featuring a simple fixing system – and recommended for office fitouts, restaurants, reception areas, and so on – it is designed to minimise installation time.

Waffle Blade, on the other hand, is intended to combine acoustic performance with customised three-dimensional cube designs, and in so doing, to add warmth and richness to the interiors in which it is installed.

A cost-effective ceiling lining system, it facilitates the design of the geometric effects in a variety of woodgrain finishes including natural timber veneer tactile woodgrains, veneer and coloured laminates.

Seismic ceiling solution

According to Himmel Interior Systems, the trend towards customisation, seamless integration, and design flexibility has led to a rise in various material finishes, colours, and textures.

The company supplies branded ceiling solutions – including Troldtekts wood wool wall and ceiling panels, Ecophon glass wool ceiling tiles, and the Martini polyester soffit and decorative panel ranges – which are intended to allow architects and designers to create visually striking yet functional spaces.

One of the company’s most recent releases is the Fricker seismic ceiling solution, which is compatible with its full range of ceiling products.
Featuring customisable modules, and also characterised by its strong acoustic performance, it can be installed in an array of sizes and is compliant with the most recent seismic standard.

Whether it is paired with Ecophon Gedina SBK tiles, Troldtekts lay-in panels, or as a mixed material custom design, Fricker can be installed to a design format of the architects choosing.

Grid ceiling tiles

According to acoustic specialist Autex, acoustic solutions have traditionally been relegated to walls and specified purely for their functional capacities.

However, designers and architects are now recognising the untapped potential of ceiling spaces to serve a dual purpose. They have begun to realise that they can deliver visual impact, as well as acoustic performance.

**Above**: **Monash College / Autex Acoustics / Photo: Dianna Snape**

At the same time, of course, sustainability is now a key consideration.

"The industry is rapidly adopting circularity principles, ensuring that interior fit out elements like acoustic panels and ceiling systems are designed for disassembly, reuse, and recycling at the end of their lifecycle," says Rob Jones, Technical and Development Manager at Autex.
"This shift is pushing manufacturers to innovate beyond carbon reduction and into true material regeneration."

In line with all of this, the company’s latest products include Grid Ceiling Tiles, which are acoustic products, designed to transform conventional grid systems. Highly adaptable, they can be configured to create many different aesthetics, be it a subtle addition, or an eye-catching feature.

Also available from Autex is Horizon, a range of floating acoustic panels that create a cloud-like illusion when suspended. With clean lines and simple, two-dimensional geometric forms, Horizon holds space as both a design feature and a high-performance acoustic absorber.

And thirdly, the company also offers Frontier, a long-time favourite among architects and designers, which is known for both its versatility and acoustic performance.

Main image: Monash College / Autex Acoustics / Photo: Dianna Snape

Suppliers

Acoufelt

Autex Acoustics

Decor Systems

Himmel Interior Systems

Raw Inkk

SAS International

Sculptform

Supawood

Matthew McDonald

Let’s connect!