Ceilings are an important component of the internal architecture of educational spaces, contributing to the way space performs visually and acoustically. Long gone are the institutional-style ceiling tiles in grids which offered little in the way of visual stimulation.

Today’s innovative ceiling systems in the educational sector range from horizontal panels and lattice structures to vertical baffles that integrate with lighting systems. Designers are able to integrate colours that promote concentration and productivity with styles that help inspire creativity and learning.

Technical and Development Manager at Autex Acoustics Rob Jones says when choosing ceilings for learning environments it’s important to have close collaboration with the specifiers and the engineers who designed the spaces, and consistent communication with the teachers who work in them.

Autex Acoustics offers a range of ceiling options in standard designs or custom solutions to meet the acoustic and aesthetic requirements of learning spaces. Autex’s Frontier Acoustic Fins, for example, is a modular acoustic ceiling solution that provides an innovative solution for targeted sound absorption in open-plan education spaces. Lightweight yet solid in appearance, Frontier Acoustic Fins are made from 100% polyester fibre and cut to form elegant 2D and 3D shapes. Available in four styles and 17 vibrant colours that can be mixed to create a unique look.

When architects, Architectus were tasked with redeveloping the Central Courtyard at Macquarie University they turned to Autex when it came to selecting some of the ceilings for the brand new four-level building.

Architectus wanted the breakout spaces to “uplift the everyday experiences of the campus community”. However, as they’re intended to host any number of students socialising or studying between classes, these spaces had the potential to become painfully noisy. To create a comfortable, relaxing environment, acoustic treatment was vital.

For this reason, they specified Frontier Acoustic Fins in the style Talus for two of the breakout spaces. When applied to the ceiling, the sound-absorbing Fins appear fluid, gently rippling as you change perspectives. Imitating the lush surrounding bush, Talus in Acros evokes a ‘leafy canopy’ in one of the breakout spaces, while the same style in the colour Savoye forms an undulating ceiling-scape in the adjacent lounge area.

Macquarie University’s Graduation Hall was also part of the redevelopment and when it came to selecting ceilings for this grand space, Architectus engaged specialists in architectural lining systems, Supawood. Supawood has a diverse range of low maintenance, prefinished architectural ceiling lining systems available. Their lining solutions are ideal for achieving optimum room acoustics. They are also available in fire retardant options and service and access panel options.

Supawood’s Supaline decorative and Supacoustic acoustic panels feature predominantly throughout Macquarie University’s Graduation Hall. Addressing acoustics in the design of this large open space was essential but also important was to blend the visual elements used to compliment with the surrounding milieu of the campus.

A key requirement of the design was to achieve a clear span within the lower level of the building to accommodate the vastness of the Graduation Hall. This meant heavy solid timber linings were not an option as the structure would not withstand the weight. A lighter alternative was required.

The Graduation Hall is a space measuring about 45m long by 25m wide and sits within the expanse of the lower level of the building. The hall’s exterior perimeter is defined by walls of smooth Supaline panels finished in mismatched crown cut Tasmanian Blackwood natural timber veneer. The panels have been installed using concealed fixings with the crossbanding of the timber running horizontal along the walls.

A matching panel application has been carried through into the interior on the rear and side wall of the hall. The side walls are broken up with recessed black areas which correspond with the open sections of the suspended ceiling above. The panels in some parts of the walls, in particular the upper sections, are matched perforated Supacoustic acoustic panels to help absorb echo in the space. Again, concealed fixings were used.

The vast ceiling is made up of broad floating strips of pre-finished undulating triangular panels. This application achieves a reflective acoustic treatment to further address noise echo within the space. Lighting and other utilities have been integrated between the panel sections. These have also been applied with concealed fixings. The unique timber species of Tasmanian Blackwood has added impressive aesthetics to the project, highlighted by the creative way the grain of the timber has been applied.

Technical and Specification Manager at CSR Himmel Interior Systems, Ken Coleman reiterates the importance of good acoustics in learning environments. High-performing acoustic ceiling tiles or decorative acoustic ceiling products help ensure that teachers can undertake lessons in an environment where they can be clearly heard and for students to be able to clearly understand what is being discussed in the lesson.

Designers are starting to think more broadly and consider products that are conducive to making the learning environment comfortable, and visually engaging. This can come from standard products or increasingly bespoke designs which are working in with a theme or part of a broader design for the space.

Himmel Interior Systems offer a range of high-performance ceiling tiles from Ecophon Glass Wool Tiles to OWA Mineral Fibre Tiles. To add a decorative finish there are also options for using the growing European trend of Troldtekt Wood Wool. The combination of wood and cement creates unique sound-absorbing properties, ensuring good acoustics in any room. The material has a natural resilience and also provides effective fire protection. For new or existing ceilings, they also offer a range of Australian-made and owned decorative acoustic products from CSR Martini’s dECO Collection. This range includes ceiling tiles available in 22 colours all the way to a Patented Acoustic system Verto with dECO Blades.

“The acoustic system can be installed from wall to ceilings. In any environment, but in particular, in classrooms, you are treating a wide variety of sounds from a number of sources. It can be generated by musical instruments, classroom chatter, PE related activities to name a few,” Coleman says.

“With that in mind, our design teams are constantly evolving our range to ensure that our products arrive at that point where science and sound meet with design. dECO Blades for example were born out of the need for an acoustic ceiling solution that combines an attractively designed blade system which can be bold or subtle and performs well acoustically”.

When it comes to ceiling design, SAS International notes that ceilings don’t need to be flat. A popular trend they’ve seen in colleges and universities is expanded mesh ceilings which provide an edgy and industrial aesthetic for study rooms and open-soffit collaboration spaces. Additionally, aluminium extruded systems are popular for wayfinding and entrance spaces that aim to ‘stand out from the crowd’. Ideal for air movement and visual appeal, both mesh and linear designs can be adapted to provide acoustic absorption. The durability of metal also makes SAS International products ideal for busy learning environments.

When Taylor Architects were tasked with creating a new development at St Patrick’s College Dublin that would bring learning into the 21st Century they looked to SAS International for ceiling solutions.

The style of the fit-out has a bold industrial aesthetic with raw concrete, metal and glass used to offset the multi-coloured furniture and paintwork. SAS600 Rafts with grey mesh were specified in the library and classroom spaces to provide acoustic absorption and continue the metallic theme. The floating raft solution was also chosen to provide an open soffit aesthetic and support the industrial look of the project. Large SAS150 tiles were used in the conference and lecture halls with integrated diffusers.

Specially sized panels were created to aid installation and make the ceiling modules adapt to the varying room shapes and sizes. In the public areas, grey SAS205 tiles were specified to create floating modules in corridors and full-height spaces.

When it comes to ceiling design in an education setting Network Architectural notes that interior ceilings aren’t the only consideration as more clients opt to build covered outdoor learning areas. These covered outdoor areas are integrated into the overall design and feel of the education facility, making the choice of ceiling design an important element.

Network Architectural offer a wide range of Durlum's bespoke metal ceilings for infrastructure projects including educational facilities. They have an extensive range of finishes such as mesh and perforated, that can be customised to the specific requirements of each project. Durlum’s ceiling systems offer a unique locking system making it safe in applications such as gymnasiums and external undercover recreation areas where wind loading or impact may be a consideration.

The recently opened Meadowbank Education Precinct is a great example of these ceilings in action. The new purpose-built school combining Meadowbank Public School and Marsden High School caters for 1,000 primary school students, 1,500 high school students and a 120-place Intensive English Centre.

Beautifully designed by architects Woods Bagot, this multi-level, multi-purpose school contains contemporary adaptable home bases, laboratories and workshops, a 4-level central library, indoor gymnasium, multipurpose communal hall, and outdoor learning play and recreational areas (both covered and uncovered).

Durlum was engaged for the covered outdoor areas, both learning and recreational, the passageways and outdoor corridors, gymnasium, and the school hall, as they were able to fulfill all of Woods Bagot ceiling design requirements. Durlums’ design team worked closely with both Woods Bagot and the interior contractor X-clusive Group throughout the project. Various finishes were used depending on the application. Covered outdoor learning areas and passageways featured custom corrugated ceiling and wall panels colour matched for each level.

A feature play area included decorative stainless steel circular shapes, providing an interesting visual feature and reflecting the light. Mesh panels (3m x 1.5m) were used for the gymnasium and school hall, with integrated bulkhead panels to conceal the services.

When it comes to ceilings in educational settings there is plenty to consider from durability and acoustic performance to aesthetics and fire protection. There are many options available to nail the brief from polyester fibre and natural timber veneer to wood wool tiles and aluminium extruded systems.

Image: CSR

Autex Acoustics: Autex Acoustics | Architecture & Design (architectureanddesign.com.au)

Supawood:https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/supawood-architectural-lining-systems

Himmel Interior Systems: Himmel Interior Systems | Architecture & Design (architectureanddesign.com.au)

SAS International: SAS International | Architecture & Design (architectureanddesign.com.au)

Network Architectural: Network Architectural | Architecture & Design (architectureanddesign.com.au)

Nathalie Craig

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