Metal ceiling tiles have a history that dates back to the late 1800s, when they were made from corrugated iron or tin-covered steel. They were considered cost-effective and decorative solutions for interiors.
Fast-forward 150 years, and the landscape has expanded considerably. Today, specifiers turn to metal ceilings for their durability, cleanability and sustainability. Panels resist wear and tear, and are ideal for the rigorous cleaning standards demanded by the global pandemic.
But beyond their performance, sustainability and practicality, today’s metal ceiling tiles are eye-catching—even dramatic—and can aid in promoting well-being. This article will explore the influence of metal ceiling products on design trends and focus on three characteristics manufacturers of the past never would have imagined—customization, acoustical control and the ability to marry metal ceilings with biophilic design.
1. Encouraging Virtually Limitless Customization
From large-format tiles and linear planks to beams and baffles, metal ceiling products can be customized to meet virtually any specifications. “We have brought amazing renderings to life, creating some truly incredible projects,” says Steve Udolph, specialties sales manager for CertainTeed Architectural and Hunter Douglas Ceiling & Wall Products.
Metal ceilings go far beyond standard tiles and traditional ceiling structures. Segmented flat panels can be placed in uniquely designed suspension systems for eye-popping 3-D geometrical forms or bend along the arch of a corridor.
Because it is such a versatile, durable material, metal can be bent and curved easily, which allows architects and designers to create the feeling of movement across a ceiling. Baffles can be transformed into undulating waves and beams can simulate railroad tracks, suspended overhead, weaving throughout a building to aid in wayfinding.
“The design trend is leaning toward bigger and deeper beams to create even more unique effects,” says Udolph, and manufacturers are listening to these creative thoughts. They are expanding their portfolios with the addition of larger products—one metal beam ceiling product is available up to 12 feet long and up to 15 inches deep.
With the ability to mimic almost any wood species, metal is a cost-effective substitute for wood ceilings that are viewed from a distance. Manufacturers also feature an array of colors—some offer over 80 different finishes—and hues can be customized to match specific design palettes and brand identities.
2. Enhancing Acoustical Comfort
Even acoustical comfort can be customized. While metal is a reflective surface that doesn’t absorb sound itself, perforations in the material paired with sound-absorbing infill on select panel types, can decrease noise levels to varying degrees.
Perforations can also serve an aesthetic purpose. Advances in technology paired with mathematical algorithms have resulted in the ability to perforate metal ceiling panels with custom designs and patterns that result in one-of-a-kind works of art.
Ceilings can express movement with panels perforated in circular patterns, rolling waves or streaks of rain—to list just a few possibilities. A single image can be perforated into many standard-size panels for a more holistic look that seamlessly flows from one panel to the next. Or designs can be repeated panel by panel and positioned in a randomized pattern. Even asymmetrical patterns can be perforated into the metal panels for a more contemporary aesthetic.
“Manufacturers are always searching for more innovative ways to allow designers and architects to express creativity, while at the same time increasing a product’s performance,” says Udolph.
3. Contributing to Biophilic Design
Metal ceilings can contribute to occupant well-being beyond acoustical comfort, however. With the ability to mimic specific species of wood or offer high light reflectance, metal ceilings contribute to biophilic design principles. Studies have shown that biophilic design improves productivity for employees in offices, increases learning functions for students in schools, and decreases healing time for patients in health care facilities.
A metal ceiling with a wood-look finish adds biomorphic texture to the space. Used in biophilic applications, metal ceilings help create natural-looking environments that are shown to increase cognitive performance and reduce stress.
White metal ceilings also improve well-being. By reflecting light and brightening a space, they induce positive moods and increase productivity. Large-format panels specified in white give a sleek, contemporary, monolithic look to a large room, while offering the added benefits of being durable and easy to clean.
Reaching Beyond Imaginations
Undoubtedly the first manufacturers of metal ceilings never considered whether their products were customizable, enhanced acoustical comfort, or promoted a sense of health and well-being. Today’s manufacturers are rising to the demands of these trends with products that help architects and designers achieve affects beyond their imaginations.
Robert Marshall is the senior technical manager for Malvern, Pa.-based CertainTeed Ceilings and a lifelong participant in the commercial ceiling industry. To learn more, visit www.certainteed.com/ceilings-and-walls.