Ceiling Systems and Appreciation for Them

 Ceilings – Chapter 9

Due to the fact that ceilings can come in various forms and materials, it is important to understand which style is being used, based on its structure. Some expose the framework of the building, others hide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing pipes, along with ductwork, junction boxes, and wiring.

Cathedral Ceiling/Sloped Ceiling

Cathedral ceilings are identified as a ceiling that conforms to the slope, or pitch, of the roof. This style was introduced in 1970s as a way to provide a sense of openness that an otherwise flat ceiling would not. However, with a cathedral ceiling the integration of light, heating and cooling, and the concept of human scale within the space is all challenged by the steepness of the ceiling. When looking at ceilings, in general, one that is a directly attached to the framework of a building is known as a directly applied ceiling which can be plaster or wood. Plaster is typically applied in 3 coats over lath with varying wall and ceiling finishes following.  As time moved on, however, gypsum wallboard has replaced plaster, especially in residential architecture. Aside from wood and plaster, other ceiling materials can include wood slats, wood coffers, and exposed wood hammer beams.

Today the most common, and most preferred, ceiling treatment is the SAPC which stands for suspended acoustical-panel ceiling. The noise control provided by the ceiling in larger spaces and the suspension of the system to allow ductwork, plumbing, and electrical wiring easier movement within the ceiling system, are the two main reasons for the popularity over SAPCs. Along with easy access to utilities and ability to replace a damaged tile without redoing the whole system, the suspended acoustical-panel ceiling is the most economical choice available to date. Standard sizes for the ceiling system include 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’ and, thankfully, various light fixtures accommodate these grid dimensions, in addition to mechanical supply registers and return grillers.

In addition to acoustical panels, a ceiling grid is able to hold other tiles such as wood or metal, however, these materials absorb less sound that SAPCs unless designed specifically as an acoustical tile. Metal tiles typically go directly on the plaster on drywall with screws. Wood tiles for the ceiling are traditionally use when a wood ceiling is desired and is often used for its appearance of warmth within a space. Due to the fact that the majority of ceiling manufacturers provide an array of acoustical materials for an aesthetic feature, in the form of clouds and canopies, traditional tile and grid systems are not a designers only option.

When designers want to expose the structure of the ceiling in order to reach a rustic appearance or industrial interior, lighting and mechanical systems are moved in order to be fully integrated because all wiring and ductwork will be exposed. Where a desire for an exposed ceiling with mechanical and sprinkler systems are also visible, the designer typically choose to paint them so that they match the ceiling color – even if unnecessary. When a duct is exposed, traditionally round ducts take form, but when a ceiling is closed, they are usually insulated on the outside. Because of this, it is crucial to coordinate exposed ductwork with ventilation, heating, and air conditioning to check that they are insulated internally for a more attractive appearance.

Various ceiling shapes include a vaulted ceiling, barrel vaults, and domes. A vaulted ceiling tends to appear usually in public buildings like museums, banks, government buildings, and churches. Barrel vaulted ceilings can be used to form a space by enhancing any rectangular space with the addition of height. Domes are typically seen in monumental spaces and provide a central emphasis in a space. Today, they mark important space and emanates a sense of grandeur.

When designing a ceiling we have to consider acoustics, materials, and building codes. A designer starts with a proposed lighting design and layout with mechanical, sprinkler, and ceiling mounted equipment. This is crucial for a designer to do because a lack of coordination with other items requires the movement of light fixtures, LCD projectors so that they do not collide with sprinkler systems or mechanical ducts. Due to the fact that a key function of a ceiling plane is to provide acoustical control/control noise within a space, it is important for a designer to understand and consider the appropriate acoustical materials. Designers can use a ceiling plane to essentially delineate space, assist in wayfinding, and enhance the overall concept and create a feeling of movement.

Documented Ceiling System

Judson University’s Harm A. Weber Academic Center (HAWAC) reflects an exposed ceiling system with the addition of painted pipes, beams, and columns to fit the idea of the designer. The main purpose for implementing an exposed ceiling system in HAWAC is that the majority of students who occupy space in the building are architecture and interior design students. By being able to see the sprinkler system, ductwork, load-bearing beams and columns, and other building systems used within the building, the students in the space are able to visualize what they are studying and grasp a better understanding of wat their future career entails.