Blog 6- Ceilings

  

This week in Building Systems we learned about floors. As interior designers we do no deal with roof framing, since it is structural, however, we do have to consider the shape, style, and structural features as we design a space because designers get to pick the finishes of the ceiling. 

There are several different types of ceilings. There are Cathedral and sloped, which are angled, directly applied ceilings which flat being made of gypsum wall board or plaster and suspended acoustical panel ceilings or SAPC which are lowered ceilings that are usually in a grid formation and can be made of various materials. In a Cathedral ceiling the structural beams are usually exposed, however, they do tend to hide the electrical and plumbing systems, while other ceiling types will expose everything or hide all these elements.  

Cathedral- I appreciate the extravagance and openness.

Cathedral/Sloped Ceilings became popular in the 1970’s, giving a spacious openness to a room, they are now popular in both commercial and residential design. However, they are more difficult to cool and heat, integrating light is challenging, and can make a person seem small. While these types of ceilings do not usually emit toxic fumes, they are not great for saving energy due to heat loss, meaning they are not necessarily a great sustainable option.  

Plaster- I love the quiet elegant decorative elements.

Gypsum wall board is applied directly to the building structure, it hides all the structural elements and is most used in residential design as a ceiling finish. This can be considered sustainable since it does not emit harmful toxins and can be made from recycled materials. Plaster is applied in a three-coat system over lath (usually wooden), it has been used for thousands of years, in historical buildings it creates decorative details such as coffered ceilings, crown moldings and ceiling medallions. While plaster can be made from natural and recycled materials, it can emit a lot of toxic chemicals into the air which can be harmful to humans and the environment, which is not sustainable.  

Suspended- I appreciate the uniformity and making the space feel grounded. 

Suspended acoustical panel ceilings are most often used in a commercial setting because they provide noise control, access to ductwork, electrical wiring, and sprinkler lines. This can be considered a sustainable choice because it can be made from recycled materials. Ceiling panels can be made from various different materials such as fiber glass, mineral fiber, wood, metal, etc.  

In an exposed ceiling system, there can be several visible elements. The structure can be exposed which are often made from metal or wood. In the mechanical system the duct work is usually round because it is more aesthetically pleasing.  

Dome- I love how it makes any space feel and look historical and prominent.

Additionally, there are different ceiling shapes that can be formed which are vaulted ceilings, barrel vaults, and domes. These are used in many historical buildings such as churches or government buildings.  

When designing ceilings, you must be aware of coordinating lighting, mechanical elements, sprinkler heads, ceiling mounted equipment, acoustics, and any and all structural features.