Commercial Architecture September 2016 - 19

PROJECT interiors DESIGNING THE TRELLIS Working with the You Inspire Solutions Center at Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, Lancaster, PA, the contractor was able to specify a custom metal-ceiling system that met the criteria for the trellis design. "After looking at the renderings and initial sketches, we realized that we could modify some custom systems we already have to create designs and new parts and pieces to make it work within the design intent of the architect," said Jim Kelley, manager of the You Inspire Solutions Center, a free service offered to architects, designers, and contractors to help them bring one-of-a-kind ideas like the ceiling trellis to life. The result was an Armstrong custom MetalWorks Baffle ceiling system installed in two runs on each side of the Center Court. Each run of the white aluminum panels is roughly 226-ft. long and 26-ft. wide. The panels are 12-in. high and 2 3/8-in. deep with 3-ft. vertical returns at each end. They are installed approximately 16 in. apart on center at a height 45 ft. above the floor. "What was built there was never built before by Armstrong," said Hovivian. "These parts were all custom factory-finished, which is difficult for a fabricator to do. We gave Armstrong the dimensions and locations for each of the panels and they took the drawing and fabricated them according to our specifications." After seeing a mockup demonstrating how the metal panels would fit around the vertical concrete columns in the court, Westfield management gave Martin Integrated Systems permission to move forward with the ceiling installation. MEETING SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS Before installing the panels, the ceiling contractor designed a drywall suspension system that complied with the load-carrying and seismic requirements for the Above. The custom ceiling breaks down the overall volume of the center court while allowing illumination from the clerestory windows and providing contrast to the darkly painted existing ceiling. area. "We had to build vertical faces out of the drywall grid and brace them to control movement of the panels," explained Hovivian. "During an earthquake, the ceiling moves left to right. The vertical face provides the seismic control needed to keep the panels from breaking free during seismic activity." Left. The metal panels fit around the vertical concrete columns in the court. The custom clips Armstrong provided to attach the blades to the suspension system also had to be tested to make sure they could withstand a seismic event. "You don't want the whole thing shaking from the ceiling and falling down," he said. "The whole ceiling system has to work together to meet the seismic requirements." the ceiling treatment as one of the most successful elements of the Installing the ceiling above mall storefronts presented the contrac- overall project. "The white Baffle ceiling system aesthetically defines tor with another challenge. "We weren't allowed to scaffold the stores the way we wanted the space to appear," commented Reistetter. "It because we weren't permitted to do anything that would disrupt busi- breaks down the overall volume of the center court while allowing il- ness," said Hovivian, whose crew worked the overnight shift to avoid lumination from the clerestory windows and providing contrast to making noise during the day. "We had to use knuckle booms to get the darkly painted existing ceiling. It creates an ambiance and makes the crew and the materials over to the other side of the scaffold so they the space feel more intimate." CA could install the ceiling above the stores." Working on a tight deadline, Martin Integrated Systems completed the ceiling installation within six months from seeing the initial rendering. "What was unique about this job was that it started with a sketch I made on a cocktail napkin," said Hovivian. "We actually executed and built something from a napkin drawing to simulate what Want more information? The resources below are linked on our website at commercialarchitecturemagazine.com and our digital magazine at commercialarchitecturemagazine. com/digital/sep2016. the owner wanted in an incredibly short period of time. We went from Circle 10 on the Reader Service Card. Learn about metal ceiling systems. napkin sketch to a complete install in six months." Visit the Armstrong Ceiling Solutions site. Visit the You Inspire Solutions Center. The Westfield design team was pleased with the result, describing commercialarchitecturemagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2016 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE 19 http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/digital/sept2016 http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/digital/sept2016 http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/products/ceilings/metal/_/N-cZ1z141tq https://www.cdsreportnow.com/bgs/search?CBP0010201609 http://www.armstrongceilings.com/ http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/you-inspire-solutions-center.html http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture September 2016