From Biophilic Clouds to Sculptural Panels: Rethinking the Ceiling
Key Highlights
- Lanai Bio-Acoustic Clouds pair acoustic tiles with fire-retardant foliage to support sound management and well-being.
- Perforated wood panels offer nearly invisible detailing, up to 0.85 NRC with infill, and 100% USDA biobased content.
- Rockfon Sonar-DC combines stone wool durability, NRC 0.95 sound absorption and ISO 5 cleanroom certification.
- Black ceiling tiles and grid covers create dramatic interiors, with washable, nonabsorbent surfaces suited to food preparation areas.
- CertainTeed Petals offers sculptural aluminum panels with up to 85% recycled content, Class A fire rating and GREENGUARD Gold certification.
New ceiling systems give design teams the tools to transform the ceiling plane into a statement-making architectural element that supports the larger goals of the project. From plant-forward features that offer sound managing perks (also referred to as bio-acoustic) to fire-resistant stone wool ceiling systems that are mold-resistant and ISO 5 cleanroom-certified (per ISO 14644), and GREENGUARD Gold certified scuptural ceiling systems, the ceiling plane has never been harder working.
Lanai Bio-Acoustic Clouds Ceiling Systems
Lanai Bio-Acoustic Clouds consist of a 2’ x 2’ acoustic folded tile, a 2’ x 2’ metal grid backer, and our signature ThermaLeaf fire retardant replica foliage. The pre-engineered suspension system adapts to any ceiling site condition, making this modular product an attractive and labor-efficient addition to your design and budget. Lanai’s acoustic and biophilic elements innately fortify each other’s best qualities, working together to enhance the human experience. Dense foliage works to diffuse sound waves, further increasing the acoustic performance and in turn the wellness factor of the space. This powerful combination makes Lanai a perfect option for designers who are looking to create spaces that resonate with human well-being, especially in busy social settings and work environments.
For more information, visit the product webpage.
CSI Creative
WoodWorks MicroPerforated Ceiling Panels
Combine the beauty of natural wood with “barely there” perforations for enhanced acoustic performance. The tiny perforations, 0.50 mm P2 perforations, are almost invisible when the panels are installed at standard heights and enable strong acoustic performance—up to 0.70 NRC—when paired with acoustic fleece that is factory-applied to the back of the panels, and up to 0.85 NRC with infill panels. The panels are made from 100% USDA Biobased Content.
For more information, visit the product webpage.
Armstrong World Industries
Rockfon-Sonar DC Stone Wool Ceiling Tile
Rockfon Sonar-DC is a premium stone wool ceiling tile engineered to fit most structural grid systems. Stone wool’s inherent capabilities of excellent fire performance, sag, mold & mildew resistance are delivered in an elegant, lightly textured white surface. Sealed edges prevent the spread of particulates. The top lacquer used on the surface provides enhanced cleaning properties and resistance to scratches and marks. With outstanding sound absorption (NRC 0.95) and ISO 5 cleanroom certification per ISO 14644, it delivers reliable performance for data centers. In addition to an available Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), Rockfon Sonar-DC is UL GREENGUARD Gold certified.
For more information, visit the product webpage.
Rockfon
Cambridge Ceiling Tiles in Black
Designers are using ceilings like accent walls and replacing the traditional flat, white ceiling tiles with Cambridge ceiling tiles in black that make the interior more intimate and dramatic. Ceilume tiles are approved for use in food preparation areas because they are washable and nonabsorbent. A Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise in Santa Rosa, CA, (shown here) updated the look of the interior with a black ceiling. Ceilume’s EZ-On Drop Ceiling Grid Covers are plastic strips in black and other complementary colors that snap over the grid transforming it simply and easily.
For more information, visit the product webpage.
Ceilume
Petals Metal Ceiling System
Crafted from lightweight aluminum, Petals boasts organic curves inspired by the beauty of nature. This versatile system allows you to play with angles, creating sculptural points of interest, or arrange the panels in repeating patterns to define specific areas within a space. Petals is more than just a design element; it's a commitment to environmental responsibility with up to 85% recycled content, contributing to LEED v4 certification in various categories, such as Optimize Energy Performance, Building Product Disclosure, Low-Emitting Materials, Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Daylight, and Acoustic Performance. Certified with a Class A fire rating according to ASTM E84 and CAN/ULC-S102, Petals ensures both safety and style.
The system also holds GREENGUARD Gold certification, promoting healthier indoor air quality. Choose from an extensive palette of standard and custom colors and finishes, including options like Arctic White, Supernova White, Raven Black, and various wood-look choices such as Grey Barnwood Cedar and Amber Bamboo.
For more information, visit the product webpage.
CertainTeed
About the Author
Jeanie Fitzgerald Pitts
Jeanie Fitzgerald Pitts is managing editor of Architectural Products and former managing editor of Architectural SSL.







