Acoustical Ceilings That Work as Hard as They Look Good
A modern workspace needs more than visual appeal—it must also control sound. Acoustical ceilings create environments that are comfortable, productive, and visually striking, blending engineering with design.
Understanding Acoustic Performance
Every space has its own sound challenges. High Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ratings absorb echoes and reduce reverberation, making speech clearer in offices, classrooms, and healthcare facilities. For privacy between adjacent rooms, a high Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) helps block sound transmission through the plenum. Choosing panels with the right balance of NRC and CAC is critical to achieving both quiet and privacy.
Precision in Grid and Suspension Systems
The ceiling grid isn’t just a framework—it’s the structural backbone that supports panels and integrates lighting, sprinklers, and HVAC. Proper hanger wire spacing, correct tensioning, and seismic bracing where required keep the system secure and level. Installers must account for deflection, coordinate with other trades, and ensure that every intersection is square and true, so panels sit flush and consistent.
Design Possibilities Beyond Basic Tiles
Acoustical ceilings are no longer limited to plain white squares. Metal and wood-look panels, sculpted clouds, and decorative baffles offer dramatic design opportunities. Specialty finishes can complement branding or highlight architectural features while maintaining acoustic performance. These custom elements require careful planning of suspension details and edge treatments to maintain structural integrity.
Integration with Building Systems
Lighting, fire suppression, and HVAC diffusers must all fit within the ceiling plane. Applewhite Interiors coordinates closely with electrical and mechanical teams to ensure that every cutout and fixture is perfectly aligned, preserving both performance and aesthetics.
Applewhite Interiors combines technical expertise with creative solutions to deliver acoustical ceilings that enhance comfort and elevate design. From quiet classrooms to striking corporate lobbies, we build ceilings that sound—and look—impressive.
