PROJECT
interiors
Below. Soft-blue fluorescent lighting behind the ceiling panels symbolizes the sky and adds visual interest to the National Logistics & Reconditioning Center. Right. The “river” that runs through the National Water Center’s ceiling was formed by a separation between the suspended drywall ceiling and the acoustical ceiling.
A Tale Of Two Ceilings Different themes speak to the distinct missions of two NOAA facilities and make memorable impressions.
F
rom lightning bolts to rivers, the distinctive ceil-
tour groups and national meetings. As a result, the design
pattern. The result is a visual reminiscent of lightning
ing treatments in two National Oceanic and At-
team at Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO, felt it was
bolts coming down from the sky. A 6-in. gap separates
mospheric Administration (NOAA) locations
important to create a space that would not only embody
each of the lightning bolts, while soft-blue fluorescent
miles apart speak to the specific missions of each facility
the center’s mission but also provide the staff with a space
lighting behind the ceiling panels represents the sky and
in a striking and memorable fashion. While the ceiling
of which they could be proud.
adds even more interest to the ceiling visual. K.D. Chris-
designs couldn’t be more different, designers of each proj-
“We wanted to create a space that would leave a lasting
ect collaborated with the You Inspire Solution Center at
impression of the facility,” stated senior interior designer,
All of the panels are micro-perforated and backed with
Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, Lancaster, PA, to create re-
Rhonda Hulkill, “and the best opportunity for making an
an acoustical fleece to provide sound absorption in the
sults that go beyond typical institutional design.
impression is the ceiling.”
room. “Considering the multiple uses of the space, acous-
‘LIGHTNING’ SPARKS CEILING
ceiling, but that was not feasible because the space also
According to associate architect Vicky Borchers, the
The NOAA’s National Logistics & Reconditioning Cen-
serves as the facility’s storm shelter and there was not
MetalWorks ceiling panels were chosen because of their
ter in Grandview, MO, is responsible for the repair of all
enough ceiling height. “To be effective, clouds need vol-
durability and reflectivity. “We wanted a certain amount
the radar systems and other forecasting equipment used
ume, and we just didn’t have the space,” Hulkill noted.
of reflectance to extend the blue light into the room and
The design team wanted to suspend clouds from the
tian Construction of Stilwell, KS installed the ceiling.
tical performance was a key consideration,” Hulkill said.
by the National Weather Service stations around the
Working in collaboration with Armstrong Ceiling
give the space more life. This effect would not have been
world. Originally located in a facility built in the 1930s,
Solutions, the design team achieved its goal by creating a
possible with standard acoustical ceiling tile. Because the
the center is now housed in a new 238,000-sq.-ft. building.
ceiling featuring custom 2- by 4-ft. Armstrong Metal-
panels are floating, we also wanted sharp, crisp edges since
At the new facility, the main conference room is used
Works RH215 ceiling panels in white with MetalWorks
they are visible.”
to host everything from briefings and training sessions to
trim installed diagonally across the room in a herringbone
As far as making an impression, Borchers reports that
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
JAN/FEB 2017
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