High-Profile Ceilings

Green Walls Welcome Restaurant Guests LiveWall green walls at Brome Burgers & Shakes express the brand and bring its sustainability commitment to life.

Top. Brome’s commitment to sustainability, green living, wholesome food, and self-awareness about the environmental impact of choices is evident in the restaurant’s location. The owner chose to refurbish a corner building that was constructed as a retail store.

Above. The Brome Burgers & Shakes green-wall installation is one of the most prominent design elements in the restaurant.

Right. In addition to the featured green walls, the interior includes a front window planter with greenery refl ected in the glass top of the adjoining counter.

Restaurants, hotels, and resorts are fi nding that green walls can boost their brands and help build business. Brome Burgers & Shakes in Dearborn,

MI, is a case in point.

“We are all about sustainability, green living, wholesome food, and self-awareness about the environmental impact of our choices,” said Sam Abbas, the business’ founder. “We want everyone who visits our restaurant to experience the core values of our brand in every aspect of our operations.”

Brome’s commitment is evident in the restaurant’s location. Abbas chose to refurbish a corner building that was constructed as a retail store. “Every decision we made about the project reflects our responsibility to the environment,” he said. “We hope to inspire our customers, suppliers, competitors, and contractors to appreciate the values that inspire us and express them in the ways they live, do business, cultivate food, and enjoy it.”

An adaptive re-use design developed by the Hallarsan Group, Detroit, renovated the long-vacant 3,700-sq.-ft. space and created a modern, open, light-filled restaurant. The sustainable design preserved the cedar trusses of the original 15-ft.-high ceilings. During construction, the original concrete floors were revealed and refurbished. Tables were custom fabricated out of reclaimed wood from dilapidated structures in Detroit, and much of the furniture was sourced locally.

The idea of using green walls as a focal point of the interior was developed during a design brainstorming session.

GREEN WALLS STAND OUT The green-wall installation is one of the most prominent design elements in the restaurant. The green wall took a large, blank wall area that would have otherwise been painted or wallpapered and brought it to life.

The installation totals 309 sq. ft., divided in two sections each 16-ft. long by 9-ft. 10-in. high. A mix of six tropical plants, selected because they thrive indoors, grows on the wall. The plant palette features Pothos, Epimedium, and Tradescantia Red.

In addition to the featured green walls, the interior includes a front window planter. Its greenery is reflected in the glass top of the adjoining counter.

Bell’s Landscape Services Inc., Wixom, MI, recommended, sold, installed, and maintains the LiveWall green walls. In conjunction with the project, the business won a Gold Award for Creative Landscape-Green Initiatives from the Michigan Green Industry Association.

“We got into green-wall installation and maintenance as a way to grow our business,” said Marcy Bell, president, Bell’s Landscape Services Inc. “I did our research on the market for living architecture and on various green-wall systems. We decided to go with LiveWall (St. Nunica, MI). It is the most complete system, the best engineered, and the most hospitable to plants.”

Mike Bell, chief executive officer, Bell’s Landscape Services, commented that the system is well designed and assembles part by part in a logical fashion, following the installation process explained in the installation guide and schematics. The first step is installation of vertical strips that mount to the building wall and to which the other components are attached. The vertical strips also establish the necessary air space between the wall and the system. Next, horizontal aluminum rails, with conduits for the tubes that deliver water to the integrated irrigation system, are mounted to the vertical strips. For indoor installations, LiveWall uses dripstake assemblies that inject water into the growing medium. Molded-plastic modular planter boxes fit into place on the rails. Finally, separate liner inserts that have been pre-planted slide into the planter boxes.

“Maintenance is straightforward,” said Mike Bell. “Every six weeks, we clean out any die-back, trim the plants (especially the ones in the lower rows of the modular planters), check soil moisture, and inspect and adjust irrigation.”

“The green walls propel our brand forward,” said Abbas. “They create an atmosphere in which it becomes more than serving and enjoying great burgers and shakes but also about making a positive impact on everyone’s lives.” CA

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Sammamish High School, Bellevue, WA, is ornamental as well as functional, and features Rockfon stone-wool acoustic ceiling systems throughout the high-profi le facility. Photos: Lara Swimmer Photography

High-Profi le Ceilings School features ornamental and functional Rockfon systems.

Sammamish High School’s new Bellevue, WA, campus replaced an existing one-story building with a three-story, state-of-the-art educational facility spanning 320,000 sq. ft. and serving almost 1,000 students in grades 9 to 12. Designed by Integrus Architecture, Seattle, the school is the last of Bellevue School District’s high schools to be modernized. According to Jack McLeod, director of facilities and operations for the school district, “Sammamish will be the crown jewel.”

Ornamental and functional, the high school features Rockfon, Chicago, stone-wool acoustic ceiling systems throughout the high-profile facility. In total, distributor Valhalla Construction Products, Silverdale, WA, provided more than 250,000 sq. ft. of Rockfon ceiling systems to installing contractor Forrest Sound Products, Redmond, WA.

COLLABORATIVE APPROACH According to the Integrus team, the school’s replacement and modernization project involved multiple phases through four years. The new high school integrated an existing performing-arts facility into the fi rst phase of construction. In addition, a new two-story athletic building, glass-arts facility, and concession/ticket booth are sited to work with existing fi elds.

Central to the school’s design is a curriculum emphasizing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and STEM programs. STEM is the educational acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. Sammamish also adds arts and robotics to the curriculum. Students are taught to develop critical-thinking skills in PBL assignments by identifying the problem, then designing, engineering, and fabricating appropriate solutions.

Assignments include a need for “clean” spaces, with computer access for engineering and drawing, as well as “dirty” spaces for active, creative fabrication. PBL also places high demand on spaces for teamwork and collaboration, as well as areas for performance and work display.

According to McLeod, “Flexibility is still really one of the key elements.” The building is designed with the future in mind. The idea is for the building to be able to adapt to teaching needs as the years pass.

Partnering with Integrus Architecture, the school’s design team helped determine the vision and must-haves for the new building. “The amount of collaboration that went into the project was unprecedented. The architect, school district, principal, teachers, and students collaborated to create a school that focused on making a positive impact for the natural environment and student learning

Above. With the library above the vocational-education fabrication area, noise control was a challenge. Sound isolation in the fl oor-ceiling assembly was needed.

Right. With a fi ber structure, stone wool’s high-performing, sound-absorptive properties provide ceilings with excellent noise-reduction capabilities that also reduce reverberation and improve speech intelligibility.

environment,” summarized Ben Pedersen, Rockfon district sales manager for the Pacific Northwest. “The goal was to create the high school of the future–for sustainability, learning environment, community outreach, and safety.”

Located within the heart of the facility, vocational-education fabrication areas are a resource for all students, but a challenge for noise control. The library is directly above the fabrication studios and needed sound isolation in the floor-ceiling assembly.

“Creating a good acoustic experience improves learning and understanding. Every student should have the same opportunity to hear and understand what is being said whether they are learning to weld in a noisy shop or reading Latin in the library,” explained Rockfon acoustic specialist Gary Madaras.

The architecture team worked with acoustical-design consultant, Sparling, Lynnwood, WA, to understand baseline acoustics for high school classrooms and other environments. “We worked to identify the most suitable materials and systems to meet the needs of each of the specific users—administrative offices, gym, common areas, typical classroom, music room, [and other areas.]”

As the ceiling -installation contractor, Forrest Sound Products’ senior project manager, Charles Roetcisoender, helped to specify the correct acoustical products for the specification. “His understanding of the acoustical significance of placing Rockfon tiles throughout [the project], along with meeting Integrus’ visual requirements, not only produced a beautiful looking school, but created an education space that is performing at a peak level,” praised Forrest Sound Products’ president, Doug Bixel. “One just needs to walk through this school to see and feel the difference.”

Madaras continued, “Due to its fiber structure, stone wool’s high-performing, sound-absorptive properties provide Rockfon ceilings with excellent noise-reduction capabilities. This also reduces reverberation and improves speech intelligibility.”

Pedersen added, “Sammamish High School was the first in the Northwest to use Rockfon Alaska and Sonar acoustic stone-wool ceiling panels with high fire performance and the best sound absorption.

SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY Along with optimizing acoustics for concentration and comfort, the ceilings also support the newest educational building codes and regulations,” emphasized Pedersen. “Providing a great line of defense against indoor health hazards, our Rockfon stone-wool ceiling panels are resistant to mold, bacteria, and humidity, and are GreenGuard Gold Certifi ed for low VOCs. This stringent certifi cation process considers safety factors that may impact people who are more vulnerable, such as children.”

Complementing the panels, the company’s Chicago Metallic suspension systems also have no reportable VOCs in the finished product. Chicago Metallic 4000 Tempra 9/16-in. and 1200 Seismic 15/16-in. suspension systems were installed to meet the project’s seismic-design category requirements. The suspension systems contain as much as 90% recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their useful lifecycle. Rockfon

stone-wool ceiling panels contain as much as 42% recycled materials and are primarily made from abundantly available basalt rock.

Additional sustainability strategies used for the school included facilitating an eco-charrette with district and school staff, developing a daylighting model to explore options, and specifying high-efficiency mechanical units, plumbing fixtures, LED lighting with intelligent lighting-control systems, and solar panels.

In classrooms, corridors, and common areas, the white surface of Rockfon ceilings reflects as much as 86% of available light. This better distribution of natural light helps facilities lower electric lighting loads and reduces cooling costs, saving energy and associated expenditures.

The ceiling panels also present a neat, clean edge. Pedersen concluded, “Rockfon ceiling panels helped the designers create amazing, beautiful spaces and also protect the space with their unique qualities.”

CA

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Shelf bracket A shelf support bracket uses aluminum and a distinct triangular shape for a unique footprint. With a satin stainless-steel finish, the bracket supports 20 lb.

Doug Mockett & Co., Manhattan Beach, CA Circle 51 mockett.com

Carpet collection Outskirts carpet collection includes rich, textural patterns with a range of colors that span from luxurious, edgy neutrals to vibrant hues. Outlier uses bold geometrics with metallic lines and insets. Ritual is a twist on organic botanicals and has the aesthetic of textured high-end wool. Coexist is designed to mix with other styles and uses no specific linear direction. All styles are made with Antron Lumena Type 6,6 solution-dyed nylon.

Bentley Mills Inc., Los Angeles Circle 53 bentleymills.com

EDITORS’ CHOICE

Real-wood-look tile

Epic collection:

Textured, matte-finish tile Replicates natural wood 6 x 36-in. planks, three colors

Epic collection tile has a slightly textured, matte finish that replicates the natural look and warmth of real wood. Tiles are printed with wide-ranging visual diversity, resulting in an authentic look. The non-glossy finish makes the product less slippery than glazed or polished tiles, allowing placement in high foot-traffic areas. Available in 6 x 36-in. porcelain planks, colors available include white, anthracite, and brown.

Ege Seramik America, Norcross, GA Circle 50 egeseramik.com

Urethane cement Spartacote urethane cement is a durable, high-performance coating system said to withstand thermal shock, heavy traffic, and harsh impact. A two-step installation process provides enhanced workability and can be applied on new or existing concrete after mechanical profile to a CSP 4/5. After mixing, the material can be placed using a cam rake. Flex Pure Clinical Plus topcoat offers silver-ion antimicrobial technology embedded within the coating. Available in light gray, dark gray, red, green, black, and tan, the cement is used in conjunction with the line’s topcoats for additional protection and UV-stable properties.

Laticrete, Bethany, CT Circle 52 laticrete.com

Wood-wool walls, panels Envirocoustic wood-wool acoustical wall and ceiling panels are available in several variations and feature square corners and consistent thickness. Offering NRC-rated sound absorption, panels are available in natural and white finishes and are paintable using SonoKote colors. Class a fired rated with low VOCs, products are made using wood fiber, cement, and water.

Acoustical Surfaces Inc., Chaska, MN Circle 54 acousticalsurfaces.com

Coat trees The Slide line of tubular-shaped, contemporary-design coat trees and wall-mounted coat strips is made of white powder-coated steel with plastic hooks. Freestanding coat trees have weighted metal bases. Coat strips mount with base plates.

Magnuson Group, Woodridge, IL Circle 56 magnusongroup.com

Rainforest-inspired fl ooring Inspired by the lush, tropical foliage of the rainforest, Ivy Walk is a 6-ft.-wide heterogeneous sheet fl ooring with an organic pinnate motif. With colors as found in nature, the product coordinates with the company’s Vinings resilient tile. For high-traffi c areas, Ivy Walk can be fl ash coved and is polish optional. Floorescore Certifi ed, the fl ooring contributes to LEED certifi cation and has a 20-mil wear layer with ExoGuard quartz-enhanced urethane.

Patcraft, Cartersville, GA Circle 55 patcraft.com

Plenum barrier board Plenum barrier board improves sound isolation and privacy between rooms. The foil-faced, stone-wool barrier installs above interior partitions. Placed vertically in the plenum above the ceiling along interior walls that stop at ceiling height, the lightweight material is easy to cut and conforms around pipes and ducts.

Rockfon, Chicago Circle 57 rockfon.com

Linear ceiling systems MetalWorks linear panels include 2-in. and 10-in. widths. Applications include interior and exterior. A universal suspension system provides a wide range of opportunities to mix and match panel widths for a variety of visuals. The Blades Classics line now includes 24-in. and 48-in. blades for a range of design options. Users can modify product shapes and sizes or create custom designs through the You Inspire Solutions Center.

Armstrong Ceilings, Lancaster, PA Circle 59 armstrongceilings.com

Moisture control Planiseal MSP and Planiseal PMB are additions to the line of moisture-control products for fl oor-covering installations. MSP is a moisture-control membrane, adhesive isolator, sealer, pH blocker, and primer. It protects fl ooring installations against subfl oor moisture and pH in concrete slabs with moisture vapor emission rates to 15 lb. PMB is a one-component, polyurethane moisture barrier and bonding agent. It provides moisture vapor emission protection for wood and bamboo fl ooring on damp concrete substrates and serves as bonding agent and moisture barrier for self-leveling underlayments when applied in a double-coat method with dry sand.

Mapei, Deerfi eld Beach, FL Circle 58 mapei.com

Light-conducting concrete Terrazzo Lumina concrete substrate combines light and stone into an elegant building material. A hidden LED source transmits light through channels embedded in the solid concrete, resulting in myriad light points emanating from the surface. Customizable and containing postconsumer recycled material for LEED credits, the material is available in pre-cast slabs or tiles and can be custom cast.

Sensitile Systems, Ypsilanti, MI Circle 60 sensitile.com

HVAC System Redirects Convent Resources

Complete insulation and weatherization, coupled with a 120-ton HVAC system, results in 60% energy savings.

Founded in 1878, the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt is a religious congregation based in Blauvelt, NY, a northern suburb of New York City. The more than 150 professed

Sisters and associate members serve throughout six states, actively involved in education at all levels.

Their ministries include social-service programs for the developmentally disabled, services for children in foster care, shelters for homeless, housing for persons with HIV/AIDS, programs for the mentally ill and chemically addicted, and healthcare services for the poor.

To achieve so much, the Sisters run every element of the organization like a well-oiled machine. Their way of life is to waste not, want not; conserve resources; and apply their efforts and funding where it will best serve the Lord.

While their 100-year-old convent is absolutely pivotal to their existence and operation, its energy consumption had been a con

Considerable effort went into the system design. Particular care was involved in the chapel to determine where and how evaporators were installed to protect molding, gold leaf, paintings, and stained glass.