The Sky is the Limit for Armstrong Ceilings
The world above is changing, and Armstrong leads the way. There was a time when a ceiling was a ceiling, but today, there is a specific solution for every setting. Armstrong has revolutionized the ceiling industry providing a blend of functionality, durability, and design tempered with the ultimate in acoustics and sound control. Ceilings are about more than aesthetics. Noise is the number one complaint in the workplace, students are affected by acoustics in classrooms, and employees from hospitals often complain of unwanted noise as one of the leading sources of distraction for both patients and staff. Armstrong’s acoustic and sound control ceiling panels, featuring the ideal combination of both sound blocking and sound absorption, and are an excellent solution to all your ceiling needs.
Hospitals and Healing Environments
Hospital lobbies and waiting areas are extremely important from a sound perspective, and hospital noise can be a universal problem. It’s important these areas be sound sensitive to help with the stress and anxiety of those who pass through the doors. These spaces also need to be warm and inviting as they set the tone for the building. Armstrong’s Total Acoustics® provides the ideal combination of sound absorption and sound blocking in one ceiling system. This option also meets hospital standards for washability, anti-mold, anti-microbial, and fire safety.
Hospital corridors, patient and treatment rooms each hold unique challenges. Corridors are extremely busy, but also need to cut out unwanted noise in narrow spaces. Patient rooms are also largely impacted by sound. Loud noises have been linked to sleep disturbances in patients which can lead to increase pain perception and, consequently, affect outcomes. According to Armstrong, “Many patient rooms are now single-bed to promote patient privacy and are acuity-adaptable to reduce medical errors. A bright patient room with access to daylighting has been shown to reduce depression and pain perception. These hybrid spaces require ceilings that are multi-functional. Key criteria in these spaces include sound absorption and blocking, light reflectance, and water-resistant surfaces that are easy to clean to prevent infection. Ceilings with Total Acoustics® performance provide the ideal combination of absorption and blocking in one ceiling system.”
In addition, the Ultima Health Zone line of acoustics features water-repellant, high performance, fine-textured options. It is available in wood finishes of bamboo, light cherry, barnwood, oak, and walnut. An array of classic colors is also available, and it’s also possible to create unique, custom ceiling visuals using non-standard colors and custom artwork. Armstrong ceilings option for hospitals include Ultima Health Zone which can be mixed and matched with standard Ultima and Optima products, making it a top choice for healthcare facilities nationwide.
Armstrong Gets an A+ in Schools
Better acoustics create a better learning environment. According to Armstrong’s website, “On any given school day, thousands of students across the country are unable to understand 25 to 30 percent of what’s said in their classroom. The reason: excessive noise and reverberation within the classroom interferes with their ability to clearly hear their teacher. The result: a decreased level of concentration, an increased level of stress, and an overall reduction in the level of learning.” Armstrong can change the dynamic of learning through a portfolio of ceilings that can substantially improve classroom acoustical design. Most classrooms have ceilings that are ten feet or less in height so the best place for the sound absorbing material is on the ceiling. Armstrong’s School Zone™ Fine Fissured™ ceiling tiles are designed specifically for educational facilities and feature greater impact resistance and better sound absorption than most conventional ceiling panels commonly used in educational institutions. Armstrong Ultima®, Mesa™, and Fine Fissured ceiling tiles are also good choices.
Work Smarter
When it comes to office ceilings, there is a bit of strategy involved. The public areas and entry ways call for a different option than “back of house” employee areas. The lobby may call for a sense of serenity, or, depending on the atmosphere, a more acoustically moderate space. Regardless, office noise can be addressed through a number of high-performance ceiling options. Quiet in the actual workspaces is almost always a must. Noise reduction helps employees concentrate and work in a less stressful environment. A balanced acoustical design in an office can go a long way in changing the landscape and can impact employee performance. Some of today’s offices are built with “deconstructed” spaces, so it is more important than ever to enable the right acoustics. From the sleek look of Armstrong’s MetalWorks™, WoodWorks®, SoundScapes®, or Infusions® canopies to more traditional Ultima® and Optima® Vector® smooth-textured ceilings, there are many options to create an outstanding work environment. In addition, drywall-like Calla® and Lyra™ panels create the most monolithic plane of all while SoundScapes or Formations™ can make more of a designer statement. If you’re striving for a real sound buster, Soundsoak® Acoustical Walls offer an additional barrier to the barrage of noises that can occur in an office. For the traditionalists, suspended ceilings with excellent acoustics like Ultima or Cirrus® work well.
The Armstrong portfolio of commercial ceilings offers solutions in mineral fiber, fiberglass, perforated metal, and perforated wood. Bright whites, bold colors, cool metals, and warm woods give you the design flexibility and acoustical performance you need for your specific interior. Ask your Continental Flooring representative about available Armstrong products. We can offer materials only or complete installation services. GSA Buyers may wish to register online to view GSA pricing. This feature allows buyers quick, up-to-date access to 17 different GSA contracted manufacturers. Please feel free to call us for product advice, free samples, assistance in specifications, or to place an order. One call does it all!
