Introduction to Ceilings and their Function in the Interior
The ceiling finish or product is attached to the ceiling battens under the roof framing and is generally a plasterboard of some form.
Typically we see ceilings as the flat plane above us that hides the roof or floor framing.
They are usually made of plasterboard on a light timber frame attached to the roof or floor framing.
However ceilings can be made from a variety of materials and perform a number of functions listed below.
Aesthetics
Usually we see a ceiling as a flat white plane that sits above us. However the ceiling can be made of different materials such as timber or PVC, be suspended within a grid with different panels giving different properties, be colored, textured, vaulted, have recessed elements to it or have a suspended bulkhead.
All these different treatments can add another dynamic or element to the space. We can create a much more interesting effect and or evoke a different mood by adjusting the finish or shape to the ceiling.
The ceiling finish or product is attached to the ceiling battens under the roof framing and is generally a plasterboard of some form.
Sound
Ceilings are one of the main areas that reflect sound in a clean manner. I.e. often the ceiling is a large flat hard plane that is ideal for reflecting sound. Often this is desirable but sometimes it isn't. Different sound reflection and absorption properties can be achieved by using different shapes and materials to either enhance the reflective properties or reduce them.
For example allowing the sound to be absorbed or passed through the ceiling can be achieved by using softer materials such as padded fabrics soft boards or leaving perforations or holes in the ceiling. (Please note acoustic design is a very complicated subject and for serious projects should be left to the expertise of a sound engineer who can measure and design a room for particular acoustical properties.)
Of course the most obvious way to reduce sound reflection in the room is to stop the reflection on another level such as the floor and walls with soft floor coverings such as carpet and furniture and drapery to absorb or at least distort or break up the sound wave.
The ceiling may also be used to stop sound transference from the floor above. In this case serious and professional advice should be taken as this can be a very complicated issue. The main point is to stop or reduce the sound waves from penetrating to the room below.
The Ceiling Space
This area is often not considered
because out of site is out of mind, however the
ceiling space often acts as one of the principal
areas that services are carried through. Therefore
when designing the ceiling careful consideration
has to be given to the services that may be carried
through it. These may include ventilation and heating
ducts, electrical and data cabling, recessed lighting
and also areas for fixing suspended lighting, plumbing
and to some extent drainage from the bathroom
or kitchen above may be carried in the ceiling and
in these cases adequate heat and noise or sound
insulation should be used. This may take the form
of lagging or fibreglass blanket. In all cases
the services should be attached to the
supporting framing and not the ceiling itself.
Do not allow any wiring or ducting or plumbing to
rest on the ceiling surface. Good practice
is to have all services mechanically fixed to an
appropriate frame and then to either be carried
over the ceiling or in the case of wiring for lights
or ventilation ducts to be allowed to drop and attach
to the fitting or penetrate the surface.
More on ceilings
Creative Ceilings
