There are many considerations with selecting a suitable metal ceiling for building interiors. With so many options available, this can sometimes be a difficult task. Key points to consider are acoustics, aesthetics, perforations, mesh, finishes, borders and trims, and overall sustainability.

Acoustics

Most ceiling tiles rely entirely on the porous material behind the perforated metal to absorb the sound — perforated metal offers no acoustic function and ideally is 'transparent' to the incident sound. SAS products available through Potter Interior Systems absorb sound using an open-cell porous material faced with a perforated metal sheet offering proven acoustic solutions.

Aesthetics

Ceilings can have a dramatic impact upon an interior, both complementing and accentuating the overall design. SAS systems, regardless of design preferences, benefit from the inherent material properties of metal. There are numerous ceiling type considerations, each with unique aesthetics:

• Grid (exposed or concealed)
• Tiles (module sizes and shape)
• Ceiling Baffles (effective and attractive acoustic alternative to traditional suspended ceilings)
• Ceiling Rafts and Modules (designated areas)
• Linear Ceilings 
• Open Cell Ceilings (also used for smoke extraction and ventilation)

Perforations

From virtually unnoticeable to strong design feature, perforations can also have a significant impact on the overall ceiling aesthetic.

The choice of perforation is largely dependent on the acoustic demands and restricted to a required percentage open area. However, there are numerous choices to enhance the overall design within each percentage range and custom bespoke options are available. Whether it can be punched through metal sheet, any pattern or design is theoretically possible. Alternatively, plain panels can be specified in areas requiring acoustic reflectance.

Mesh

Whether driven by aesthetic needs or smoke extraction requirements, mesh is an increasingly popular tile option. SAS has been manufacturing expanded metalwork for decades and recently launched a new range of mesh options.

Finishes

Typically, SAS ceiling systems are finished in polyester powder coat (PPC), for the quality of finish and durability. PPC offers excellent protection, affording a minimum of 25 years.

Border and Perimeter Trims

Interior spaces are greatly enhanced when consideration is given to the finer details. Inadequate interface detailing detracts from the overall quality of the solution, drawing unwanted attention to these unnecessary imperfections.

Sustainability

A major driver of global construction is client aspiration and government legislation to provide ever more sustainable buildings. This includes every aspect of the building from design, construction and waste management to end of life and beyond. We achieve these demands through better design, responsible sourcing of materials and innovative manufacturing techniques. Our approach provides clients with solutions to achieve environmental accreditations such as BREEAM, LEED, SKA, Green Tag and Estidama.

Potter Interior Systems range of SAS metal ceilings solves many issues surrounding these considerations. For more information regarding SAS metal ceiling systems, please contact Potter Interior Systems or visit the SAS website.