The Challenge:
Except for the fact that they are mirror images of each other, newly constructed Lyman Elementary School and Abner Creek Elementary School are identical in terms of layout and floor plan. According to project architect, Brian Deichman, creating a unique identity for each school was thus a key goal.
The Solution:
To attain its goal, the design team decided to use metal ceilings in both schools’ cafetoriums and media centers. “Metal ceilings cost a little more initially,” he says, “but they require very little maintenance and are very durable. As a result, they have a very long service life and will not have to be replaced for quite a while.” Two distinctly different metal ceiling designs top off each of the public spaces.
Chosen for use in the Lyman ceilings was an Armstrong METALWORKS DH700 Custom Faceted Ceiling System in three custom colors. The ceiling in the cafetorium features a series of eleven arches, while that in the media center consists of eight arches. Both ceilings radiate left to right.
For the Abner Creek ceilings, the design team chose METALWORKS VECTOR panels in three custom colors. The ceilings in both the cafetorium and media center feature a series of six overlapping ceiling planes that radiate front to back and create the effect of one large arch.
While aesthetics played an important role in the design of the ceilings, acoustics was another consideration. To achieve the desired acoustic environment, both the metal ceiling planks and panels are perforated and backed by an acoustical fleece.
To help attain its goals, the design team worked closely with the Armstrong Architectural Specialties Group. “We submitted our concept to them and they replied with recommendations on everything from plank sizes to edge details to suspension systems,” Deichman states.
Project: Lyman and Abner Creek Elementary Schools
Location: Lyman, SC
Architect: Snohetta/Stantec
Products: Custom METALWORKS DH700 Custom Faceted Ceiling System;
METALWORKS VECTOR Panels