Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/423872
In With The New New technologies and production methods for walls and ceilings by Stacey McLachlan S mart new production techniques and inventive reinterpretations of classic materials bring plen- ty of time- and budget-friendly wall and ceiling options to the market. From pre-engineered wall panels that install in a snap, to soundproof walls developed with NASA, the industry is experiencing something of a renaissance, fuelled by technology and imagination; and consumer interest in customization and noise-reduction has pro- vided plentiful inspiration for the market, too. The future looks bright for architects, homeown- ers and builders alike, thanks to these astounding new wall and ceiling products. Concrete, steel and wood are making a surprising appearance in many interior spaces lately in the world of décor, but also as finishing materials for structural elements. "We are seeing a lot of natural and raw materials being used in interior spaces as a means to bring the natural beauty of the outdoors inside," notes Jessica MacAdams, marketing and architectural rep- resentative for Linea Ceiling & Wall Systems. "We see a lot of wood as ceiling and wall finishes with a particu- lar focus on B.C. woods such as Douglas fir, Western cedar and Western hemlock. The softness and warmth of the wood really complements and balances the raw feel of the steel and concrete, and creates an inviting and calming feeling when present." MacAdams notes that studies have shown that inte- riors with a significant wood component can have a positive effect on everything from mood to well-being and productivity – and luckily, government programs like the Wood First Act and the Wood First Initiative make it easier than ever to accommodate the trend. "There are unlimited custom wood ceiling designs available for interior and exterior spaces and we look forward to continuing to work with the great minds in the architecture and design community to make their visions become reality," says MacAdams. They've done just this already with exciting proj- ects like The University of British Columbia's Wellness Centre, where linea beech veneer plank product was used on the ceilings and walls for warmth and ambi- ance, and the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, which uses cutting-edge two-by-six VG Western hemlock members in interlocking grille and plank assemblies to cover over 40,000 square feet. Working with Intel Corporation's head office, Linea designed, engineered and manufactured a large-scale wooden ceiling that replicated the intricate lines of a microprocessor. In places like Germany and Italy, in addition to North America, new and exciting technologies and production methods are constantly being developed. The company is constantly looking to be on top of these trends, particularly when it comes to finding and implementing new products in the acoustic materials realm. In fact, Linea recently acquired a new state-of- the-art 5-axis CNC machine to help with the processing of 3D-look panels, wave walls and more. As sales manager for Envirowall, a prefinished wall manufacturer, Ron Kent knows a thing or two about the time- and mess-saving qualities of this smart produc- tion technique. The company's prefabricated gypsum panels are made with drywall, finished with durable vinyl, and Envirowall provides trims and accesso- ries to match, including high-quality aluminum door frames (although these frames work just as well with standard drywall, too). "Our products are great for situations where you need to renovate your office quickly and cleanly with- out the mess and dust that you get from traditional drywall situations," says Kent. Whether you're a small business or a multinational corporation – Walmart, for instance, uses Envirowall's product in every store for its computer rooms to achieve a dust-free installation – these qualities are sure to benefit any project. Attach to both sides of generic two-and-a-half-inch metal studs with edge clips, and an office partition is up within minutes, although it is the perfect fit for finishing a basement or for factory-built house con- struction, too. T2T Dental, Vancouver, B.C. TKL Architect. Photo: J.MacAdams. december 2014 /51 Walls & ceilings