The Logix integrated ceiling system (top) can be specified with high-performance acoustical panels. Perforated and nonperforated bamboo panels at the Chicago Recording Company (middle). Wave-shaped Claro panels are used for a below-grade conference center (above).

Acoustical ceiling options designed to blend in or stand out

To help achieve a “Brazilian” look for its remodeled facilities, the Chicago Recording Company — the Midwest’s largest professional recording facility — chose tree bark wall veneer, patterned pecan-wood plank flooring, emerald-green granite accents, and Bioline wood ceiling tiles from pinta acoustic. Pinta acoustic manufactures a range of ceiling tiles, wall panels, and other acoustic materials for commercial and industrial applications.

Bioline ceiling tiles in natural bamboo — some solid and some with a perforated pattern — were installed in the Chicago Recording Company’s office common spaces, including the lobby and elevator areas. The solid-finish tiles contain 70 percent recycled material and are available in custom and six standard wood veneers. The wood tiles offer an NRC of .40, come in perforated and unperforated options, and fit into pinta acoustic’s other conventional grid systems. pinta acoustic, Minneapolis. www.pinta-acoustic.com

[Reader Service: February 2009 #212]

The Logix integrated ceiling system houses mechanical components, such as lighting, HVAC diffusers, and sprinklers, in 6''-wide channels running along the full length of an acoustical ceiling in narrow, continuous bands. The field can then be fitted with fiberglass or metal panels in a range of sizes.

The specification of larger, high-performance acoustical panels — such as USG Halycon ClimaPlus fiberglass lay-in panels or Panz metal ceiling panels — in the systems helps minimize the total grid effect within a space while keeping all utilities in a uniform channel. Halycon ClimaPlus planks, field panels, and channel panels offer a minimum NRC ranging from .90 to .95. When perforated and used with the Acoustibond factory-applied acoustical backer, Panz panels achieve a .65 NRC without additional acoustical blankets or panels installed in the plenum. USG, Chicago. www.usg.com

[Reader Service: February 2009 #213]

Dealing with an underground location was the main challenge for the design team of a new conference center at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development headquartered in Paris. Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects, New York City, worked with lighting and acoustical consultants to form a lighting and acoustic control plan that included wave-shaped Decoustic Claro 3D coated ceiling panels and the Ceilencio easy-access suspension system for the center. Claro is an acoustically transparent coating on Decoustics ceiling panels with superb sound-absorbing properties and the appearance of painted drywall or plaster. The sound absorption of Decoustics fiberglass panels was instrumental in reaching the sound attenuation and reverberation control required. CertainTeed, Valley Forge, Pa. www.decoustics.com

[Reader Service: February 2009 #214]

Silent exit
The new quiet electronic latch (QEL) option for Von Duprin 98/99 and 33a/35a series exit devices offers the industry’s quietest overall operation when operated mechanically and electronically, according to the manufacturer. Applications include hospital nurseries and patient rooms, libraries, museums, theaters, and other projects requiring electrified hardware that operate at whisper-quiet levels. Von Duprin, Carmel, Ind. www.vonduprin.com

[Reader Service: February 2009 #216]