An elliptical metal ceiling glows with a moiré effect of diffused points of light. A lantern with the Buffalo Sabres’ logo shines over the players as they prepare to take the ice at the First Niagara Center, Buffalo, New York. Photo by Bochsler Creative Solutions, Burlington, ON; courtesy of Chicago Metallic

The Buffalo Sabres ice hockey team dressing room is an oval shape that reflects the contours of the arena. An elliptical metal ceiling conveys a feeling of silver blades on cold ice. The ceiling glows with a moiré effect of diffused points of light. At the center of the room is the Buffalo Sabres logo, designed as a lantern shining over the players as they prepare to take the ice. An accelerated project schedule required delivering a $9-million, full-facility renovation in less than five months, including this team space.

The Sabres wanted to express their identity, inspire current players and present an impressive image to recruits. The design solution is an oval shaped space, instead of the traditional rectangular locker and dressing room. The oval has no awkward points, no players in corners. A strategy wall is along one side, and the circular design allows every player to see it. The glowing, circular ceiling is highlighted by the lantern logo at the center.

The vision for a glowing ceiling started with the illuminated logo lantern. Translucent to opaque ceiling panels were considered, along with perforated panels to create the look of light radiating from the logo. The final design employs metal panels to capture the cool feeling of ice, with a sleek, finished look, like steel skate blades. A custom-fabricated linear metal ceiling system allows easy access to fluorescent lighting fixtures above the ceiling panels. Completed in time for the start of the NHL season, the team locker room received rave reviews.

Movement and acoustical performance are reflected in this custom ceiling at Bradley Central High School’s Fine Arts Center in Cleveland, Tennessee. Photo by Pepple Photography, Jacksonville, FL; courtesy of Chicago Metallic

In this new 600-seat high school auditorium, the audience can view young talent and a creative ceiling design, where curved clouds float overhead. The school district wanted the $3.3-million project completed within 12 months, opening in 2011.

Using the space above the audience was an integral part of the curved metal ceiling design, to evoke dynamic movement. A two-directional grid suspension system with flexible metal panels in metallic gold added to the drama, and complemented the warm interior design palette. A metal ceiling suspension system created floating ceiling sections housing acoustic panels. The sections had a stepped perimeter for visual effect and were finished with perimeter trim, to achieve a crisp appearance.

The condensed schedule meant the auditorium seats needed to be installed prior to the ceiling, so scaffolding could not be erected for the ceiling installation, presenting a challenge to the team. The solution was to assemble grid sections on the ground, connect them into pods, hoist the pods up to the ceiling area using a lift, and connect them in the air. In all, five 8-foot x 25-foot pods were assembled. The curved metal ceiling system rigidity and light weight made installation possible. The project was completed on schedule in June 2011, in time for graduation day.

Porsche Corporate Architecture used clip-in panels to achieve visual and acoustic goals at Porsche of The Motor City in Eastpointe, Michigan. Photo by Bochsler Creative Solutions, Burlington, ON; courtesy of Chicago Metallic

Porsche promotes its product exclusivity and performance superiority at the car dealership. When an existing 1960s showroom was renovated in 2011, the goal was to create an environment that showcased the Porsche brand. In the showroom, the car is the star.

Silver perforated metal ceiling panels were chosen for the showroom design, to provide a dramatic, contemporary, minimalist ambiance that matched the silver shade many owners choose when they customize their new Porsche. Perforated ceiling panels achieved acoustic goals for the space. Installed in a 24-inch by 24-inch grid pattern, the panels concealed the old grid system, which was retained, saving time and money.