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Could a metal ceiling canopy benefit your next project?

When designing modern interiors, ceiling systems often play a pivotal role in shaping the style and functionality of a space. Metal ceiling canopy systems, such as OWA’s S14 acoustic canopy, offer a sleek, versatile, and effective solution that balances aesthetic appeal with practical benefits. Here, we explore why these systems are an excellent choice for your next project.

What is a ceiling canopy?

Before we look at why you should consider a metal ceiling canopy, let’s consider how this type of product differs from other ceiling solutions.

Ceiling canopies are essentially an individual horizontal floating absorber which is secures to the soffit via hanging wires or rods. A metal ceiling canopy, such as our S14 acoustic canopy, is a high-performance, free-hanging ceiling element which can enhance the acoustics of a room as well as giving the interior a stylish and modern design feature.

Typically made from galvanised steel, these canopies are perforated and include an integrated acoustic fleece and pad for effective sound absorption. Their modular, floating design makes them ideal for a range of environments, including offices, retail spaces, educational facilities, and hospitality venues. So, should you consider a metal ceiling canopy for your next project? If you’re looking for a single solution that meets multiple performance markers, the answer could be yes.

Give room acoustics a helping hand 

Noise control is crucial in busy environments, especially in the education sector or commercial offices, but nearly every type of project can benefit from improved acoustics. Ceilings play an important role in acoustic design and metal ceiling canopies in particular can help deliver exceptional sound absorption.

These canopies reduce reverberation and minimise background noise, making them ideal for creating quieter, more comfortable environments for both focused work or social interaction.  Canopies absorb sound on both the front and back surface. Therefore, they have a multiplier effect compared to wall-to-wall ceilings. Our metal S14 acoustic canopy can be specified in a choice of surfaces; perforated, mesh or ‘elapto’ mesh and through the inclusion of an acoustic pad, can achieve class A rating for sound absorption.

Showcase the ceiling

Metal ceiling canopies like our S14 system can be a design feature in their own right. Our S14 system offers a sleek, modern aesthetic that will suit a range of architectural styles. Crafted from high-quality materials, the sleek and minimalist absorber perfectly complements a modern interior scheme. Also, thanks to a range of customisable options including colour, finish and size, metal ceiling canopies are also incredibly versatile. There are practical benefits too – such as effectively concealing structural elements and M&E services to create a clean and polished look.

Colour your thinking

The choice of colour palette is a key part of any interior design scheme and the use of metal ceiling canopies can make a huge impact as they allow architects and designers to customise ceiling designs to suit any environment. In addition to a wide palette of standard and custom colours, from classic neutrals like white, black, and grey, to vibrant hues for bold designs, our metal S14 acoustic canopy ceiling system can also be specified in our new RAW metal. This striking finish highlights the natural beauty of the metal to give spaces a modern, industrial edge.

Built to last

Metal ceiling systems are durable, which is another reason why they suit busy, high-traffic areas. By offering greater resistance to wear and tear and requiring minimal maintenance, metal ceiling canopies can retain their appearance and performance for years, making them a good long-term investment.

The recyclability of metal ceiling systems is also a huge advantage in helping to reduce the environmental impact of both new build and refurbishment projects. But, our S14 acoustic canopies go one step further in reducing overall carbon footprints. We manufacture our metal canopies using low carbon steel which is produced using cleaner, electric arc furnace technology. By reducing the amount of embodied carbon generated during the manufacturing process, and thanks to its simple construction which uses minimal metal suspension, the S14 acoustic canopy has the lowest carbon footprint of all OWA’s metal ceiling systems.

Reducing waste

We are also taking steps to reduce the potential waste from Cat A fit out projects, where our standard S14 acoustic canopies may feature. During the Cat B fit out process, the customer may wish to remove the canopies. Therefore, we offer a take-back scheme so that the products can be re-used on other projects. As well as helping to eliminate waste, this scheme also gives our customers the option of choosing a recycled and ‘nearly new’ S14 acoustic canopy to meet their own sustainability targets.

Want to know more about our extensive range of metal ceiling canopies? Take a look at our S14 acoustic canopy or our S80 acoustic raft.

Alternatively, you can see our metal ceiling canopies and rafts in situ at leading window, door and façade systems supplier Schüco’s UK showroom in Milton Keynes. Our acoustic solutions have helped improve the sound quality of this popular event space. To arrange a showroom visit, contact our friendly team to find out more.

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