Open plenum spaces, meaning those that use no ceiling and reveal building service elements such as ductwork and piping, can often result in serious acoustical problems due to sound reflecting off the deck and causing excessive reverberation.

Any space of this type will usually need some type of sound absorbing elements to help control noise and reverberation within it.

Learn more about acoustics. Visit armstrong.com/acoustics.

If sound control is important in these types of spaces, the open plenum does not have to be concealed with a standard ceiling treatment. Many noise issues can be addressed through the installation of a variety of new ceiling treatments designed specifically to provide sound absorption and eye-catching aesthetics in these spaces.

Their ability to improve acoustics is possible because they absorb sound on both their front and back surfaces. As a result, they actually provide greater sound absorption than a continuous ceiling of the same surface area. Depending on the product, these types of ceiling treatments can reduce reverberation by up to 50% with only 20% coverage or reduce reverberation over 70% with 50% coverage.

An excellent example is the Armstrong family of Capz™ ceilings. A simple, affordable way to retrofit exposed structure spaces, this ceiling treatment is available in fiberglass and metal.

• Install directly to deck, to drywall, or suspend
• Install as group or individually
• Offered in variety of standard sizes

Capz Ceilings

“Free-Floating” Options

Noise issues related to open plenum designs can also be addressed through the use of acoustical blades, clouds, and canopies — three more types of “free-floating” options that add sound absorption while still allowing for the exposed look.

SoundScapes Blades and MetalWorks™ Blades create a linear ceiling design using vertical configurations to aesthetically define space.

• Install in unique configurations
• Linear, upscale visual

MetalWorks Blades

Formations™ Acoustical Clouds and SoundScapes Shapes Acoustical Clouds, both from Armstrong, suspended from above provide a type of interrupted ceiling plane. As such, they help control distant reverberation and reflections, reducing occupant annoyance and distractions.

• Aesthetically define space
• Custom look with standard components
• Wide variety of standard and custom sizes

SoundScapes Shapes

SoundScapes Acoustical Canopies also help reduce reverberation, but are much different in size and look compared to acoustical clouds. Acoustical clouds are generally larger than canopies and flat, while canopies are usually smaller and curved, and can be installed as hills and valleys.

• Provide spot acoustics
• Variety of standard colors
• Custom colors available
• Easy to install and relocate

SoundScapes Acoustical Canopies

Visit Acoustic Website

To learn more about improving the acoustics of open plenum spaces,
visit armstrong.com/acoustics.