The office ceiling can be a vital design factor. This greatly determines the appeal of your office interior. In making such decisions; however, it is important to note that certain mistakes should be avoided to avoid tarnishing the work environment. This article focuses on some of the main mistakes associated with picking an office ceiling design.
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Considering the role of the space in it
The way the ceilings are designed is significantly determined by an office space’s functional use. Yet most people fail to consider this vital aspect. In this regard, it should be noted that a type of ceiling should match with one’s lifestyle while doing different things in various rooms when designing the ceiling for a house or an office. Similarly, discussions are usually very important with a high level of privacy, for instance; conference rooms and meeting areas require acoustics privacy. Therefore, an open ceiling with exposed bare structure or ducts may not be suitable as it may create an echo and let sound travel.
However, instead, it may be necessary to embrace dropped ceilings with sound absorbing panels. Just as well, creating rooms or cells for working with eyesight related activities such as design and code with a lowered ceiling may not be appropriate too. This is the case with most interior offices which use dropped-ceilings thereby reducing intake of natural light that could harm eyes. Instead, a high ceiling would suit better for those areas. Considering that space functionality and purposes are hardly analysed, choosing an inappropriate ceiling might happen. These may include inappropriate lighting, acoustic complications as well as unsuitable layout for workflow requirements.
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Ignoring ceiling height
One of the critical points to keep in mind while selecting a suitable office ceiling design includes the ceiling height. Depending on the height of the ceiling, design options will vary and may or not impact as expected. If you are working on a space with a low ceiling height, maybe less than eight feet, it is advisable not to have big or overly complex designs of the ceiling that may seem to crowd up the place. Ceilings should also not be too low, since there will be no space for open-joint ceilings, such as the exposed ductwork and ceiling beams which would need clear-height.
Additionally, dropped or false ceilings only aggravate this problem by reducing the perceived height of the apparent ceiling. The room with plain surfaces like painted drywall or concrete slabs may appear quite empty, especially if they are up there high enough of 12 feet and more. Proportions are also altered. The big space must be broken into pieces using special treatments such as coffering, decorative moulding or feature panels in order to offer variety in the picture. Also, proper lighting becomes necessary while dealing with larger mounting heights are involved.
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Overlooking lighting requirements
The ceiling design significantly affects lighting, for example. Consideration should be given to the kind and positioning of the lighting fixtures that they will bring ample and appropriately distributed light. Recessed or surface mounted light fixtures are difficult to install with dropped ceilings and slope roofing respectively, reducing the available options. Light reflectance of the ceiling material is another factor to consider. Painted drywall may be more effective than perforated metal panels in diffusing light. Ensure that your lighting can fit into the ceiling design.
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Not factoring in HVAC and other services
Most HVAC ducts, sprinklers, cabling, among others, are installed on the ceiling. Thus, ceilings should reflect these elements after deciding what ceiling types are needed. Install dropped ceilings that have removable tiles, which makes repairs less complicated. Exposed structures can make it difficult or impossible to incorporate any changes in future expansions and alterations. Work closely with mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants to determine service requirements prior to narrowing down on a particular ceiling type.
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Ignoring acoustics considerations
Room acoustics also depend on the ceilings. Sound waves bounce off hard and flat ceilings causing an echo-y effect. Soundproofing through dropped ceilings with sound absorbing panels lowers reverberation time. Unlike hard floors’ walls, acoustic ceiling tiles are preferable for use in conference rooms and call rooms. Just like that, the spaces intended for concentration and privacy should not feature open ceiling designs. Assessing the acoustical effectiveness of various ceiling alternatives.
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Not factoring in fire ratings
As far as safety is concerned, fire rating of ceilings finishes is important. Compared to mineral fibre, gypsum and concrete, the material used such as wood, fabric or paper has low combustibility. Ceilings with a high fire rating may be needed in spaces that are highly occupied or in tall buildings. Involves checking your local building codes as well as having an understanding of the specific fire performance standards for various types of ceilings. This will ensure code compliance.
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Overlooking maintenance requirements
Another factor that is often overlooked but very important is the cleanliness, and maintenance of the ceiling. Dust tends to accumulate in exposed structures that need constant cleaning. Periodic clean-up of plenums is through an exposed tile on drop ceilings. In addition, smooth painted surfaces may pose an easier cleaning challenge instead of using other materials such as wood or fabric. Consider long-term maintenance when selecting design and materials for ceilings.
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Not considering overall aesthetics
Whereas functionality remains paramount, appearances should nevertheless contribute towards the ambiance of the workplace as motivating and stimulating. Not every design theme would gel well with plain dropped ceilings of exposed concrete slab. Highly attractive specialty ceiling design incorporating textures, patterns, cove lightings or panels have great impact on visuals. Do not forget to include a little aesthetic touch in your ceiling within practical and financial constraints of your house.
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Ignoring installation complexity
There are some kinds of ceiling solutions that need to apply a very high level of installation skill, e.g. suspended ceilings, coffered panels and decorative mouldings. Such aspects as the degree of complexity, access to qualified labour and installation times should be analysed closely. Drop-in panel ceiling is relatively simple and you can self-install it for just a few hours with a contractor. In case you are dealing with big or complicated ceilings, talk to installers about potential problems including extra expenses.
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Not keeping within budget
This is a very obvious but frequently neglected element of cost. Customised or imported roof works can cost large holes on the budget as well. Ceiling is yet another factor that affects pricing. Obtain a few quotes for shortlisted selections in order to establish their cost. Consider how you should economise on value engineering in delivering required aesthetics and reduced cost while still maintaining acceptable standards through simpler details or local equivalent substitutes.
Conclusion
The selection of suitable ceiling design has got to do with both practicality and aesthetics. It is advisable to examine various features such as the space function, technical necessities, long-term maintenance and budget among others prior to selecting a small office interior design. And for the best interior designs for the office, check out Officebanao. The ceiling should be a complementary piece that blends into the space and serves its intended function only when an informed decision is made.
