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11 Innovative Commercial Ceiling Design Ideas for 2021

9/21/2021

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March 4, 2021 Courtesy Arktura

Creating an aesthetically pleasing ceiling is an essential factor in completing your commercial building design. The ceiling is a palette on which you can get creative and think outside the box, and an innovative ceiling design can serve to pull all of the other design elements together. Beautiful ceiling designs can also be a practical way to control noise, direct traffic, create illumination and complete the overall aesthetic of your design.

Commercial Ceiling Design Ideas

1. Influence Memory with an Innovative Mix of Lighting and Ceiling Design

“Calgary Telus Convention Centre” Calgary, Canada, Sarah Ward Interiors Inc. Lighting by Arktura, to set the mood and create a truly unique and memorable experience featuring Atmosphera® Analog 3D by Arktura. The fins that comprise Atmosphera® Analog 3D’s design are available in powder-coated steel for a smooth flat finish, or you can choose Soft Sound® material to enhance the acoustic comfort of the space. Both choices come in a variety of colours to further customize your design.

2. Add Angular Aesthetics to a Common Area

“Confidential Office Space Reception Lounge”, Gensler, DPR Construction, ©Gensler – Ryan Gobuty (Photographer), Featuring SoundAngle® by Arktura. Using the SoundAngle® ceiling system adds dimensionality and high- performance sound attenuation through the use of Soft Sound® acoustical material.

There are countless ways to combine these V-shaped baffles that are available in 6- and 12-inch depths. Because they can be seamlessly tiled or broken out, you can find the best way to adapt to your existing structural elements.

3. Use Dimension That Spans the Room

“Oregon Convention Center” Portland, Oregon, LMN Architects – SEA, Western Partitions Inc. – OR, ©Sally Painter (Photographer), Featuring: SoftGrid® Round by Arktura. The SoftGrid® Round ceiling modules can be layered at varying heights to create depth and dimension while also enhancing acoustic comfort. Made with Soft Sound® material, these baffles are customizable and can span the entire ceiling or focus over a smaller area for targeted acoustic performance.

4. Create a Seamless Labyrinth

“Office Lounge” Featuring: SoftGrid® Orbit by Arktura. SoftGrid® Orbit’s unique honeycomb design evokes the look of a ceiling labyrinth with gridded modules creating a unifying continuous visual flow across a space. The Soft Sound® material helps to control noise in large open spaces where daily noise could disrupt business and productivity.

5. Keep Them Guessing With a Web

“Constellis” Lorton, VA, DBI – DC, Anning-Johnson Company – DC, VA, MD, ©Matthew Borkoski (Photographer), Featuring: SoftGrid® Switch by Arktura. Keep people guessing with SoftGrid® Switch acoustic ceiling modules. The seemingly random pattern adds excitement and spontaneity to your commercial ceiling design. Seamless connections between each section mean that you can cover as much space as you need in order to provide acoustic support to areas both large and small.

6. Settle a Conference Table Under an Ocean of Possibilities

“Confidential Client Conference Room” San Francisco, CA, Gensler – SF, Creative Ceilings & Drywall Inc., ©Jason O ́Rear (Photographer), Featuring: SoftGrid® Wave by Arktura. The wave pattern created by SoftGrid® Wave recreates the look of smooth whitecaps crashing through the room, adding an edge that livens up the ceiling design. Unexpected and exciting, these acoustic ceiling modules are made with our Soft Sound® material that increases acoustic performance in any space.

7. Use Playful Minimalism to Control Sound

“Office Kitchen” Featuring: SoundBar® by Arktura. SoundBar® acoustical baffle and lighting system creates a visual soundscape with an assortment of lengths, widths and depths. They are available in a wide range of colors and wood textures that can be mixed to create your own unique environment. Integrated lighting in Up or Down configurations comes with power integrated into the suspension cables, to simplify installation and hide wiring, making the ceiling design clean and uncluttered.

8. Focus Attention by Manipulating Integrated Lighting

“Lecture Hall” Featuring: Vapor® Frequency by Arktura. The pattern of Vapor® Frequency torsion spring panels paired with integrated InLine lighting bars directs attention forward towards the front of the room. Adding Soft Sound® backers reduces noise and adds another dimension with a variety of colors to choose from.

9. Define Separate Spaces With Thin Panels

“Exact Sciences Innovation One” Madison, Wisconsin, Potter Lawson – Madison, Central Ceiling Systems, Inc., ©2020 Mike Rebholz (Photographer), Featuring: Vapor® Cumula by Arktura
Where a large area has multiple functions, it can be difficult to define and separate spaces. But Vapor® Cumula’s ethereal pattern with integrated lighting backer can be used to easily define spaces and create separation between areas. A Soft Sound® acoustic backer can also be included to reduce ambient noise and create acoustic comfort.

10. Create a Juxtaposed Design

“Airport Exit” Featuring: ParticleTM Ion by Arktura
ParticleTM Ion’s intricate micro-perforation pattern diffused over large panels blends small details with large scale. Integrated lighting and non-woven acoustic fabric backers will make this innovative ceiling design a standout feature in your space.

This system is also compatible with Arktura’s Vertika® wall channel and conventional torsion spring grid systems which allows for effortless installation across both walls and ceilings.

11. Direct Traffic by Creating a Path to Follow

“1201 W Lake Lobby” Chicago, Illinois, Eastlake Studio – CH, DBM Service, Inc., ©Steve Hall, Hall + Merrick (Photographer), Featuring: Vapor® Cora by Arktura

This modern take on a classic diamond pattern can be used to direct traffic through a space. Solid forms are scattered throughout the Vapor®

Cora
diamond pattern, lending itself well to integrated backlighting that is just enough to enhance the design. The aluminum torsion spring panel system can alternatively be paired with Soft Sound® acoustic backers to add acoustic comfort instead.

An Innovative Ceiling Design for 2021

We are all hoping that 2021 brings fewer surprises than 2020; however, you can still create a pleasant surprise with an innovative ceiling design by utilizing the variety of panels offered by Arktura. Don’t forget, all of our panel products work just as well on walls as they do on ceilings. With the help of our expert team, you can integrate an incredible acoustic panel centrepiece into your design.
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How to Choose a Home Security System (2021)

9/13/2021

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There are many factors to consider when choosing a security system for your home, from installation to monitoring and more. Read our guide below to find out all you need to know.

If you want peace of mind that your home is protected when you’re out of town or asleep at night, you should consider investing in a home security system. These systems can help you rest easy with features like 24/7 professional monitoring, emergency service alerts, and more. Some even add convenience to your everyday life with smart home automation.

There are many home security systems on the market, but they can differ in terms of contract requirements, installation methods, cost, available equipment, and more.

Common Home Security Equipment
While every home security provider offers unique packages and specialized equipment, there are many types of equipment that they all share. We’ve compiled a list of must-have home security basics below.

Control panel: This is the core of your security system, connecting all of your security devices and
allowing you to arm and disarm your system, control your smart devices, and more.


Door and window sensors: These devices alert you when someone opens a door or a window.

Motion detectors
: These motion sensors detect movement inside the home within a set radius.


Security cameras
: Many providers offer both indoor and outdoor security cameras that can share live footage from inside of your home or outside of your door. Some even have two-way talk enabled so that you can deter intruders or speak to guests on your doorstep.


Doorbell camera: This camera records people arriving at your doorstep and will send you push notifications when they arrive. Some doorbell cameras let you interact with people at your door using two-way talk.

Glass break sensor: This device detects shattered glass and sounds a high-decibel siren to alert you
to an intruder.


Smoke detectors: These can detect smoke and alert you to a fire inside your home.

Carbon monoxide detector
: This detects CO inside your home.


Flood/leak sensors: These devices detect excess water in your home to help you avoid flood damages and costly repairs.

Temperature sensors: These sensors monitor your home for extreme temperature changes, from malfunctioning HVAC units to freezing pipes.

Panic buttons/pendants: Designed for seniors who live alone and people with medical conditions, the panic button/pendant dispatches emergency services when it’s pressed.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System
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Unfortunately, choosing the best alarm system for your home isn’t as simple as going with the first option or choosing the cheapest package. From method of installation to equipment, there are many factors to consider when choosing a home security system.

Professional vs DIY Installation
Some providers will offer you the choice between professional or DIY installation, while others won’t
give you an option. There are pros and cons to each type of installation.


Professional installation
Professional installation is typically performed by experienced security experts who can walk you
through the process and install equipment in locations that maximize protection. However,
professional installation means you have to work around someone else’s schedule, let them into
your home, and typically pay for the installation cost.


DIY installation
DIY installation means you won’t benefit from professional expertise, but luckily many DIY systems
come pre-programmed so that all you have to do is set them up. Many DIY security systems also
offer peel-and-stick adhesive equipment, meaning you won’t have to worry about drilling holes in
your wall.


Costs
When it comes to the cost of a home security system, there are several categories to consider: equipment cost, installation cost, activation fees, and monitoring costs--as well as any hidden fees.

The cost of equipment will vary widely from provider to provider and from package to package. Keep
in mind that the cheapest package doesn’t always have the best value. You should balance your budget with your priorities to find the best fit. Some providers charge an activation fee in addition to the upfront equipment cost, but not all do.


If you choose a professionally installed system, prepare to budget to cover the fee. Some providers offer professional monitoring services while others only operate with DIY monitoring. In general, providers offer several levels of protection with monthly monitoring plans--beginning with a starter kit and ending with a more advanced alternative.

Always be sure to read the fine print, especially when it comes to costs you might not have considered like cancellation reinstallation fees.

Contract requirements
Some home security systems require you to sign long-term contracts that can be up to a three-year
commitment. Others offer short-term contracts or don’t require one at all. This can be a plus if you
plan on moving or if you don’t want a long-term commitment.


Monitoring options
One key consideration is whether you want to do DIY monitoring or professional monitoring. Some
providers offer both, letting you pick the one that suits your specific needs.


Professional monitoring
Professional monitoring provides round-the-clock protection from experts who are alerted as soon
as an alarm is triggered. The experts can investigate the issue and contact emergency services if needed. Professional monitoring comes with a monthly fee.


DIY monitoring
Monitoring your system yourself means no professional monitoring fees, but it also requires you to be responsible for notifying the authorities when needed. With DIY monitoring, you will still receive alerts and notifications if your alarm is triggered.

Smart Home Integration
Certain home security systems can be integrated with third-party smart home devices like the Nest thermostat, Kwikset smart lock, Philips Hue smart light, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more.

Home automation can add convenience as well as save you money. Home automation lets you customize controls to fit your routine. For example, you can set your thermostat to adjust automatically each morning when you leave for work.

Type of Equipment
Some providers allow you to lease your equipment while some only let you purchase it. Other providers will give you the choice between the two. A key factor to consider is whether or not your equipment is wired. A wireless system is a good choice if you plan to move or have pets or small children who might accidentally interfere with the equipment.

Type of Connection
If you choose professional monitoring, you’ll need a connection to the centre. There are three connection options: landline, broadband, and cellular.

Landline
With a landline, the provider uses the home’s landline connection to notify the monitoring centre of an alert. Connecting to a landline is the least expensive option but also the easiest to tamper with. If someone cuts the line, you no longer have a connection to the monitoring centre.

Broadband
If you have high-speed internet, you can use a broadband connection to communicate with the monitoring centre. Unfortunately, your connection is lost if the power goes out. Some providers offer backup batteries to make sure that your system stays functional even if the Wi-Fi cuts out.

Cellular
Cellular monitoring operates with a built-in chip that sends alerts to the monitoring centre using the same signal your phone uses to make calls and send texts. It’s a reliable method because it can’t be tampered with and the signal is unlikely to cut out. However, a cellular connection is usually the most expensive option.
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