Beyond plain white: possibilities for sculptural suspended ceilings

In architecture and interior design, ceilings are fundamental elements that combine functionality and aesthetic characteristics such as colors, textures and materials. While providing quality and comfort, unique and thoughtful ceilings can create a dramatic visual impact, defining the tone and character of a building. However, while a room’s ‘fifth wall’ is a crucial design element, it is not often highlighted in architectural projects – or not as much as decor, furniture, wallpaper or wallpaper. other elements that define the interior ambience. It is therefore important to explore the many creative opportunities that a ceiling can offer, beyond the typical solid white hue that continues to dominate in most interior spaces.

The multiple qualities of aluminum chains

With this in mind, the Montblanc-based Kriskadecor company, since its inception in 1926, has developed a wide range of custom ceiling projects made with anodized aluminum links, following an increasing demand for metal chains in architectural design. Although aluminum chains can be used in many forms – including room dividers, wall coverings, facades and lighting elements – they especially stand out when suspended in the air, reducing the distance between the ceiling and the floor to provide comfort, and at the same time, unlimited design possibilities.

As well as being light and timeless, the material is 100% recyclable, making it ideal for any project that seeks sustainability, especially in a context where the demand for environmentally friendly products is increasing exponentially. Additionally, the rails are custom curved to create flowing structures that can be easily installed without requiring specialized personnel. Functionally, the chains can wrap around light points, play with the transparency of the links to create plays of light and shadow, and hide technical registers.

Same material, different design solutions

However, in addition to these qualities, the main consideration of architects when selecting a material is its ability to adapt to different scenarios and requirements, allowing the creation of unique spaces while meeting user demands. Kriskadecor’s aluminum chains are customizable in size, shape and color. With in-house technology and a 24 color palette, they can accurately reproduce images or patterns in gloss or satin finishes. Therefore, the material is characterized by its versatility and flexibility, providing multiple ceiling design options – from simple geometries to sculptural figures suspended in the air – which can respond to changing trends in the interior design world. .

This ability to realize an architect’s or a designer’s vision for a certain space means that the product can adapt to a wide range of environments and scales, such as hotels, restaurants, business offices. business, airports, shopping malls and private residences. Therefore, custom chains have been applied in ceilings around the world. One example is Kengo Kuma’s intervention on Gaudi’s Casa Batlló, which includes layers of chains with a sculptural form that cascades from the ceiling to the basement. In addition to providing movement, volume and acoustic comfort to the interior space, the material conveys a gradation of colors by absorbing different shades of light that filter through the skylight.

Another example is the Westfield Mall in the Netherlands, the largest shopping center in the country, which has 235 kilometers of chains over 3,020 m² of decorative ceiling – a length equivalent to the entire territory of the Netherlands. As the building is made up of several blocks with different identities, one of the challenges for MVSA architects, the firm commissioned to redevelop the complex, was to merge the old and the new in a coherent way. Following this goal, the ceiling design of the Dining Plaza was born, with sinuous shapes in brown and satin gold in what is, to date, Kriskadecor’s largest project.

Creating curved shapes that mimic the movement of air, the chain panels wrap around different leisure or dining venues – highlighting and defining them – while providing a warm, comfortable and aesthetic atmosphere to guests. visitors. In addition, “they allow the high and low areas of the ceiling to be unified, which makes the design much more cohesive,” says Thijs van de Straat of MVSA Architects. A small chain link designed to form infinite chains thus has the capacity to delimit locations, create a unified lively atmosphere and essentially transform the space.

In this way, ceilings, which are often overlooked, provide endless possibilities for creative yet functional designs that can adapt to various needs. A simple recyclable product, capable of creating attractive spaces while being customizable, light and versatile, is an innovative alternative in the constant search for materials that attempt to leave simple ceilings in the past.