The new USG Boral Ensemble monolithic acoustical ceiling system was installed in Chancery House, Perth as part of a refurbishment by Oldfield Knott Architects.
The first multi-component monolithic acoustical ceiling system available for Australian projects, Ensemble delivers a seamless look with no visible perforations and an outstanding acoustical performance.
It was developed to meet the sound-scaping needs of architects and interior designers wanting a non-directional, smooth ceiling effect with no visible joints or perforations, which would still provide positive acoustic outcomes in open spaces.
Roger Gregson of Oldfield Knott Architects, the firm behind the Chancery House refurbishment, said, “Given the heritage listing, we needed a smooth plasterboard appearance – but acoustic absorption involves perforations.
“Once USG Boral showed us the possibilities of the Ensemble system, we realized the entire surface had the necessary acoustic properties. We could then apply a finished product over everything that’s up there to make it uniform and achieve the monolithic look we were aiming for. Ensemble fitted the bill perfectly.”
Ensemble is a fast and cost-effective system to install and is rated at up to 0.8 Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and 50 Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC). The system comprises three key elements:
- Highly engineered USG Boral Sheetrock Ensemble panels; perforated to absorb sound. The porous acoustical veils are laminated to the front and back of the panels. Additional sound insulation material can be installed on the back of the panel to enhance the acoustic performance.
- Ensemble panels are screw-attached to a modified plasterboard suspension system such as Rondo Key-Lock or Drywall Grid.
- After panel installation, the system is completed with USG Boral Ensemble spray-applied finish – creating a monolithic appearance with tiny irregular perforations which allow sound to pass through.
Ensemble is ideal for high-end ceiling applications where acoustic performance is critical and hard surfaces dominate, such as museums, libraries, schools, sporting facilities, corporate office foyers, hotel lobbies and conference centres.
