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Designing indoor climate solutions for modern buildings is a balancing act involving parameters that range from energy efficiency and acoustics to architectural integration and sustainability. Each design decision influences not only technical performance but also the comfort and well-being of the people inside. In this article, our expert Jan Scheuring, Head of Product Management Climate Ceilings at Swegon, shares his expertise on how passive ceiling sail systems can effectively address our industry professionals’ challenges.
The parameters an architect or consultant must consider when designing ventilation, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) for a building are wide-ranging. The first, and often most decisive, factor is whether the project is a new construction or a renovation development. From there, energy efficiency targets, ceiling coverage and acoustic requirements need to be considered in parallel with decisions on flexibility in installation and planning, interior architecture and sustainability. It might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack when exploring suitable solutions for creating a comfortable indoor climate.
Take energy efficiency in the sense of temperature control for example, thermal active building systems (TABS) offer clear advantages by using the concrete building structure for storing energy. However, in practice, it often becomes evident that where the concrete core of a ceiling is used for temperature control, acoustic requirements are repeatedly overlooked. Using the concrete ceiling as a heating and cooling source may also imply that the ceiling is being covered and that the HVAC installation imposes compromises for lighting, sprinklers and/or sensors. There may also be concerns about aesthetics, as a concrete ceiling can feel cold or bare, or conflict with the interior designers’ colour schemes or tenants’ branding intentions.
But let us explain climate ceilings, and passive ceiling sail systems in particular. These solutions address both energy efficiency and acoustics, while providing flexible installation and design freedom, as well as economic and environmental benefits.
Thermally effective – even with suspended ceilings
The thermal mechanism of passive ceiling sail systems is based on the principle of radiant heating and cooling. In heating operation, the sails absorb thermal energy emitted from the concrete ceiling and release it into the room. In cooling operation, the sails absorb the heat from the room and transfer it to the concrete ceiling.
Despite a suspended passive ceiling sail construction, up to 94% of the thermal output is retained with only 40–60 % ceiling coverage. This ensures that the thermal activity of the concrete ceiling remains almost entirely usable. Passive ceiling sail systems thus meet the key requirement of modern TABS systems: convincing energy efficiency.
Top-level room acoustics
Passive ceiling sail systems are particularly effective in terms of acoustic performance. With a rated sound absorption coefficient of up to αw = 1.00 (EN ISO 11654), they achieve sound absorption classA. Performance is remarkably strong in the speech frequency range between 500 Hz and 2000 Hz, which makes them ideal for silent environments such as open-plan offices, educational institutions or meeting spaces.
The acoustic properties are based on a combination of:
- Perforated sheet-metal surfaces
- Aluminium profile energy transmitters
- Acoustically effective fleece
- Insulation inserts of mineral wool or polyester fibers
Flexible installation, easy retrofitting
In addition to technical functionality, these ceiling systems offer a high degree of flexibility in planning and installation. They are suitable for both new builds and renovations, an increasingly important requirement in the context of energy-efficient building renovations.
Wire cables or threaded rods are used for installation and they are developed for adjustable mounting heights between 60 and 500 mm, without negatively affecting thermal performance. The ceiling remains uncovered and thus radiantly active, essential for effective concrete core activation.
Design freedom for attractive interior design
From a design perspective, the sails offer versatile options including different edge profiles (45°, 60°, or 90°), custom formats and customer-specific perforations. Surfaces are finished with powder-coating in RAL 9010 as standard, but custom colours and/or digitally printed designs can be specified. Additionally, technical components such as lighting, sprinklers and sensors can be integrated, supporting both functional and interior design requirements.
Environmental benefits
Passive ceiling sail systems are not only high-performing but also sustainably designed. Materials used, such as galvanised or powder-coated steel, can be produced with CO2-reduced steel and aluminium profiles and insulation materials, are all recyclable and meet the requirements of building material class A2-s1, d0 according to EN 13501-1, B-s1, d0 for polyester fibre insulation. Once installed, the system requires minimal maintenance, not only practical, but environmentally friendly as no more material than used in manufacturing is needed.
Last but not least
Our passive ceiling sail is called AKUSTIKTHERM, and it is, together with all our other climate ceiling systems, manufactured in our newly extended factory in Heppenheim, Germany, a facility that combines expertise, efficiency and sustainability. With the completion of this additional factory space, all climate ceiling systems from Swegon are being produced under one roof. However, we are proud to continue our presence in our local markets and, in that way, remain close to all our customers. Learn more about our Heppenheim site here.
