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Curved Grilles and Diffusers; Design, Performance and Applications
In HVAC design, architects and engineers are constantly balancing aesthetics, comfort and performance. One component that checks all three boxes are curved linear slot diffuser and grilles. Sleek, adaptable and highly efficient; curved diffusers are becoming a preferred choice in contemporary commercial and architectural spaces.
This blog explores what curved linear slot diffusers and grilles are, how they work, where they are applied & how to measure up.
What Is a Curved Linear Slot Diffuser?
A curved linear slot diffuser is an air distribution device designed to supply or return air through narrow, continuous slots that follow a curved path. Unlike traditional straight diffusers, these units can be manufactured to match circular, radial or custom curved architectural features.
They are installed in ceilings in a ‘fan curve’ configuration for supply air, return air, or both. The diffusers geometry allows it to blend seamlessly into architectural designs while delivering controlled and even airflow.
Available model types are FLOWBAR and CS (continuous slot):
What Is a Curved Grille?
Much like linear slot diffusers a curved linear grille is an air distribution device designed to supply or return air however due to the design we can be a little more creative and install in ceilings, walls and ducts.
Grilles can be manufactured in configurations ‘fan curve’, convex or concave curve, convex or concave barrel curve to match architectural features such as domes, columns, atriums or rounded ceilings.
Available model types are AIRLINE series and URBAN series:
What is the Application ?
One of the biggest advantages of curved linear slot diffusers is their ability to conform to complex architectural shapes. They complement curved ceilings, circular layouts and modern interior designs without interrupting visual flow. They are widely used in spaces where both performance and appearance matter:
- Shopping centres and retail – to maintain comfort without visual clutter
- Commercial offices – especially in lobbies and boardrooms with modern designs
- Hotels and hospitality spaces – where aesthetics play a critical role
- Museums and galleries – to ensure quiet, uniform airflow
How do we measure up?
Once we have selected the type and configuration of product we need to calculate the curvature - for the most common type, the flat ‘fan curve’, you will need to provide the centre line radius and arc length, which can be obtained from an engineering drawing. When it comes to the concave/convex curves, the face radius and arc length are required. It’s important to make a note of where the radius is taken from to avoid any costly mistakes.
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If engineered drawings are not available, a secondary route could be to take field measurements. Measuring the radius and arc length of the curvature on site can be challenging. A simpler approach is to measure the rise and chord length, both of which are straight-line dimensions. These dimensions will allow us to calculate the radius and arc length.
Here are some examples of curved grilles and diffusers in situ:
