One New Change, London

SAS International supplied the ceiling solution for the retail corridors of the development with a concealed suspension system, working closely with the architects to create a result where no visible fixings can be seen through the ceiling plane.

To complement this, bespoke metal ceiling panels were produced with an expanded metal mesh, finished in silver, red and black.

A challenging material to work with, to ensure the mesh held a uniform shape and corners for the panels could be formed accurately, SAS International’s solution was to create a ‘picture frame’ behind each panel. This also helped to provide support for the concealed attachment bolts.

Sanya Tomic, Partner at Sidell Gibson Architects on why the practice chose SAS ceilings for the award-winning One New Change, “SAS were proactive at a very early stage of the project and managed to respond to our specific requirements for the arcade ceiling design. They provided a bespoke product which met the concept design criteria. The ceiling panels’ frame had to be invisible and the lights and other fittings had to be positioned above the ceilings. Working with lighting consultant, Speirs and Major, Sidell Gibson Architects developed the maximum perforation percentage for the tiles required to achieve the specified lighting level. The expanded metal mesh margin also contributed to achieving the acoustic performance specified for the area.”

In retail centres, open cell metal panels are often specified for ceilings as they allow for fire detection and control systems in these large, open spaces. Air conditioning and other services can also be located within the ceiling void. In this project, the mesh fulfils the same requirements for handling fire and smoke and allows the luminaires to diffuse light through the ceiling to create a softer luminance.

Design challenges at One New Change included the building grid size and shape (it was termed the most difficult site in Europe), the complex geometry of the structure (including some tight ceiling to structural beam heights), and a shared fire strategy between retail and office storeys.

Requirements to achieve an environmentally-friendly building, complying with Part L and BREEAM ratings, were also critical and the design uses a materials palette of limestone, metal, mirror and a new method of fritted glass on the exterior to help shield the interior from glare.

SAS International’s SAS330 and SAS200 metal ceiling systems were also specified for the main office floors and lobby areas respectively.