Ceilings have long been more important than simply providing an aesthetic barrier between a room and the mechanics of a roof. In addition to their aesthetic value – which can achieve the architecturally striking or simply protect from dust – ceilings provide thermal and acoustic protection, contributing significantly to the comfort of the interior environment.
In the face of soaring energy costs, one of the simplest ways to increase the energy efficiency of a building is to install a ceiling and appropriate insulation. This combination keeps the interior cooler in summer and contains the interior warmth during winter – significantly reducing mechanical heating and cooling costs.
Saint-Gobain Gyproc manufactures RhinoBoard 6.4mm boards from natural gypsum, providing an affordable solution for home owners at every level. RhinoArt EPS ceiling cornices add aesthetic appeal to a 6.4mm board ceiling, finishing the installation with a decorative element that enhances the ceiling’s thermal insulation effects by preventing the escape of warm air at the join between ceiling and wall.
But a ceiling need not be limited to a purely functional flat expanse. Gyproc RhinoBoard 9.5mm gypsum boards fixed to a Donn T37 ceiling grid can be installed to meet the most dramatic of architectural designs. Skimmed with RhinoLite gypsum plaster, this solution can add drama, elegance and aesthetic appeal in residential, commercial and hospitality settings.
Ceilings offer significant acoustic benefits too, particularly in large volume spaces such as shopping centres, sports facilities and hotels, lodges and restaurants. Gyproc imports Rigitone, a gypsum-based board that offers superior acoustic insulation combined with visual appeal. The boards, available in two perforation patterns, are fixed seamlessly to a grid and can be painted to suit the décor of the interior. With a noise reduction co-efficient of as much as 0.90 when installed to specification, Rigitone can also be used in curved applications, which allows significant scope for architectural flair to complement its superior acoustic performance.
Saint-Gobain Gyproc manufactures RhinoBoard, RhinoLite, RhinoArt and several other gypsum-based products in South Africa. The company offers architects and developers the assistance of its Technical and Specifications team and the Saint-Gobain Academy offers contractors access to training to install the various ceiling solutions provided by the company.
