Stretched-skin ceiling

A stretched-skin ceiling (or stretch ceiling) is a form of suspended ceiling that consists of a thin membrane stretched across a frame that runs around the perimeter of the ceiling. They are typically lightweight and relatively easy to install and can span large areas.

Stretched-skin ceilings are used in exhibition spaces, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, offices and so on. They can be used as decorative elements, to provide shading, to conceal services, as a translucent element of a lighting system, or in the form of small panels or even walls.

The fabric membrane is commonly a PVC coated polyester which can be supplied in a wide range of colours, or can be printed with images. More rigid materials such as metal mesh may also be used. Where a stretched-skin ceiling includes a thermoplastic membrane – such as an acrylic, it may be limited in size by the building regulations.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Ceiling.
• Fabric structures.
• Suspended ceiling.
• Tensile structures.
• Thermoplastic.