Contractor – Civic – Above 50,000 Square Feet – West 

Kalahari Resort and Convention Center

Submitted by: Heartland Acoustics & Interiors

Hotel lobby

Heartland Acoustics & Interiors took part in the construction of this $550 million dollar, 1.5 million square foot resort built on 350 acres. The Architect was HKS, and the General Contractor was Hensel Phelps. An unconventional convention center does not begin to describe it. The resort has 975 guest rooms and suites, 223,000 square feet of water park, 80,000 square feet of theme park, 200,000 square feet of convention space and five signature restaurants… all under one roof! In addition, a world class spa and salon, state-of-the-art fitness center, and the largest indoor water park in the United States. The project ground-breaking took place in May 2018 with the resort opening to the public in November 2020.

Contractor – Civic – Below 50,000 Square Feet – West

Broomfield Community Center

Submitted by: E&K of Denver

Making sure all baffles were precisely spaced was a critical aspect in the installation of the baffles high above the 14,500 SF gymnasium 

Broomfield Community Center is a brand new 2-story recreational center in the Denver suburb of Broomfield, Colorado. The highlights of this building are the 9-lane cold pool, 6-lane warm pool, and the 14,500 SF gymnasium that features two full-size basketball courts. Several other amenities welcome family members of all ages to enjoy this new top-of-the-line facility. Stepping into the lobby, you are welcomed by walls lined with Xorel Artform Hex and Hex 3D wall panels, by Carnegie. The VET Baffles by NetWall line the underside of the structure at the pools and gymnasium, providing phenomenal acoustic control in areas where noise is a crucial concern. Through a variety of challenges, E&K of Denver was able to collaborate with its many partners and complete another successful specialty project.

Contractor – Education – Below 50,000 Square Feet – West

Iowa State University Sports Performing Complex

Submitted by: Artisan Ceiling Systems & Acoustical Specialties

Wide angle shot of center ellipse ceiling.

Artisan Ceiling Systems & Acoustical Specialties was contracted by Heartland Finishes to complete the acoustical ceilings at the Iowa State University Sports Performance Center. An integral part of the project is the new football locker room. The locker room ceiling consists of a 3D metal ellipse ceiling shaped like a giant backlit football (geometrical metal ceiling supplied by Gordon Manufacturing) surrounded by wood beams installed in a non-parallel radial pattern coming out from and perpendicular to the metal ellipse ceiling (wood beams supplied by Rulon International). The ceilings were designed by the architect on the project, Substance Architecture, and the general contractor was Neumann Brothers Construction. The process for both systems required intense preparation regarding layout and constant coordination with the manufactures before Artisan ever even had product to install. The experience of Artisan's team and logical approach to solve problems along the way allowed for a nearly seamless installation.

Contractor – Office – Above 50,000 Square Feet – East

Wolf Point East

Submitted by: E&K of Chicago

Stunning decorated wood look, linear metal ceiling system that is suspended 25' high. In the front entry, vestibule with custom wood look, exterior beam baffles, and custom infill panels in the background suspended below the exterior canopy overlooking the skyline. 

Wolf Point East is an iconic 60 story luxury apartment high-rise on Chicago's riverfront. The space features over 50,000 square feet of custom Hunter Douglas linear metal that’s displayed elegantly in the interior and exterior of the building. A major part of the project success was being able to lean on industry partners in developing a thorough plan of action to help satisfy job specific requirements was a major key in project success like no other we have ever experienced.

Contractor – Office – Above 50,000 Square Feet – West

Fox Technology Center

Submitted by: E&K of Phoenix, Inc.

A view of the multipurpose room. These wood grain sound baffles are hung individually in a fan/accordion style layout. On the walls are a stretched fabric panel system.

Fox Technology Center featured a variety of complex products that required intricate detailing to ensure proper integration with the surrounding building space. With 8 different colors and patterns of Kirei felt acoustical wall panels, 500+ pieces of Armstrong Metalworks Torsion Spring Shapes 3D metal ceiling panels, 1200LF of Navy Island Soundply Cella sound baffles, and 3000SF of Lino sound planks, 4,485SF of Arktura Vapor Cluster Soft and Soft Grid Switch, and 5,600SF of Gordon Alpro insulated metal panels. This project had the best of all worlds in today’s specialty ceiling market. This project was simply one of a kind, for a high-profile client that will have a space it can enjoy for decades to come. All expectations of the final design were most definitely exceeded.

Contractor – Office – Below 50,000 Square Feet – West

Floating Felt Puzzle

Submitted by: Ace Acoustics

Turquoise felt ceiling over office furniture. 

For Sagicor Life’s new Scottsdale office, the Architect Pinnacle Design Group envisioned an open and inviting environment. By bringing different color palettes together, it created a more natural lighting atmosphere for the office. With special thanks to New Zealand based manufacturer, Autex, the complexity of the design, assembly and installation during a global pandemic made this project second to none. Sagicor means “Wise Judgement” and they truly used wise judgement to select the right team to bring peace of mind to the acoustically-sound office space.

Manufacturer – Civic – Above 50,000 Square Feet – East

Norwegian Cruise Lines Terminal B

Submitted by: Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions

A major cruise line recently constructed a huge new spacious terminal that can accommodate ships of up to 5,000 passengers.

Towering above Norwegian Cruise Lines’ new Miami terminal is a unique undulating custom ceiling from Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions that measures 768’ long, 36’ wide, and features 6,808 acrylic tubes suspended from a curved grid. It is 65’ at its highest, 28’ at its lowest. Crews were not accustomed to working that high and keeping scaffolds in place was a challenge.

Large drywall structures dominate the waiting area. The largest is 118’ high, the smallest, 76’. As a result, height was again a challenge. In addition, the structures’ original design called for metal stud framing, but was too complicated and switched to an Armstrong drywall grid system, which converted to an easier installation and shortened the schedule 40%.

Also shortening the schedule was installation of pre-formed Plasterform GRG radiused corners on the air conditioning/lighting columns. The corners screwed in place, saving significant time compared to creating corners out of drywall.

Manufacturer – Civic – Below 50,000 Square Feet – West

Denver Art Museum

Submitted by: CertainTeed Architectural

Squares of light shine through the corridor's perforated suspended ceiling, creating a stunning visual affect while guiding visitors to the museum's galleries.

Originally designed by an Italian modernist architect in 1971, the Denver Art Museum renovation and expansion renderings featured exacting contemporary ceiling designs worthy of the world-renowned facility. And it was no small feat to make them a reality. CertainTeed Architectural met thought-provoking challenges with two awe-inspiring, strategically crafted ceiling designs that required precision and creativity in installation.

Manufacturer – Education – Below 50,000 Square Feet – East

Hub on Campus Lexington

Submitted by: CertainTeed Architectural

The soffit ceiling of this student apartment building lobby offers a playfully sophisticated wood design in red and black plaid.

The show-stopping 3-Dimensional soffit and ceiling at Hub Lexington Limestone, a new University of Kentucky student apartment high-rise, features realistic wood-looks and a custom plaid design created with an innovative CertainTeed Architectural aluminum ceiling and wall product. Replacing cumbersome millwork in the original specification, the lightweight material was easily field cut and required no finishing – saving installation time and money.

Manufacturer -- Healthcare – Below 50,000 Square Feet – East

Children’s of Mississippi Hospital – Expansion & Clinic Addition – University of Mississippi

Submitted by: Gordon Incorporated

Beam baffles in 3rd floor lobby.

The Children’s of Mississippi Hospital is a massive, $180-million, 7-story, 355,303 SF tower expansion that represents a striking advancement in the quality of medical care for the children of Mississippi. Gordon Incorporated provided elegant aluminum Beam Baffles that smoothly transition across the ground floor and extend through multiple planes to the 3rd level of the 40-foot-tall atrium lobby and corridors.

Manufacturer – Healthcare – Below 50,000 Square Feet – West

Major Healthcare Facility

Submitted by: ASI Architectural

The breathtaking atrium skylight challenged both the manufacturer and contractor with the ellipse-shaped opening and trim in the flat ceiling microperforated panels. 

A major healthcare provider turned to ASI Architectural to take on a complex project with multiple venues within their main clinic. Successfully completed with accuracy and efficiency – and during a pandemic – the project included custom ceilings and walls with acoustical backers to mitigate echoes and reverberation in busy elevator waiting areas, underground corridors, and café and courtyard areas.

Manufacturer – Office – Below 50,000 Square Feet – East

Hudson Yards Office Tower

Submitted by: CertainTeed Architectural

New corporate executive offices for a prolific developer, located in one of the world’s largest cities, required innovative and impressive ceilings, reflective of the magnificent high-rise.

When real estate giant Related moved its headquarters to the new 30 Hudson Yards, New York City, the space needed to be as innovative as the firm’s development work. CertainTeed Architectural created a one-of-a-kind ceiling featuring a wood frame and grille installed on a progressive aluminum suspension system and secured in place by CNC-shaped metal structural attachments and powerful hidden magnets.

Manufacturer – Office – Below 50,000 Square Feet – West

Telus Sky

Submitted by: 9Wood

The wood grille ceilings integrate with lighting, sprinklers, HVAC systems, and required finishing in the field. "All of the curving required lots of perimeter field cuts," says the ceiling installer, who was also the project's general contractor.

Telus Sky is a 59-story, mixed-use skyscraper in downtown Calgary, Alberta. The twisting, articulated tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) offers 326 residential units on 28 floors above the offices. The LEED Platinum building is set to achieve a 30% reduction in energy demand. It features 8,000 SF of straight and compound curved wood cross piece grille ceilings. ICON West

Construction Corp., Vancouver, British Columbia, was the general contractor and the ceiling installer. 9Wood, Springfield, Ore., provided plain sliced, white maple veneered standard cross piece, S-curved cross piece, and compound custom-curved cross piece grille ceilings.

Manufacturer – Retail – Below 50,000 Square Feet – East

Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury

Submitted by: Gordon Incorporated  

Luminous ceilings in entrance lobby.

Originally constructed as a private summer residence resting on 18-secluded acres, the Shadowbrook Estate in Shrewsbury, NJ, recently underwent a transformational renovation and became the most luxurious wedding venues. This project included a state-of-the-art remodel and renovation of the lobby entrance featuring dramatic 30-ft high luminous ceilings. This stunning ceiling manufactured by Gordon, Incorporated is an unquestionable work-of-art.

Boutique

Douglas College Student Services Center

Submitted by: 9Wood

The ceiling design and production timeframe was extremely tight on this project. The schedule showed ceiling installation beginning April 17, 2020 and ending by May 7. However, the manufacturer didn’t get approval until mid-March. Working quickly from design to shop drawings, the manufacturer shipped product on June 12.

A new student services hub was part of a $10.5M renovation at Douglas College, New Westminster, B.C. The space centralizes enrollment services, career services and more. It includes meeting spaces, self-service kiosks, and exam stations for assessment testing. The project was funded through the College’s capital reserve ($8.5M) and the province of British Columbia ($2M). Turner Construction, Vancouver, B.C., was the general contractor. HCMA Architecture + Design, Vancouver, was the design architect. Benton & Overbury, Surrey, B.C., installed the ceilings. 9Wood, Springfield, Ore., provided 2,322 SF of undulating cross piece wood grille ceilings and walls.

People’s Choice Award, Manufacturer’s Award, Distributor’s Award, Contractor’s Award and Founder’s Award:

And now for the final five awards.

People's Choice Award

The winner of this award was selected by the membership. All members received information on how to vote for their favorite project. The project with the most votes is:

Floating Felt Puzzle submitted by Ace Acoustics Inc.

The finished ceiling creates a welcoming effect for the office space. 

For Sagicor Life’s new Scottsdale office, the Architect Pinnacle Design Group envisioned an open and inviting environment. By bringing different color palettes together, it created a more natural lighting atmosphere for the office. With special thanks to New Zealand based manufacturer, Autex, the complexity of the design, assembly and installation during a global pandemic made this project second to none. Sagicor means “Wise Judgement” and they truly used wise judgement to select the right team to bring peace of mind to the acoustically-sound office space.

Manufacturer's Awards

And now for the Manufacturer’s Award. The Manufacturer’s Award is selected by the judges from the projects submitted by Manufacturers. This year we have two winners. The first is:

Hillsdale College Chapel submitted by Innovative Cast Inc.

Barrel vault ceiling comprising of close to 600 GFRG coffered panels.

Innovative Cast Inc. supplied all the 53"Wx53"Lx8"D Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) coffered ceiling panels at the new Hillsdale College Chapel in Hillsdale, MI. Hillsdale College Chapel was a new construction project situated on the grounds of Hillsdale College. Innovative Cast also manufactured and installed all 6 GFRG smooth groin vaults that consisted of approx. 350 custom curved pcs. Furthermore, they manufactured and installed the 6' high GFRG triglyph around the perimeter of the room and on top of the limestone columns. Innovative Cast was asked to hand carve, mould, cast and install 6 full scale GFRG evangelists. Innovative Cast also manufactured GFRG columns, crown, and keystone for the entire Serliana window. There was also plain plaster crown manufactured and installed in various hallways, staircases, and common areas. The architect was Duncan G. Stroik Architect LLC, and the general contractor was Weigand Construction Co., Inc.

And now for the second Manufacturer’s Award winner:

University of Oregon Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact submitted by 9Wood.

The seminar room showcases one of several complex ceilings found on this research campus. The wood grille “barrel” ceilings were made with locally harvested western hemlock and have radii that simulate the effect of cascading water, a symbol of “the confluence of ideas,” says the design architect.

The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact at the University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., features four research neighborhoods with lab space, workstations, offices, classrooms, and a conference room all in settings permeated by natural light and wood grille ceilings. Ennead Architects, New York, N.Y., was the design architect. Bora Architecture & Interiors, Portland, Ore., was the architect of record. Hoffman Construction, Portland, Ore., was the general contractor. PCI, Portland, Ore., was the ceiling subcontractor. 9Wood, Inc., Springfield, Ore., provided 20,662 SF of lay-in wood grille ceilings and wood cross piece wave grille ceilings.

Distributor's Award

And now for the Distributor’s Award. The Distributor’s Award is selected by the judges from the projects submitted by distributors. This year’s recipient is:

St. Francis High School submitted by Golden Valley Supply

Good acoustic qualities are relevant and essential in learning environments.

In November 2017, voters in St. Francis Area Schools approved an $80.6 million bond to address critical deferred maintenance and physical facility needs, improve districtwide safety, security, and accessibility, and enhance educational spaces and learning environments. The bond was the largest in the history of the district. Wold Architects & Engineers, General Contractor Rochon Corporation, Installing Sub-Contractor Minnesota Acoustics, Manufacturers Golterman & Sabo, and USG, and building material distributor and sound consultant Golden Valley Supply partnered together to provide acoustic solutions that exceed project expectations. As a result, and district-wide, St. Francis Area Schools now have modern designs with natural light, branding throughout all facilities, and a flexible learning environment for improved experiences. Students will be welcomed back to on-site facilities starting in February 2021.

Contractor's Award

And now for the Contractor’s Award. The Contractor’s Award is selected by the judges from the projects submitted by contractors. This year’s recipient is:

 NSCU Oval submitted by Bonitz

South monumental stair lower view.

Fitts-Woolard Hall at NC State is a four-story 227,000 SF new engineering building built to promote an integrated approach to problem-solving and to display the school's commitment to excellence in education. According to Clark Nexsen, the design is driven by a commitment to “engineering on display.” Throughout the four-story facility, high degrees of transparency create a light-filled, vibrant educational environment. Large structural testing labs, as well as exposed mechanical and structural features, were intentionally designed to be highly visible to give transparency and educational opportunities. The steel-plated monumental stairs at both ends of the building act as connecting threads between all four floors. The path of the stairs weaves upward alongside a 3D wood feature wall designed to reflect the diverse engineering studies housed in the building and can be viewed at either building entry.

Founder's Award

And now for the last award of the evening, the Founder’s Award. 

The recipient of this award was chosen by the judges from the projects that received the 3 highest scores from the judges during the first round of judging. This year’s recipient of the Founder’s Award is:

Miami Beach Convention Center submitted by Acousti Engineering Company of Florida

Grand Ballroom featuring metal and stretch fabric ceilings, wall panels and stretch fabric walls.

The Miami Beach Convention Center, built with more than half a million manhours and over one million square feet of acoustical material, is a true flagship install for Acousti Engineering Company of Florida and the interior specialties industry on a whole. Comprised of over 290,000 SF of custom Armstrong Metal Ceilings, 148,000 SF of Armstrong Acoustical Ceilings, 20,000 SF of Barrisol Stretch Fabric ceilings, 61,000 SF of Owens Corning Acoustical Wall Panels, 16,000 SF of Owens Corning Stretch Fabric Wall Panels, 5,000 SF of Rigidized Metals Acoustical Metal Wall Panels, and 500,000 SF of Deck Sound Control Insulation that all culminate to create a look that is both beautifully seamless and silently bold on this unique mega build & renovation. In addition to the acoustical elements above, Acousti Engineering Company of Florida was also responsible for installing over 2.5 million SF of Drywall as well as GFRG Columns, Stucco, & Thermal Insulation.