Acoustic design that shows off the lighting

Sound absorption intersects with lighting design

“These floating ceiling panels are part of my interior design, and I chose the Rockfon Color-all ceiling tiles in the color Linen," says Janine de Groene. "This colour matches the colour of the structural ceiling and the fixed suspended ceilings, creating a calm, tone-on-tone look. Because acoustics are a key consideration in a work environment and reception area, the islands have been installed in strategic locations.”

Both Rockfon Eclipse Customised floating ceiling panels and Rockfon Color-all coloured acoustic ceiling tiles are stone wool solutions that introduce up to Class A noise absorption, and both are available in the 33 Colours of Wellbeing or bespoke colours.

The lighting and ceiling design were designed hand in hand. Interior designer Janine de Groene held extensive discussions with Jordi van de Vrie and LuxImprove’s lighting design team. “On the second floor, in the cafeteria, round floating ceiling panels were installed, also in the colour Linen. Here, round LED fixtures with both uplights and downlights were placed between them, creating a playful and atmospheric whole.”

“LuxImprove contributed some very creative ideas that further enhanced the interior concept. For example, the lights above the conference tables and the so-called ‘Northern Lights’ in the entrance hall. In this way, we worked together to design the lighting so that it seamlessly connects between the linked ceiling islands.”

Because the office also serves as a working showroom, Janine de Groene explains that several ceiling solutions were incorporated into the design. “For example, we showcase LED tiles, recessed spotlights, and decorative accent lighting, among other things. Collaborating with the lighting design team at LuxImprove was a pleasure. They contributed valuable ideas and suggestions that further enhanced the interior concept,” says the interior designer.

Indeed, lighting was the foundation of the design envisioned by managing director Jordi van de Vrie. “And Janine de Groene translated that very well. We contributed our expertise. When designing your own space, you can carefully plan the placement of each fixture. For example, we mounted the lighting in the hallways flush against the ceiling using a wire that we ran through the ceiling island and secured to the structural ceiling. That’s what makes the project extra fun – that we installed much of the lighting ourselves in our own building. “With a really cool end result,” says Jordi van de Vrie.

For the technical coordination of the ceiling islands, Janine de Groene consulted Corné van Meer, Area Sales Manager at Rockfon. “Corné provided advice on the dimensions and design, such as the mounting method and the integration of the light lines between the islands.”

Installation required bespoke planning

Afbouwned, a finishing company based in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, was responsible for installing the ceilings, among other elements. Roel van Pelt, the company’s operations director and co-owner, also sought advice from Corné van Meer.

“From an aesthetic standpoint, the architect wanted the ceiling islands to be installed abutment-style – that is, right up against each other. However, this is not standard practice and is not recommended. That’s why I asked Corné how I should go about it. After a few tests, we decided to use metal connectors secured with coil springs.”

“Integrating the air conditioning units into the ceiling islands wasn’t easy everywhere at first either. To maintain sufficient stability and load-bearing capacity in the ceiling islands, we opted in one instance to enlarge the ceiling island and construct it as a single unit, consisting of two shells,” Roel van Pelt explains.

On this project, Roel van Pelt of Afbouwned worked closely with the installer. “Many systems are integrated into the ceiling islands, so you have to take that into account during installation. We had Basepoint mark all the mounting points on the structural ceiling, which also helped us determine where the systems needed to go. And it had to have the look and feel of a showroom. So the question was how best to combine LuxImprove’s various products with the ceiling islands."

A successful project means collaboration

Roel from Afbouwned is proud of the completed project. “We faced a few challenges on this job. For one, a high-standard finish was required – Class A. The ceiling in the atrium was also quite a challenge. Working at heights is always a challenge, but the glare was also tricky, especially when finishing the coves in the atrium.”

“But things like that actually motivate me. Challenges really make me happy and enthusiastic. The great thing about this project is that the lighting complements the ceiling islands, but the reverse is certainly true as well. It was definitely a unique project,” he explains.

Roel also emphasises the close collaboration with the installation company. “The installer had to work very closely with ‘our’ product – a delicate one at that. All the ceiling islands were painted in a specific color, on which any damage is immediately visible. But the installer handled it with care, and that’s worth mentioning. As a finishing company, we often encounter the opposite.”

Interior designer Janine de Groene is also proud of the final result. “It’s a balanced and dynamic interior where form, function, and experience come together. The design aligns with LuxImprove’s identity and ambitions and demonstrates how different disciplines can reinforce one another.”

Managing director Jordi van de Vrie shares her satisfaction with the project. “We’ve been in our new building for almost a year now, and it’s working out great. We’re very satisfied with the process leading up to its completion and the final result!”

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