Which suspended ceiling for which space? A guide to choosing materials and framework

Ceilings & suspended ceilings

Which suspended ceiling for which space? A guide to selecting materials and framework

Last updated: 26 October 2026

A clear guide: first, whether the space is enclosed or accessible; then, the slab material and framework. The tables organised by space and the distinction betw

The system at a glance

Solutions & Applications · Ceilings & Suspended Ceilings

A suspended ceiling is not selected from a range of panels. It results from three decisions in a specific order: whether the ceiling will be closed or accessible, what material the panel will be made of, and which suspension system it will be hung from. Anyone who starts with the design or colour usually ends up replacing the panels after two winters or having to cut open plasterboard to reach a valve.

1. Closed or open to the public?

The first question is not one of aesthetics but of functionality: how often will someone need to access the M&E systems above the roof — air conditioning, fire suppression, wiring, air ducts.

	Fixed roof	Accessible roof
Construction	Plasterboard screwed to a CD 60×27 framework, jointed	Freestanding slabs supported by or fixed to a metal framework
Elevation	A single, monolithic surface	600×600 or 1200×600 mesh, visible or concealed
Access to E&M	Access via inspection hatches at designated points only	At any point, by lifting a slab
Changes to the site	They require cutting, repair and painting	Replacing a slab or relocating a drain outlet in a matter of minutes
Acoustics	Only with perforated plasterboard or special panels	Integrated into the slab — from NRC 0.15 to 0.90
Typical use	Residential buildings, hotels, corridors, reception areas	Offices, shops, schools, hospitals, industry

The answer is not always the same for the whole project. In an office block, the corridor containing the main services requires an accessible ceiling, whilst the reception area may be enclosed with access hatches at critical points.

2. The slab material

On accessible roofs, the material of the slab determines three things: how much sound it absorbs, how much moisture it can withstand without ‘sagging’, and how easily it can be cleaned.

Material	Strength	Please note	Standard space
Mineral fibre	Acoustics and cost-effectiveness, wide range of designs, A2-s1,d0	The standard ranges are not designed for damp conditions — however, there are ranges suitable for up to 100 per cent relative humidity	Offices, schools, shops
Glass wool	Very high sound absorption, Class A	Soft surface, not suitable for areas subject to impact	Open-plan offices, call centres, classrooms
Wood wool	Impact resistance, natural texture	Heavier slab, exposed aggregate	Gyms, schools, communal areas
Metal sheets	Non-combustible, washable, unaffected by moisture	Acoustic insulation using perforated panels and acoustic fleece only	Hospitals, laboratories, ships, industry
Perforated plasterboard	Sound absorption in a single, closed-end configuration	Access via mailboxes only	Event venues, restaurants, reception areas
Fibre-free polyethylene	Does not absorb moisture; does not release fibre dust	Acoustic element, not a grid panel	Offices, fibre-sensitive areas
Vinyl plasterboards	Washable, moisture-resistant, cost-effective	Low sound absorption	Kitchens, WCs, ancillary spaces

3. Selection by room

Space	Critical requirement	Recommended solution
Offices & meeting rooms	Sound absorption, light reflection	Mineral fibre — ARMSTRONG SAHARA, Knauf ECOMIN Alpha 15, OWA Constellation
Open-plan offices, call centres	Class A sound absorption	Ecophon Opta A or Knauf ECOMIN Alpha 15 (NRC 0.90)
Cinemas, studios, restaurants	A dark finish without compromising acoustic performance	AMF THERMATEX® Alpha Colour Black
Shops, industrial premises	Cost-effectiveness, durability	AMF THERMATEX® Feinstratos or Feinfresko
Schools, sports halls	Impact resistance	Wood wool — HERADESIGN® Fine
Wet areas, swimming pools, changing rooms	Stability up to 100 per cent RH	AMF THERMATEX® Aquatec or metal sheets
Hospitals, laboratories, food	Hygiene, resistance to disinfectants	MEDIGUARD Plain or metal sheets
Clean rooms, operating theatres	Waterproofing, particle control	24 SYNCRO EVO Atena H+ with lighting TAURUS EVO
Industrial design	Exposed concrete finish	RAW CONCRETE OWA
Garage and entrance hall ceilings	Thermal insulation, fire protection	Wood-fibre boards with a stone wool core — TEKTALAN

4. The suspension system

The same slab behaves differently depending on the framework. The framework determines the appearance, accessibility and stability — and dictates what dimensions the slab must have.

System	How it works	When to choose it
Visible T-24	The Board edge panel rests on the 24 mm base of the grid	The standard, cost-effective solution with full accessibility
Visible T-15	Same design with a thinner 15 mm sole	A ‘cleaner’ appearance at the same installation cost
Tegular	The edge of the slab extends below the level of the framework	When we want the grid to ‘disappear’ and the slab to appear in relief
Clip-in (concealed)	Metal plates are fastened to concealed supporting structures	Uniform appearance with no visible framework, vibration resistance — ships, reception areas
Clean room	Framework with spacers and slab retention	Particle-controlled and differential pressure spaces
Closed CD 60×27	CD guides on suspension systems, screwed and jointed plasterboard	Uniform surface, thermal insulation for the cavity wall

Three dimensions that are often confused

Sound absorption (αw, NRC) — how much sound the panel ‘absorbs’ within the same space. It reduces reverberation and makes speech clear. Class A according to EN ISO 11654 means an αw value of 0.90 or higher.
Sound reduction (Dn,f,w) — the amount of sound that passes through the partition, via the ceiling cavity, into the adjacent space. A highly absorbent panel may offer moderate sound reduction; this can be improved by stone wool in the cavity or a barrier above the partition.
Relative humidity (RH) — the humidity limit at which the board retains its shape. A board at 70 per cent RH in an un-air-conditioned space near the sea will warp.

ARGYNET Note

The board’s classification does not indicate the ceiling’s fire resistance. An A2-s1,d0 slab does not contribute to the fire, but the fire resistance (EI or REI) relates to the entire system — slab, frame, and suspension — and is certified only for a specific configuration.

The same applies to loads: light fittings, vents and air-conditioning units are suspended independently of the slab, whilst in earthquake-prone areas the framework requires diagonal bracing and a perimeter expansion joint.

At ARGYNET, we specify the entire system — floor slab, framework, suspension, lighting, hatches and cavity insulation — based on the intended use of the space, and calculate materials per m².

Before requesting a quote

Use of the space and whether it is air-conditioned — determines the RH requirement.
Clear height and available space to the floor slab — determines the type of suspension.
Which electrical and mechanical services run overhead and how often will access be required?
Acoustic objective — reverberation only, or also sound reduction towards the adjacent space.
Fire protection requirements as specified in the design, if any.
600×600 or 1200×600 grid and positions of light fittings and vents.