Discover the art of how Rockfon Artic® and Planar® systems transform ceilings into modern marvels of design and functionality.
Florida’s Pinellas County Schools recently celebrated the reopening of the updated and expanded St. Petersburg High School (SPHS), an important landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original school, which opened in 1926 and underwent its last major renovation in the 1980s, is a testament to the historic and architectural legacy of St. Petersburg. The recent renovations, part of a district-wide, two-year modernization program, involved a meticulous process to preserve the building’s Mediterranean Revival Style while incorporating modern educational needs.
A key component of this renovation was the integration of Rockfon Artic® acoustic stone wool panels and Rockfon® Planar® linear metal ceiling systems. The choice of Rockfon’s solutions for the majority of SPHS’s interior spaces, including classrooms, auditorium, and administration offices, as well as for the new cafeteria, reflects a commitment to quality, aesthetics, and functionality.
Rockfon Artic® Acoustic Stone Wool Panels
Rockfon Artic acoustic stone wool panels were used extensively in SPHS’s classrooms, hallways, administrative offices, and communal interior spaces. These panels offer an economical solution with standard sound absorption, ensuring a conducive learning environment free from excessive noise and reverberations. The Class A fire performance rating of these panels also contributes significantly to the overall safety of the school.
One of the standout features of the Rockfon Artic panels is their smooth white surface, which effectively reflects 85 percent of light. This characteristic, coupled with the school’s large windows, enhances the use of natural daylight and supports the building’s ENERGY STAR® certification. The ease of cleaning these panels without harsh chemicals, coupled with their 30-year limited warranty, underscores the long-term value and sustainability of this investment.
Rockfon® Planar® Linear Metal Ceiling Systems
For the cafeteria, a space where aesthetics and functionality are paramount, Rockfon Planar linear metal ceiling systems were selected. These panels create a distinctive ceiling design that appears continuous, seamlessly transitioning from the interior to the exterior. This design feature is particularly noteworthy as it complements the architectural integrity of the school while offering modern functionality.
The installation of Rockfon Planar in the cafeteria, both indoors and in the exterior extension, was a challenging task due to the ceiling’s irregular overhangs with peaks and valleys. However, thanks to the precise 3-D modeling and collaborative efforts of the technical teams, the installation was executed flawlessly, contributing to the cohesive look of the space.
Hydrophobic and Health-Friendly Features
In Florida’s humid climate, the hydrophobic nature of Rockfon’s ceiling products is a significant advantage. These materials resist water and humidity and do not support the growth of mold, mildew, or other microorganisms, crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Additionally, the low chemical emissions of Rockfon stone wool ceiling products, as evidenced by their UL® GREENGUARD® Gold Certification, make them an ideal choice for educational environments where indoor air quality is paramount.
Sustainability and Transparency
Rockfon Artic ceiling panels are made with a combination of natural basalt and recycled content, underscoring a commitment to sustainability. The availability of a UL Certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), a Health Product Declaration (HPD), and a Declare Label for these panels reflects Rockfon’s dedication to material transparency and responsible product evaluation.
The integration of Rockfon Artic® acoustic stone wool panels and Rockfon® Planar® linear metal ceiling systems in the renovation of SPHS exemplifies a harmonious balance between maintaining historical integrity and embracing modern functionality. These products not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the school but also contribute to a healthy, sustainable, and safe learning environment. As an authorized distributor, we are dedicated to delivering quality and innovative Rockfon products, upholding architectural excellence.
CG Schmitt & Company Inc. is an architectural products manufacturer’s representative sales agency and distributor. We’ve helped architects, designers, and contractors achieve their design and development’s functional and aesthetic objectives since 1994. We provide architectural, interior, and speciality finishes for our clients. Whether you want to discover more about a product or assist in making your design a reality, we are here to assist you. Choose to meet us in person or online, and we will help you in choosing the right product and make your design a reality.
