Madison College Brings the Environment Indoors With Rockfon's Metal Ceilings
Opened for the 2019 academic year to students and the community, the new Goodman South Campus of Madison Area Technical College (Madison College) serves one of the most impoverished parts of Madison, Wisconsin.
Designed by Plunkett Raysich Architects, the new facility incorporates biophilic-inspired elements, an earth tone palette, regional materials and other local character found throughout Madison College's additional campuses around the state. Bringing a sense of the natural outside environment to this indoor space, the architects selected Rockfon's ceiling systems in an oak woodgrain finish to create the distinctive overhead appearance.
Presenting the look of actual wood without the associated weight and maintenance, a metalwood finish was applied to Rockfon's metal Planar linear ceilings and matching Infinity perimeter trim. Contractor Central Ceiling Systems, Inc. installed approximately 4,000-square-feet of Rockfon's linear metal ceiling systems, fashioning them into both straight and curved shapes, and accommodating recessed light fixtures.
"The installer chose us because they really liked Rockfon's speed of service and ease of installation. Our attention to detail helped them fulfill this project on time and as seamless as possible," said Andrew Glas, Rockfon's district sales manager. "Like a Legos kit, our details made the installation go smoothly. Due to Rockfon's attention to detail and scheduling, the installers were able to complete the project in phases, allowing no lapse in installation."
Suspended ceiling clouds seem to float above the upper loft area and mimic the circular lights of the main floor's café below. These large, open common areas promote a welcoming space for students and community to come together.
In the classroom corridors, the ceilings are installed as rectangular sections to break up what could have otherwise been long, monotone stretches of hallway. These purposeful, visual intersections also assist students with wayfinding and navigation.