Metal matrix

ARCHITECTURE: Ceilings of metal are rare in India, but here's someone who wants to change.

If at work, take a look above your head. What do you see? Chances are that you would see a mineral fibre acoustical ceiling panel suspended in a metal grid. That's common since this type of ceiling is still the most popular system used in commercial buildings or spaces.

If Jatin Pasricha, director, NLDK Timber, is to be believed then there's a revolution going on overhead. "We foresee a trend toward more dynamic accoustical ceiling visuals, both in public spaces like lobbies and corridors and not-so-public spaces like conference rooms and boardrooms, eventually," he predicts.

Two of today's more common alternatives to mineral fibre are metal and wood. And Pasricha is betting his money on metal.

NLDK Timbers has entered into an exclusive agreement with the US-based Gage Corporation and will introduce the concept of designing and manufacturing decorative metal ceilings, vertical surfacing.

Within the target sights would be the high potential hospitality, corporate and entertainment sectors. The landmark tie-up between the $500 billion-strong Gage Corporation and NLDK Timber is all set to revolutionise the premium interior segment.

While metallic ceilings have been popular in European commercial designs and architecture, Indian architecture is yet to welcome the trend in a big way. With Gage products, Pasricha hopes to attract people who are aware of the latest international lifestyle trends. It would be a challenge, he knows.

"It's very difficult to bewitch the premium segment of society, not to forget the leading interior designers, architects, embassies, five-star hotels, corporate bigwigs and corporate houses," he admits, "...nobody wants to experiment at their own expense."

But why would anyone prefer metal up there?

"The main reason is metal's durability and low-maintenance. A metal ceiling panel will usually outlast a mineral fibre panel," he reasons.

Perhaps that's why metal overhead costs a little bit more too. The pricing of Gage products "" wall panels, lift fronts and ceilings "" starts from Rs 600 per sq ft, and heads higher.

"The pricing might look prohibitive to begin with, but it is not a deterrent for the premium builder/architect who is spending crores on developing an internationally-styled property."

Snazzy drawings, 3-D demos and the like have already been pressed into operation by NLDK's offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore to woo India's abovementioned style seeker. Other cities would be next.

"To begin with, it would be our main offices dealing with Gage products, and later on, we will distribute the same through our channel partners in B and C cities too."

Expect plenty of ceiling talk, as interior planners get sensitised to an ever widening matrix of options.