Year Installed:
2023/24
When LM Architectural Group and Environmental Space Planning began designing the new Nanatawiwewakamik Health Centre of Excellence, they envisioned a space deeply connected to its environment and cultural context. Drawing inspiration from frozen lakes and the rugged northern landscape, the architects designed a ceiling concept that resembled cracked ice—angular, fragmented, and dynamic.
Originally, the concept called for wood slats in between exposed beams. As the vision evolved, it shifted toward a sculptural acoustic treatment that would deliver the cracked-ice aesthetic using suspended ceiling clouds with precise black reveals.
Custom Clouds
The design posed several technical challenges that required completely custom fabrication and hardware:
Custom Clouds
Hush Acoustics engineered a completely custom suspension system to meet the project’s needs. The system featured:
1. Clip-on mounting hardware:
Each panel could be independently removed and reattached for above-ceiling access—no tools required.
Custom Clouds
2. One-of-a-kind panel shapes and sizes:
Based on site measurements, Hush created dozens of individually sized acoustic clouds to complete the circle around the central star feature.
3. Two-inch visual reveals:
By maintaining exact spacing between panels, the black gaps visually disappear into the ceiling, capturing the “cracked ice” illusion with dramatic clarity.
“Everything we did was custom. They came to us with a concept, and we made it happen!”
CARL BRADFORD, P&D Manager, Hush Acoustics
The centerpiece—a radial star at the heart of the room—was crafted using the same suspension system, with angular panels locking into place cleanly and securely.
CUSTOM PRODUCT
Office: LM Architectural Group and Environmental Space Planning
Photography: Lindsay Reid Photo
