Volumetric stretch ceilings, their properties, shapes, methods of creation using three-dimensional images and special profiles. Volumetric stretch ceilings are structures made using 3D technology, which allows you to create a three-dimensional effect of space. Models of such figures are designed in a virtual environment using special programs. Finished products with incomparable beauty and amazing shapes are used to decorate the interiors of residential and public premises.
Stretch volumetric ceilings properties
Despite its versatility in use, stretch volumetric ceilings look more advantageous in rooms with a large space. Small rooms designed in this way can even have a negative impact on the perception of their occupants.
Any stretch ceiling is a system consisting of special profiles and a canvas, which is installed at a certain distance from the base floor. Profiles are made of plastic or aluminum, and the canvases are made of PVC film or polyester. To obtain a three-dimensional effect, manufacturers apply a volumetric pattern to the flat surface of the canvas in a special way, or, using curved profiles, give the material itself various reliefs and any shapes.
Stretch ceilings made of polyester are not afraid of sudden changes in temperature, their installation is carried out according to a simplified version that does not require the use of thermal heaters to heat the canvas. Vinyl is more difficult to install as it requires heating to tension. However, such material is absolutely resistant to moisture. In case of flooding of the room from the upper floor, the situation is easily corrected: it is enough to drain the water from the ceiling and wait for it to dry.
It is PVC ceilings with special processing of their material that can create various effects. They have a matte, glossy finish and embossed structure. The most impressive effect is produced by glossy ceilings when their gloss and 3D image are combined. At the same time, the drawing has the maximum volume, and the mirror reflection of the canvas complements the picture.
Large patterns are usually applied to matte stretch ceilings, since their non-reflective base is an excellent background. And, finally, satin canvases, with a slight relief, expand the boundaries of the drawings, making their shapes and colors deeper.
Stretch ceilings can have not only three-dimensional images, but also waves, shapes, and other volumetric relief. However, it should be borne in mind that the implementation of such a design of premises requires their height of at least 2, 8 m. Otherwise, the whole effect will be reduced to cluttering the space of the room and no more.
Advantages of 3D stretch ceilings
Decorating rooms with voluminous ceilings has many advantages, here are some of them:
- Cloths are durable and practical, their care does not require much effort, you can even use wet cleaning.
- All structural elements of the three-dimensional ceiling have excellent wear resistance.
- Stretch 3d coating completely hides external defects of the base ceiling, which does not require additional leveling.
- Installation of a three-dimensional ceiling can be carried out in just a few hours with a minimum amount of debris and dust.
- The ceiling material is environmentally friendly and safe for health.
- The canvas has antistatic properties, therefore it is not a place for collecting dust and the cause of allergic reactions of the body.
- Profitability of coverage: despite its initial cost up to 1500 rubles / m2, the costs are fully paid off due to the long service life of the ceiling for more than 15 years.
The main forms of stretch volumetric ceilings
Volumetric structures of stretch ceilings have several main types:
- Arch … It provides the effect of a roundness of the coating with its smooth transitions from walls to ceiling. The radius of curvature is chosen according to the project and depending on the design requirements. In addition, such a ceiling design can harmoniously combine rows of arches with different radii and heights. When using glossy canvases, their mirror effect visually expands the space and increases the height of the room. Arches can be located around the perimeter of the room, forming a kind of dome.
- Cone … With this design of the ceiling, its canvas resembles the vault of a cave with stalactites. Each cone is usually decorated at the end with a lamp or abuts against a column, if there is one in the room. The bottom of the structure can look like a truncated plane of a rectangle, square, circle or oval.
- Waves … This technology provides for fastening the canvas on curved guiding profiles of a wavy shape, fixed on the walls. Coverage waves can be the same or have different amplitudes. The effect of the ceiling is reminiscent of the surf or sand dunes. The design of the undulating ceiling is one of the most difficult to install, although it creates a beautiful volumetric appearance of the coating.
The above methods of decorating three-dimensional ceilings are by no means the only ones. Design solutions can combine them with each other, creating coatings of the most amazing shapes.
Volumetric stretch ceiling installation technology
To add volume to the ceiling surface using a stretch fabric, two approaches are used: applying a three-dimensional pattern to it or forming an entire volumetric structure. The first option assumes the usual flat shape of the ceiling with its horizontal position. In the second, bends of the covering are planned with the creation of a 3D effect of the entire tensioning system.
Drawing an image on a stretch fabric
The technology for obtaining a three-dimensional image on the canvas uses a photo printing method. Any drawing can be selected from a catalog containing a photo of suspended volumetric ceilings. It is also possible to offer designers your own version. The method allows you to easily print any design, while it will be as resistant to moisture and sunlight as the main material of the ceiling.
The model of the future structure helps to create computer programs that can perform 3D images and allow you to clearly see from all sides the planned design of the ceiling, including its smallest details. The software allows you to perform calculations, create individual sketches of parts of the canvas and choose color schemes.
A special printer with a wide-format resolution allows you to get a 3D drawing on the canvas. Its subject matter cannot be limited by anything except common sense. Any customer has the opportunity to choose a ceiling design that matches his idea of design. Celestial bodies, landscapes, fauna and flora are considered popular themes.
The picture can be applied to the entire canvas or to a certain part of it. In spacious rooms, as a rule, larger images are used. If it is necessary to divide the space into visual zones, it is enough to separate parts of the image on the canvas with a color effect.
Drawings are applied to any type of canvas - textile and vinyl matte, glossy or satin. Film canvases supplied in rolls have a width limitation of 5 m. Therefore, if you need to install a three-dimensional ceiling in a large room, you will have to adjust the image or use another material.
It is for the ceilings of spacious rooms that it is recommended to use seamless polyester fabrics. The most acceptable solution for the installation of 3D structures today is a combination of a stretch ceiling and a plasterboard system. In this case, a vinyl canvas with a three-dimensional pattern occupies small areas, limited, for example, by geometric shapes, etc.
Lighting helps to emphasize the volume of the image, which plays a very important role in the design of the ceiling space. To create a three-dimensional effect, it is impossible to do without additional lamps.
The technology of printing a picture plans to apply it to the canvas in a compressed form. Therefore, only after stretching the ceiling, you can see its beauty and appreciate the design of the designers. Photo printing is the easiest way to create a 3D effect for a stretch ceiling. It is these canvases that can be installed in those rooms that do not have sufficient height.
Formation of a volumetric structure on the ceiling
The volumetric structure of a stretch ceiling is more difficult to install, but much more effective. In this case, the canvas is stretched over a frame, which has a special shape and gives the figure various bends.
A good solution using volumetric coatings of such a plan is an arch or dome. They fit perfectly into the interiors of many rooms. You can simulate a sea wave, highlight the location of the lamp, or create a figured composition from the film. Any structure will look very beautiful, but sufficient room height is required to assemble it. Therefore, before making a volumetric ceiling, you need to determine this possibility.
Three-dimensional tension systems are installed using almost the same technology as flat ones, with the exception of minor differences. There are three main methods for securing canvases:
- Klinovoy … In this way, the film is fixed in the profiles with special wedges, which cannot be dismantled in the future. The edges of the web are not processed, therefore accurate calculations are not required during installation. After installing the ceiling, the excess canvas is simply cut off.
- Harpoon … This method provides for a special fastening system located along the edge of the canvas. These are harpoon hooks that are tucked into the wall profile when the web is pulled. For re-fastening of the curtain, their partial dismantling is possible. This is very convenient when the ceiling is flooded from the upper floor: you can detach any corner of the canvas and drain the water. This installation method is often used on PVC sheets. During installation, accurate calculations are important to avoid sagging of the material after tension.
- Shtapikovy … This technique excludes the installation of a ceiling plinth. The edges of the curtain are fixed to the wall using plastic or aluminum strips.
The main difference between the above methods of fixing the film with a 3D effect from traditional stretch ceilings is the use, in addition to standard profiles, of additional dividers that look like three-dimensional edges. Thus, the main elements of a volumetric structure are a canvas, a baguette, three-dimensional dividers and a frame in the case of a multi-level system installation.
Often, the volumetric effect can only be achieved when the lighting is on. Therefore, the lamps can be safely included in one of the most essential elements of the volumetric stretch ceiling.
How to make a volumetric stretch ceiling - watch the video:
Having a three-dimensional stretch ceiling, you can forget about the problems associated with the use of painted, plastered or hemmed coatings. Good luck!
