Amid the dynamic setting of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Delta Sky Club has been thoughtfully redesigned to blend modern aesthetics with practical functionality. The Luminux ceiling project, designed by Dana Ladd and Kathryn Seeley from Warner Summers in Atlanta and engineered by ONSITE Woodwork for installation, highlights a careful balance of creativity, precision, and purpose.
A Vision Materialized
The centerpiece of this endeavor was an intricate ceiling installation featuring 55 triangular Luminux mirror panels, some extending up to seven feet in length. These panels were mounted on lightweight aluminum composite material (ACM) boards and affixed using Monarch Adhesive-Backed Z Clips. This combination ensured a secure, seamless finish while meeting the rigorous design and structural requirements of the space.
The Role of Luminux Reflective Mirrored Panels
For designers, the Luminux ceiling panels used in this project exemplify the potential use of innovative materials. These panels provide a stunning reflective finish without the weight and fragility of glass, allowing for greater flexibility and safety. Their ability to be modified onsite further underscores their suitability for demanding projects.
Overcoming Challenges
Bringing such a complex design to life involved navigating several challenges:
Tight Deadlines: The team needed to coordinate design, fabrication, and installation with precision to meet the project's swift timeline.
Structural Considerations: Matching the panels’ durability and lightweight, the use of ACM boards provided the required support for hidden fasteners, without adding excessive bulk.
Ease of Installation: Thanks to the lightweight nature of Luminux panels, handling and installation were simplified, minimizing logistical hurdles.
Safety First: Unlike traditional glass, these panels eliminate the risk of cracking or shattering during installation while also streamlining and accelerating the installation process.
Adaptability: Onsite modifications, including precise hole cutting and drilling, seamlessly accommodated required features such as lighting and sprinklers without disrupting the design.
Aesthetic Excellence: Despite these challenges, the final result maintained the luxurious and reflective quality expected in Delta’s premium lounge spaces.
Material Choice: Luminux Ceiling Antique Mirror Panels
Luminux antique mirror panels were selected for this project due to their remarkable combination of lightweight design and adaptability, while also mimicking the reflective and pattern appeal of antique mirrors.
These features were critical for seamlessly incorporating necessary elements like lights and sprinklers into the ceiling. Unlike traditional glass mirrors, which can be cumbersome and fragile, Luminux ceiling antique mirrors allow for onsite modifications, which include precise cutting and drilling, without sacrificing structural integrity or the polished aesthetic.
The development process was a collaborative effort between the Luminux and installation teams. In order to realize the architect's design direction, we ensured the design met both creative aspirations and functional requirements. Eddie Martinez from ONSITE shared, “We had to finalize a pattern that satisfied the architect’s vision, could be produced by Luminux, and was practical for installation.” This iterative approach underscored the dedication to achieving a flawless outcome.
Crating and Shipping
With 55 large triangular panels, some spanning up to seven feet, protecting these finished pieces during transit was a critical priority. Each panel was individually wrapped with care and meticulously labeled, ensuring efficient handling and straightforward installation upon arrival.
To further safeguard the shipment, a custom-designed crate was crafted specifically to house the panels securely. Although slightly oversized, the crate provided the necessary buffer to prevent any damage during transportation.
Thanks to these detailed precautions, the panels arrived at Charlotte Airport in pristine condition, ready to be installed without delays or complications.
Installation Process
Precision Planning with Ceiling Scans
To ensure a flawless application, the installation team used advanced ceiling scans to map out the exact layout. This meticulous preparation was crucial for achieving the precise 1/8” gap between each of the panels as specified by the designers.
Overcoming Material Challenges
Initially, the team explored cleats and Z-clips to secure the panels, but these options required a thicker substrate. Instead, ACM boards were chosen for their durability and lightweight nature. Eddie Martinez from ONSITE noted, “Monarch MFTAPE was easy to use with the Luminux laminated to ACM panels,” providing a strong, clean bond that met the project’s structural and aesthetic requirements.
Meticulous Alignment for Visual and Structural Perfection
The installation, executed by ONSITE Woodwork, demanded a high level of precision to ensure each triangular panel fit seamlessly into the overall design. Mounted on ¼” ACM boards for stability and to prevent warping, the panels were carefully aligned. Eddie Martinez explained, “Aligning each piece took careful effort, but our team managed to complete it within a reasonable timeframe.” The result was a perfectly aligned ceiling that embodied both the artistic vision and structural integrity.
Adaptability and Integration
Throughout the process, onsite drilling was often required to accommodate lighting and sprinkler systems. The flexibility of Luminux ceiling antique mirror panels ensured the design integrated these elements without compromising its appearance or functionality. Martinez added, “We were actually able to install all the panels first, and then the electrical team used laser technology to mark the light locations. This allowed us to drill directly in place, ensuring precise alignment and minimal disruption to the finished design.”
Streamlined Adhesion and Finishing Touches
Onsite's use of Monarch MFTAPE, a high-strength adhesive system, was instrumental in creating a secure and polished finish. This method of hidden fasteners eliminated visual interruptions and enhanced the ceiling’s sleek appearance while providing long-lasting durability. By combining innovative materials and precise techniques, the team delivered an installation that was both striking and robust.
Conclusion: Redefining Design Boundaries
Inspiration for Interior Designers: Balancing Design and Functionality
The Delta Sky Club ceiling project exemplifies how luxury and practicality can coexist, even in demanding, high-traffic environments like airport lounges. Its design achieves:
Dynamic Elegance: Reflecting light to cultivate a vibrant, upscale ambiance.
Practical Design: Addressing critical considerations such as fire safety and ease of installation and maintenance.
Material Innovation: Showcasing the versatility and potential of lightweight, adaptable materials for modern interiors.
For interior designers, this project underscores the vital role of collaboration, thoughtful material selection, and creative problem-solving in bringing ambitious visions to life.
The Delta Sky Club ceiling is more than a design feature—it tells a story of teamwork, ingenuity, and expert craftsmanship. By combining advanced materials with meticulous design execution, the space represents a perfect harmony of aesthetics and function, raising the bar for high-end interior design.
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