When architect Rudy Uytenhaak envisaged a ceiling sweeping down to floor level within a new development Amsterdam, Faculty of Natural Science, it was Hunter Douglas that turned his bold idea into reality.

The company was chosen to supply the bespoke wooden ceiling solution for the innovatively designed Faculty of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, which curves down the building’s walls to provide benched seating areas in the main atrium.

Using American Ash as the main material, Hunter Douglas produced a curved grid solution that covers a total of 2,721 m2 and provides a striking finish to the prestigious building.

Hunter Douglas solid wood ceilings introduce a beautiful and organic element that fits in many applications from commercial projects, to hotels, restaurants and lecture theatres. The wall and ceiling system features a durable construction and has design flexibility that is perfectly shown off in the Amsterdam building. The type of curved and undulating sections seen in Amsterdam are easily formed, thanks to the specially engineered suspension system.

The design for the Faculty of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science involves the integration of a comprehensive faculty building within the Science Park in Amsterdam East. The contract was acquired through an international competition.

The 65,000m² building needed to combine the functionality of the laboratories and offices, with the public areas that required more of a design-led impact.

The grid system developed by Hunter Douglas, consists of solid wooden slats, fixed by flexible dowels. This type of open grid ceiling is very useful in areas that require a high degree of acoustic control. Expansion and contraction of the wood, caused by fluctuations in humidity, is evenly divided over the length and width of the panels, which are 100% demountable by removing the clips from the suspension rails.

The wooden panels can be treated with a special fire retardant or they can be impregnated with a FR substance through a vacuum pressure method.
Hunter Douglas uses only the finest quality of wood in the ceiling system. From raw timber to finished ceiling system, the company’s production process is carried out with the latest computer controlled machinery and closest supervision to ensure a high quality product.

A rich tradition of product innovation stretching back 40 years has made Hunter Douglas the company of choice for those seeking high quality architectural solutions. Hunter Douglas works closely with architects, designers and builders from specification to installation and has a track record of bringing breakthrough products to market.

The Amsterdam project was slightly unusual as the remit included designing the interior and furniture, which is where the ceiling sweeping down to form seating became so important to the finished building.

The use of natural materials was also important, elsewhere there are custom cabinet walls that are double sided to use and offer open and closed shelf space, incorporate lockers for storing personal belongings and are bound together in a bamboo framework.