Open Plenums Gain Popularity, but be Careful
Oct. 29, 2019
by Karen Kroll
While open plenum spaces have gained popularity, they’re not a panacea, nor can they be used everywhere. For instance, they can’t be used in many healthcare settings, Barnes says, noting that open ceilings “would have lots of places for dust and microbes to hide.”
Acoustics is another concern. In a traditional closed ceiling, the acoustical ceiling panel typically does a decent job of absorbing sound. With an open plenum, that acoustical line of defense is lost.
For instance, designing an open plenum in a reception area that already has a hard-surface floor could make it difficult for employees at the front desk to hear people phoning the company. When deciding on a ceiling design and materials, it’s critical to first understand how the space will be used.