This article is second in a series of metal ceiling tile articles looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the product in a variety of applications. Part One explored the allure and application of metal ceilings from an architect's perspective, using the large-scale commercial Darling Quarter project in Sydney as a case study. To get more news about perforated metal ceiling, you can visit boegger.net official website.

Metal ceilings may have seen recent use in large scale Australian commercial developments, particularly projects with a passive chilled beam cooling system, but this isn't to say they are for every project.

Architecture firms Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT) and Architectus used metal ceilings for this very application - the Darling Quarter project by FJMT and 1 Bligh Street by Architectus both incorporated metal ceilings to facilitate their passive chilled beam systems to an award winning effect.

However, Paul McDonald from Armstrong, the world's largest acoustical suspended ceiling manufacturer, predicts that this form of cooling system may see a decline in Australia and be replaced by active chilled beam systems; a trend he says is currently being seen throughout Europe and America.

"Passive chilled beam systems are in decline in Europe and America, active chilled beam systems are on the rise and they do not require a metal ceiling tile," he said.

Sean McPeake from FJMT was on the design team for the Darling Quarter project and said his decision to choose metal ceilings-a variety of perforated tiles from SAS International-over other options such as mineral fibre boards and timber tiles was based on its compatibility with a chilled beam system, its durability, and its sleek, commercial appearance.

Architecture & Design then put it to McDonald, whose company manufactures both metal and mineral fibre tiles, to delve a little deeper and explain why metal ceilings should be considered a superior product compared to the traditional mineral fibre tile.