Helena Regional Airport, Helena, Mont.
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS: CWG Architecture and PSH+
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Dick Anderson Construction
CEILING INSTALLER: Just Rite Acoustics
MATERIALS
The Passenger Terminal Expansion, which opened in October 2020, added 20,000 square feet of new space and more than 300 seats inside of the secured area beyond the TSA checkpoint. With these improvements, the airport is able to simultaneously serve six aircraft and their passengers.
Three of Rockfon’s metal ceiling systems served as the terminal expansion’s basis of design. PSH+ selected linear and curved shapes in multiple sizes and a choice of finishes.
Above the new, expanded TSA screening checkpoint, Just Rite Acoustics installed 4,400 square feet of Rockfon Planar Plus 4-inch aluminum linear ceilings with perforations and an acoustical backer. This acoustical enhancement allows the ceiling system to achieve an NRC rating of up to 0.90. Ceilings with high NRC ratings absorb sound, which helps keep conversations at a comfortable level, enhancing speech privacy, reducing stress and allowing travelers to hear important announcements.
The visible surface of Rockfon’s linear metal panels was finished in Satin Silver to emphasize the terminal’s new, modern look. White finishes were applied to the other Rockfon aluminum ceiling panels to present a bright, clean appearance.
Prior to the expansion, grab-and-go snacks were the sole food option offered inside the security checkpoint, and only 177 seats were available. Now, there are 500 seats, a new Smokejumper Landing bar and restaurant, charging ports and 16 Wi-Fi hotspots within the terminal.
Complementing these amenities, the ceiling showcases a relaxing waveform created with 1,100 square feet of Rockfon Curvgrid 2- by 6-foot panels. This two-directional curved ceiling system arches and undulates along the interior wall and above the bar. Tight joint splices and miters accentuate the Curvgrid panels’ smooth, rolling appearance. Rockfon’s patented primary carrier also reduces labor-intensive hanger drops by more than 50 percent.
Near the gates, Rockfon Spanair Torsion Spring 2- by 8-foot aluminum panels were selected for their crisp aesthetic and easy access to the plenum. The torsion- spring mounting lets maintenance staff easily remove the panels when needed to access the plenum for ventilation, audiovisual, fire suppression, security-system upgrades or future renovations.
Helping support healthy indoor air quality for airport staff and passengers, Rockfon’s metal ceilings contain no organic compounds and are simple to clean. Manufactured with 75 to 100 percent recycled content, Rockfon’s metal ceiling systems can be 100 percent locally recycled at the end of their useful life.
CEILING SYSTEMS MANUFACTURER: Rockfon
PHOTOS: Heidi Long, Longviews Studios Inc.