Ceilings firm Knauf AMF chosen by Americana for Dubai restaurant work
European ceilings manufacturer chosen for Pizza Hut and KFC outlets in Dubai
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Acoustic ceilings from Knauf AMF, a leading European manufacturer of high-quality ceiling systems, were recently chosen by Americana Group, the largest operator of globally recognised
quick service dining chains in the world, for two of its most famous brands in Dubai, UAE.
Americana selected the Heradesign Superfine ceiling system for the Kentucky Fried Chicken
outlet at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Pizza Hut at Al Ghurair Centre Dubai, and has
specified Knauf AMF ceilings for all the new restaurants for the group and its YUM! brands
franchisees in Dubai.
Sreejith Panicker, director-operations for Middle East at Knauf AMF, explains that the company
has been working with Americana’s design manager from the start to finalise these designs, and as such, the product has now been specified in the finishes schedule as part of their new design.
Americana design manager Dinesh Talitaya explains why Heradesign was chosen: “Noise can
be a problem for restaurant diners. We wanted to create a more relaxed environment for our
customers. Acoustic control was key to the success of the design which is why we chose
Heradesign. We were also attracted to the unique textured surface of Heradesign, as it adds a
natural warmth to the interiors.”
Flexible
Heradesign are high-performance ceiling and wall panels manufactured from sustainably
sourced wood-wool. They offer the highest sound absorption – Class A – and can control the
ambient sound level by reducing the level of reverberation and helping to improve speech
intelligibility, and create a relaxed atmosphere for dining and conversation, Panicker remarks.
“The panels offer designers the opportunity to create truly unique interiors as they are available
in a choice of five different surface patterns, different thicknesses and edge details; and can be
specified in any colour the customers may want,” he says.
The ceilings in the Americana restaurants are in umbra grey fitted with a matching grid that help
give them a distinctive appearance.
There are many flexible installation possibilities with Heradesign. The panels can be installed
using a concealed grid that achieves the impression of a seamless surface, or hung from the
ceiling as rafts, fins or baffles. In areas that require additional acoustic control, the wall panels
can provide extra sound absorption.
Heradesign is ideal for various interior spaces, thanks to its ability to create the right visual and
acoustic balance, Panicker adds.
He continues: “Humidity level changes in the restaurants will not weaken Heradesign ceilings as
they can tolerate conditions of up to 90 per cent RH (relative humidity). The panels are durable
and can withstand demounting to allow access to the services in the ceiling void. Lighting, airconditioning and signage systems integrate seamlessly with Heradesign, producing an
uncluttered look.
“The ceilings were installed quickly and on time, which contributed to the restaurants’ successful
opening. Heradesign panels are easy to install, thanks to their accurate and robust edges. At
the restaurants, the ceilings were fitted using an exposed AMF Ventatec grid system that simply
clicks into place,” says Talitaya.
Knauf AMF (www.knaufamf.com) manufactures its high-performance acoustic ceiling systems in
Germany, in one of the most modern factories in the world. The company continues to innovate
and develop new suspended ceiling products including rafts, baffles and acoustic wall panels.
The team at Knauf AMF has in-depth knowledge of room acoustics for different sectors.
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