May 2, 2014

Suspended Ceiling (British Columbia) --
Hard Rock Casino

Photo by Bob Matheson Architectural Photography

Crews built three complex ceiling layers at the Hard Rock Casino.

Location: Coquitlam

Contractor: Peninsula Wall and Ceiling

Architect: Chris Dikeakos Architects

Team: CGC/USG; B.C. Ceiling Systems

The first Hard Rock Casino in Canada opened in December 2013 after undergoing an extensive renovation. The building has an 80,000-square-foot casino, 1,100-seat music venue and seven dining outlets — making it the largest casino in British Columbia.

Perhaps the most striking features of the iconic casino are the ceilings’ bold design and dramatic lighting. The suspended ceiling over the main gaming floor has circular translucent tiles that gradually change color.

The ceiling is actually three complex ceiling constructions in one. First, a CGC Donn DGLW face drywall suspension system was used to provide a flat surface upon which to work. Large hexagonal boxes were then built into the suspended ceiling to house LED lights and prevent horizontal “bleeding” of the lighting effect.

An acoustical ceiling tile system was installed below with circular cutouts aligned with the trimmed openings. Finally, USG translucent lenses were installed in the circular openings.

Construction of the ceiling was challenging because the casino was operating the entire time. A firewall was constructed in the middle of the ceiling from the floor to the underside of the deck so that one side or the other could be open to the public. When the firewall finally came down, the two halves were seamlessly tied together.

Judge’s comment: “Outstanding installation of this complex ceiling design produced the striking effects of the finished product. Bold designs and dramatic lighting provide a memorable experience for the patrons of this entertainment facility.”

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