May 4, 2026

WASHINGTON: Suspended Ceiling

Photo by Benjamin Benschneider [enlarge]

The project team coordinated carefully to achieve a continuous flowing form while using a product not inherently designed to curve.

Research facility

Location: Seattle

Contractor: Anning-Johnson Company

Architect: Flad Architects

Labor partners: Laborers International Union of North America; Western States Carpenters

This tenant improvement project for an undisclosed confidential client within an existing building in Seattle features a custom suspended wood ceiling system developed as a prototype for future phases currently under construction. The project involved the design and installation of a highly sculptural ceiling intended to evoke the motion of a wave approaching shore. Flad Architects and Anning-Johnson Company collaborated closely to translate this conceptual design into a buildable and repeatable system. Anning-Johnson performed the complete suspended ceiling scope, including the custom fabrication and installation of the wood ceiling assemblies.

The complexity of the ceiling geometry and the requirement to achieve a continuous flowing form while using a product not inherently designed to curve in this manner made this project unique and challenging. Over several months of design coordination with the architect and general contractor, Anning-Johnson constructed a full-scale mock-up in its warehouse to study geometry, attachment methods, and visual continuity. This process allowed the project team to refine the system and achieve the desired architectural expression.

The city of Seattle required the entire ceiling system to be provided with toolless access. To meet this requirement, Anning-Johnson engineered the ceiling as a torsion spring system, introducing additional technical and coordination challenges. The installation required repositioning panel backers to align with the suspension grid, as well as close collaboration with the manufacturer, who modified backer locations on each panel to match field conditions.

When reviewing the entries for this award the judges were impressed by the thoughtful problem-solving, and execution of the toolless access system. The team delivered a custom ceiling system that met regulatory requirements while maintaining the design intent and a high level of craftsmanship.

Other Stories:

• WASHINGTON: Interior over $1 million
  
• WASHINGTON: Stucco/EIFS
  
• WASHINGTON: Renovation
  
• WASHINGTON: Light-Gauge Steel Framing over $1 million
  
• WASHINGTON: Exterior Commercial
  
• WASHINGTON: Exterior Residential
  
• OREGON: Restoration
  
• OREGON: Renovation
  
• OREGON: Light-Gauge Steel Framing under $1 million
  
• OREGON: Light-Gauge Steel Framing over $1 million
  
• OREGON: Suspended Ceiling
  
• OREGON: Exterior, Commercial
  
• OREGON: Interior under $1 million
  
• OREGON: Interior over $1 million
  
• OREGON: Stucco / EIFS