Canopies by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were specified for new-look common areas in a Royal Masonic Benevolent Care home for the three As - aesthetics, acoustics and affordability.

Some 240 Optima L white mineral canopies were retro-fitted by Mitie Technical Facilities Management throughout the corridors in the home in Porthcawl near Cardiff. The brief from the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company, a registered charity, was to raise the quality of the ceiling finish without losing access to the existing installations that were surface mounted as well as delivering this in a cost-effective way.

The 40mm-thick Armstrong Optima L 1200mm x 1200mm canopies feature excellent sound absorption, light reflectance of 87% and fire reaction performance to Euroclass B-s1, d0, and are also fully recyclable. The charity's national project manager Rob Murray said: "I have used Armstrong products for many years and they deliver superior quality at an affordable price. To this particular project they bring aesthetics as well as reducing echoes within the corridors."

Ryan Devinett, electrical contracts manager for Mitie, said: "The project was completed with minimal challenges and with ease I am pleased to say. The Armstrong canopies performed as planned, reducing noise while making the ceilings aesthetically pleasing."