Hunter Douglas presents Combi-Line, a unique ceiling installation system

Endless modulation possibilities

The unique Combi-Line installation system is equipped with clips compatible with different solutions offered by Hunter Douglas Architectural: 30 BD / BXD metal slats, 30WL60 veneered wood linear panels and 30HL60 HeartFelt® felt panels. It allows the assembly of three different materials and styles of panels on a single support, and in all directions.

The possibilities are endless: Combi-Line makes it possible to break lines for a design with less linearity, to create random patterns and free spaces, etc. The new system, designed by Hunter Douglas Architectural, thus gives each architect the opportunity to compose an unusual modular ceiling, with a wide range of panels offering different materials and existing in different finishes.

In addition, each panel can be removed independently of the others: the clips, specially designed for HeartFelt® slats and linear panels in veneered wood or metal, are inserted on the steel support rail and are fixed in pre- defined.

Design and development: creating from a challenge

Combi-Line was born thanks to a challenge encountered on an important project. Indeed, the ingenious system was tailor-made by Hunter Douglas Architectural for the terminal at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, where it was installed in 2015. With the architects in charge of the project, the Research team and Development (R&D) of the manufacturer worked on the development of a system equipped with clips integrated into the rail; the aim being to allow the installation of the ceiling panels in a random manner, while guaranteeing the possibility of creating large open spaces on the plenum.

Satisfied with the result and convinced of the potential of this custom-made ceiling installation system, the Hunter Douglas Architectural team decided to continue developing it. This is how Combi-Line was born.

Michiel Langeveld, Research and Development Manager at Hunter Douglas Architectural, was responsible for developing the solution. He explains: “As we worked on the ideal solution for the airport project, we knew immediately that this new flexible system had great potential. We realized with enthusiasm that we could innovate, by combining the clips compatible with the different types of blades to allow them to be interchanged. I asked the architects if the possibility of mixing the panels would be interesting for them, and they answered in the affirmative. "

During the development of the system, the Hunter Douglas Architectural R&D team also developed a robot programmed to leave marks on the rail, at the exact positions where each slat needs to be attached.

Customized aesthetic and technical solution

For Hunter Douglas Architectural, Combi-Line is a product which offers the architect exceptional freedom in his design.

Pieter van Rees, Business Development Manager at Hunter Douglas Architectural explains: “Not only does the system allow for the random placement of the panels, it also represents an aesthetic solution for spaces left open on the plenum as they are better integrated into the design. . "

Furthermore, thanks to the diversity of compatible panels, the color choices are wide; several combinations, corresponding to different styles, are offered by Hunter Douglas Architectural.

On the technical side, Combi-Line offers ideal acoustic performance to create a pleasant environment: this ceiling system provides a maximum absorption value (αw) of 0,70 depending on the ceiling and the arrangement of the slats. In addition, as with all Hunter Douglas Architectural ceiling systems, the plenum is easily accessible for maintenance needs and each panel can be removed independently of the others.

Combi-Line: a system and various ceiling panels for a unique design.

With Combi-Line, the manufacturer thus intends to demonstrate that it is possible to create unique ceilings.

Pieter van Rees adds: “The development of Combi-Line proves even more: it shows that even an international company can offer individual, tailor-made solutions, whatever the project. "

Indeed, for the second phase of the development of the project concerning the terminal at Amsterdam-Schiphol airport, Hunter Douglas Architectural created a module of 135,5 mm (distance separating the centers of the panels) against 60 mm for the standard model.

Thanks to the diversity of design offered and its admirable acoustic performance, Combi-Line is suitable for all sectors: companies, transport (airports, metro or bus stations, train stations), shops, leisure, public spaces, hotels, etc. residences or health or educational establishments.