Americana Group is the largest operator of globally recognised quick service dining chains in the world. HERADESIGN® Superfine ceiling systems were chosen recently for two of its most famous brands: Kentucky Fried Chicken in Jumeirah Beach and Pizza Hut in Al-Ghurair.

Products from Knauf Ceiling Solutions are to be fitted in all new restaurants for Americana Group and their YUM brands franchisees in Dubai. 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 textured surface of HERADESIGN®, it adds a natural warmth to the interiors.”

HERADESIGN® are high-performance ceiling and wall panels manufactured from sustainably sourced wood wool. HERADESIGN® offers the highest sound absorption (Class A) and can control the ambient sound level by reducing the level of reverberation, helping to improve speech intelligibility and create a relaxed atmosphere for dining and conversation.

HERADESIGN® offers designers the opportunity to create truly unique interiors as it is available in a choice of five different surface patterns, different thicknesses and edge details and can be specified in any colour of your choice. The ceilings in the Americana restaurants are in Umbra Grey (RAL 7022) fitted with a matching exposed grid that help give it 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 canopies or baffles. In areas which require additional acoustic control, HERADESIGN® wall panels can provide extra sound absorption. HERADESIGN® is ideal for many interiors thanks to its ability to create the right visual and acoustic balance.

Humidity level changes in the restaurants will not weaken HERADESIGN® ceilings as they offer up to 90% RH. HERADESIGN® panels are durable and can withstand demounting to allow access to the services in the ceiling void. Lighting, air conditioning 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 light weight and robust edges. At the restaurants, the ceilings were fitted using an exposed Knauf Ceiling Solutions grid system that simply clicks into place.”