Cracked Ice Ceiling Concept for a Northern Health Centre
Year Installed:
2023/24
Location:
Norway House, MB
When LM Architectural Group and Environmental Space Planning began designing the new Nanatawiwewakamik Health Centre of Excellence, they envisioned a space deeply connected to its environment and cultural context. Drawing inspiration from frozen lakes and the rugged northern landscape, the architects designed a ceiling concept that resembled cracked ice—angular, fragmented, and dynamic.
Originally, the concept called for wood slats in between exposed beams. As the vision evolved, it shifted toward a sculptural acoustic treatment that would deliver the cracked-ice aesthetic using suspended ceiling clouds with precise black reveals.
The design posed several technical challenges that required completely custom fabrication and hardware:
Precision reveals: Every acoustic panel had to maintain exact 2-inch spacing to create the illusion of cracking ice—an exacting task given the irregular shapes and angles involved.
Field-based geometry: After the physical space was built, it was discovered that the circular center feature wasn’t perfectly symmetrical. This meant every single panel required unique sizing to match real-world conditions.
Maintenance flexibility: The facility needed full access to HVAC, sprinkler systems, and wiring above the panels—without using tools. The solution had to support non-invasive detachment and reinstallation of individual ceiling clouds.
Custom Clouds
Hush Acoustics engineered a completely custom suspension system to meet the project’s needs. The system featured:
1. Clip-on mounting hardware:
Each panel could be independently removed and reattached for above-ceiling access—no tools required.
Custom Clouds
2. One-of-a-kind panel shapes and sizes:
Based on site measurements, Hush created dozens of individually sized acoustic clouds to complete the circle around the central star feature.
Custom Clouds
3. Two-inch visual reveals:
By maintaining exact spacing between panels, the black gaps visually disappear into the ceiling, capturing the “cracked ice” illusion with dramatic clarity.
The centerpiece—a radial star at the heart of the room—was crafted using the same suspension system, with angular panels locking into place cleanly and securely.
Custom Clouds
Custom Clouds
Striking visual impact: The ceiling now serves as a central design statement, evoking the natural patterns of cracked ice and reinforcing the building’s northern identity.
Seamless access: Staff can now easily detach any panel for maintenance—an uncommon but highly functional feature in architectural acoustic systems.
Architectural alignment: Hush’s flexibility in fabrication and design ensured the final outcome aligned perfectly with the architect’s evolving vision.
The Nanatawiwewakamik Health Centre ceiling is a showcase of what happens when creative ambition meets acoustic innovation.
Products used:
Custom Product
Project credits:
Office: LM Architectural Group and Environmental Space Planning
Photography: Lindsay Reid Photo