The venue of the first BCO NextGen Northern Event, Central Square Leeds has become a symbol for wellbeing and sustainability in the Northern Powerhouse.

Inspired by the SAS fit-out of One Whitehall Riverside in the district, architects DLA Design tasked SAS to supply multiple metal ceilings for their landmark project.

The main entrance of Central Square opens into a vast, five-storey central atrium. With a curtain wall facade the challenge for SAS was to reduce the reverberation of sound created by the hard surfaces in the space. Concealed grid SAS200 megapanels with a continuous perforation create a pinstriped visual effect overhead and provide Class A absorption to the busy space.

To maximise the amount of natural light between the atrium and floor landings, the corridor ceilings were designed on a 30° slope. Full tile transition trims were used to form SAS330 modules with linear plank tiles. This ceiling solution gives flexibility allowing the architects to suspend the corridor solution on a diagonal plane and integrate multiple services and lighting.

Another dynamic aesthetic was developed using TCA1182 trims to integrate strip lighting over escalators. Described by the architects as ‘diving platforms’ each level has an illuminated mezzanine designed to lead visitors up the centre of the atrium to each floor.

A full tile layout, combined with a 7,500 building grid, presented the architect with an opportunity to redesign SAS330 on upper floors. To break up the expansive office areas, plain mega-panels were installed to align with structural features such as columns and window frames. Square 600x600 service tiles also traverse the rooms allowing for integration with square lights and air vents.

Nominated in the BREEAM and BCO Awards, Central Square is the new home of PwC and BDO.