Chapter – 5

Materials used in roofing & false ceiling

INTRODUCTION
A roof is the top covering of a building, including all materials and constructions
necessary to support it on the walls of the building or on uprights; it provides protection
against weather. The characteristics of a roof are dependent upon the purpose of the building,
available roofing materials and the local traditions of construction. In most countries a roof
protects primarily against rain & sun.

In early ages, when man started building his shelter, he used tree branches, animal
bones & skins to cover his shelter. Man slowly learned the make simple tools that would allow
them to build better structures, and later on these structures gradually evolved in shape and
form.
ROOFING TRENDS IN INDIA
There are a considerable variety of roofing materials. Tiles, slate, shingles are important
roofing materials in Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and parts of
Haryana. In Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa and West Bengal thatch, wood or
bamboo are most important roofing materials. Jammu and Kashmir have roofs of wood, slate
and thatch. In parts of northern plains, the use of semi-circular tiles for roofing is common.
Rajasthan being dry has flat roofs made of beaten earth. Pottery clay is used for manufacture of
tiles and drain pipes in Raniganj and Jabalpur.
All the building materials used can be put under two main categories. These are building
materials derived from (i) geological and (ii) vegetation origin. However, in recent years, new
building materials of industrial origin are being introduced. These are galvanized iron sheets,
metal sheets, cement concrete, asbestos sheets and factory made tiles. For durability and neat
look these materials are preferred by the rich people only and are indicative of the prosperity, of
the owners.

STONE ROOF:
Stone Roofing is predominantly seen in Himalayan region, Rajasthan and Haryana
region, Deccan beds of Andhra, Karnataka and Madhya pradesh.
In Himalayan region the rocks consist of limestone, dolomites, shale and slates. In
Rajasthan Marble & granite plays a vital role. In Andhra and Karnataka limestone, sandstone &
granite are available in abundant.

Fig.1 types of stone roofing

 Fig.2 parts of India where stone is used as roofing material

STONE SLAB ROOF WITH STONE JOIST

This type of roofing is common in mandapas & temples. Huge stone slabs are laid
adjacent to one another with the support of a corbel and stone beams or capitals on top of the
vertical supports.

Fig3. Stone slab roof technique

STONE SLAB WITH WOODEN RAFTERS
The dry Rayalaseema district of the Andhra Pradesh comprises of Cuddapah, Kurnool,
Anantapur and Chittoor districts and the houses of this region are entirely different from those
found in the coastal districts. The roofs are made of flat sheet stones spread over a wooden
frame. The upper portion of the roof is covered with saline clay.
Nurpur Houses & Kulu houses in Himachal pradesh follow similar flat stone roofs.

.
Fig4. Stone roofing with wooden rafters

STONE SLAB / SLATE SHINGLES SLOPED ROOF

These types of roofs are predominantly seen in Hilly regions where the availability of the
materials is abundant and precipitation is high. Kangra Houses in himachal pradesh.

Fig.5 Wooden roof frame Fig.6 Slate nailed to purlin

PATOD HOUSES
The stone slabs for the roofing are laid on top of the rafters overlapping each other. The
top surface of the rafters over which the stone slabs rest is fairly roughened and undulating to
give a good grip. These are also adjusted by placing a few small stones between the gaps of
the rafters and the roofing slabs to give a better hold. These roofs, being monolith stone slab do
not require a steep 45° slope saving on the usage of more materials.
 There may be a few small gaps in between these roofing slabs. To prevent leakages, the
joints between the two slabs are sealed with lime ‘bagra’. Sometimes these slabs are covered
with a thatch of kuncha reeds

THATCHED ROOF:

Thatching is the craft of

building a roof with dry
vegetation such as straw,
water reed, sedge,
rushes, or heather, layering
the vegetation so as to
shed water away from the
inner roof. It is a
very old roofing method
and has been used in both
tropical and temperate
climates. Thatch is a
natural insulator, and air
pockets within straw thatch
insulate a building in both
warm and cold
weather. A thatched roof
will ensure that a building
will be cool in summer and
warm in winter.
Their thermal insulation
value is high, so thatch
roofs are comfortable in
warm climates. The
actual degree of insulation
provided by the thatch will
depend upon both the type
of material and
how it is fixed. The
Experimented Thatch roof
consisted of layers of Palm
reeds, Bamboo reeds,
Thagavai reeds and layer of
Nannai straw. Schematic
diagram (Figure 13)
exterior view of the
house
Thatching is the craft of
building a roof with dry
vegetation such as straw,
water reed, sedge,
rushes, or heather, layering
the vegetation so as to
shed water away from the
inner roof. It is a
very old roofing method
and has been used in both
tropical and temperate
climates. Thatch is a
natural insulator, and air
pockets within straw thatch
insulate a building in both
warm and cold
weather. A thatched roof
will ensure that a building
will be cool in summer and
warm in winter.
Their thermal insulation
value is high, so thatch
roofs are comfortable in
warm climates. The
actual degree of insulation
provided by the thatch will
depend upon both the type
of material and
how it is fixed. The
Experimented Thatch roof
consisted of layers of Palm
reeds, Bamboo reeds,
Thagavai reeds and layer of
Nannai straw. Schematic
diagram (Figure 13)
exterior view of the
house
Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation such as straw, water reed,
sedge, rushes, or heather, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof.
It is a very old roofing method and has been used in both tropical and temperate climates.
Thatch is a natural insulator, and air pockets within straw thatch insulate a building in both warm
and cold weather. A thatched roof will ensure that a building will be cool in summer and warm in
winter. Their thermal insulation value is high, so thatch roofs are comfortable in warm climates.
The actual degree of insulation provided by the thatch will depend upon both the type of
material and how it is fixed. The Experimented Thatch roof consisted of layers of Palm reeds,
Bamboo reeds, Thagavai reeds and layer of Nannai straw. Schematic diagram (Figure 7)
exterior view of the house (fig 8)

Figure 7: Schematic section of Thatch roof Figure 8: Exterior view of house with
Thatch roof

CLAY TILE ROOFING:

 Terracotta clay roof tiles are attractive, impermeable and durable. Terracotta is a
natural material, made from clay that is fired at a high temperature until it vitrifies or fuses.
Vitrification creates a hard, waterproof surface that withstands rain, snow, cycles of freezing and
thawing and wears well in coastal areas with salt air. They are fireproof, last up to 100 years or
more and are almost maintenance-free. Because they are made from clay, terracotta tiles are
easy to recycle and do not harm the environment. Roofing structure is formed with help of
rafters and purlins and the tiles are carefully overlapped.

Fig 9. Clay tile roofing using Mangalore tiles

MUD ROOF
 Mud roof is done on the teak wood boards which are 4 mm to 5 mm thick. These
wooden boards are nailed to the wooden joists. 2.5 cm thick layer of wood shaving is spread
over the wooden board. Bricks are laid on edge over the wood shaving. Bricks are laid with lime
or mud mortar. 8 to 10 cm thick layer of mud is spread between the bricks. This layer is become
beaten hard. At last, 2.5 cm thick layer of white earth containing a high percentage of sodium
salts is applied. This top layer has to be renewed once in a year. These roofs provide insulation
against heat and thus keep the building cool and comfortable. 
A traditional Ladakhi roof is made from poplar beams and willow twigs covered with
straw, grass, mud and clay. Ladakhi ‘yagtses’ grass, a traditional stopgap layer, can absorb
water several times its volume. The grass also serves to insulate the roof. The final layer of soil
on the roof is applied wet, and its mix can include straw, and even the dung of cows, donkeys or
horses to increase its solidness as people often walk on the flat roofs. They are used for
gathering and for performing certain household chores.

MADRAS TERRACE:
Wooden beams, normally teak wood in those days, would be first placed upon opposite
walls across the width of the room, 450 to 600 millimetres apart. In case room spans are wider,
steel sections would be first placed dividing the room into shorter spans, along which teak
beams run. High density and high strength clay bricks, made to special thin size measuring
25mm x 75mm x 150mm, are used in Madras terracing. Properly mixed and matured lime
mortar is used for bonding the flat tiles that are placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the wall, or
diagonally across the room width. These terrace tiles, placed on the edge, ensured tensile
strength. Thereafter, a three-inch thick layer of broken bricks or brick bats would be laid where
nearly half the volume would be made up of lime mortar, three parts brick, one part gravel and
one part sand. This layer provided the compressive strength and load bearing capacity to the
roof. This layer needs to be well compacted, cured and leveled. The final layer would depend
upon the slab being an intermediate one or the final roof. If intermediate, a floor finish like red
oxide or lime mortar would be applied and if final, there would be courses of flat weather-proof
tiles topped by thick mortar to slope.
This system with wooden cross beams does not need centering, allows faster
construction and demands less structural skills. Instead of the same old terrace tiles, thin
perforated weather proof tiles, cladding tiles and such others that can be used to build up the
roof, supported by steel sections. The main components of roof are clay tiles, lime mortar and
timber. All these components have a very low effective thermal conductivity and do not allow the
horizontal surface to gain any heat throughout the day and a stable internal temperature is
maintained all the time. Schematic diagram (Figure 10), interior view of the room with Madras
Terrace roof (Figure 11)

Figure 10: Schematic diagram of Madras Terrace roof

Figure 11: Interior View of the ceiling with Madras Terrace Roof

Filler slab
The filler slab is a mechanism to replace the concrete in the tension zone. The filler
material, thus, is not a structural part of the slab. By reducing the quantity and weight of
material, the roof become less expensive, yet retains the strength of the conventional slab. The
most popular filler material is the roofing tile. Mangalore tiles are placed between steel ribs and
concrete is poured into the gap to make a filler slab. The structure requires less steel and
cement and it is also a good heat insulator. Light weight, inert and inexpensive materials such
as low grade Mangalore tiles, Burnt Clay Bricks, Hollow Concrete blocks, Stabilized Mud blocks/
Hollow Mud blocks, Clay pots, Coconut shells etc. can be used as filler materials. These
materials are laid in the grids of steel reinforcement rods and concreting/concrete topping is
done over them. The quantity of concrete in the tension zone of the slab that can be replaced by
a filler material depends upon the shape of the filler material and the thickness of the solid slab.
The air pocket formed by the contours of the tiles makes an excellent thermal insulation layer.

JACK ARCH ROOFING

A jack arch is classically defined as a structural element in masonry construction that
provides support at openings in the masonry. Alternate names are ‘flat arch’ and ‘straight arch’.
Unlike regular arches, jack arches are not semicircular in form. Instead, they are flat in profile
and are used under the same circumstances as lintels. This name has also been used to
describe another roofing system that involves a series of smaller sized, yet elongated vaults that
are supported on intermediate beams. This is termed as a jack arch slab roof type, and the
series of vaults are usually filled on the upper surface with cement concrete to provide a plane
surface above, that can serve as a floor to another level, a terrace or the protective covering for
the building. This particular approach can be very cost effective and applicable to a wide range
of requirements.

BRICK PANEL ROOFING

Prefab brick panels are made of first class bricks and reinforced with two MS bars
of 6 mm dia (Fig. 1). The joints are filled with either M20 concrete or cement mortar 1:3 (1
cement: 3 course sand). The length of the brick panels varies from 900 mm to 1200 mm
depending upon the room size, but the width is normally kept at 530 mm to allow 36 to 40 mm
wide gap between the bricks for placing reinforcement with proper cover and for laying
concrete. If the length of brick panel is to be increased further, the diameter of reinforcing bars
should be increased according to structural requirement. The two panels are placed in position
with a gap of 2 to 4 cm in width which is then filled with cement concrete. If bricks have crushing
strength less 2 than 7 N/mm, only cement concrete should be filled in all joints and their width
should be suitably adjusted. However, these inferior bricks should not disintegrate when placed
in water for 24 hours.
Brick panels are placed over joists and walls with a bearing of about 40 mm (min.)
and 50 mm (min) respectively. A thin layer of cement coarse sand mortar (1:4) is laid over the
joists and walls to avoid any gap and to allow proper placing of panels. A gap 20 to 40 mm is
left in-between the panels. All gaps between panels are filled with M20 concrete by holding a
wooden strip under them which is removed by sliding sideways just after the completion of
concreting work. Distribution reinforcement (6 mm dia. bars, one on each panel both ways) is
laid over the centre of the panels in directions viz., parallel and perpendicular to the joists.
Cement concrete of 35 mm thickness is laid over the panels and joists with 10 mm stone
aggregate. The roof may be finished with a floating coat of 1:3 cement sand mortar (not more
than 6 mm thick) just after laying the deck concrete. This type of roofing is used for low cost
housing.

FERROCEMENT CHANNEL
The building system uses pre-cast ferrocement roofing channels of a segmental
arch profile which are placed adjacent to each other and spanning over two supports. After
partly filling the valley between channels with concrete, the channels form an idealized T-beam
and are able to carry the load of a roof / floor. Ferrocement comprises of a uniform distribution
of reinforcement by use of chicken wire mesh and welded mesh encapsulated in rich cement
mortar, thereby achieving significant reduction in both steel reinforcement and dead weight of
roof. This composition provides a more uniform distribution of strength as compared to RCC.

CLAY TILE OVER THE REINFORCED CONCRETE ROOF WITH AN AIR GAP

The roof component taken for the experimental study consists of a sloped reinforced
concrete slab with cement rendering on both the sides—an air gap that allows the movement of
the ambient air and an external layer made of terracotta roof covering.  Use of air gap is similar
to use of a insulating material. If an air space is left between two layers making a wall or roof in
any building, the air trapped between two layers being poor conductor of heat acts as a barrier
to heat transfer. The roof is laid in such a way that the air flows inside the hollow passages,
about two third of heat entering into the room can be blocked, when compared to the
conventional roof. Schematic diagram (Figure 21), exterior view of the roof (Figure 22)

Figure 21: Schematic section of sloped RC roof with roof shading of clay tiles
 Figure 22 – Exterior views of sloped RC roof with roof covering of Terracotta tiles

FALSE CEILING TRENDS IN INDIA

Concrete ceiling is a commonly known name to everybody. But false ceiling is a name
that has redefined the interior designing. Due to versatile nature and other important features of
false ceiling made it an indispensible feature for every commercial place, be it in a office, or
business place, or commercial complex or IT companies or a restaurant or a theater or stadium
one can witness false ceiling. Various types of false ceilings have become part and parcel of all
these places
History of false ceiling started when Dropped ceilings were firstly used in Japan for the
purpose of aesthetics in Muromachi period (1337 to 1573) later black friars theatre in London,
England, built in 1596, had dropped ceilings to aid acoustics. On 24th October 1950 Remmen
and Bibb designed first fully developed grid system concept.

Advantages of false ceiling:

 Hides ducting & reduces the volume of room Ugly structural members like beams,
etc that usually spoil the ‘look’ of the room are concealed.
 Provides insulation from heat.
 Acoustical improvement.
 As a design element to create various shapes and curves.
 Fire safety is always a factor in several industrial buildings, ceiling tiles made from
mineral fibres or fire-rated wood panels can be used within the construction to
meet acceptable standards and ratings. Differing levels of fire protection are
obtained from the various types of ceiling available.
 To accommodate lighting systems. to provide lighting effects such as hidden
lighting etc
 Soil resistance and cleanability. Environments that are subject to a lot of dirt such
as certain manufacturing buildings may need ceilings that can resist dirt and are
easy to clean.
 At some places to hide ugly trusses(commonly known as attic)
 Reduces overall volume of the space which reduces air conditioning cost.

GYPSUM BOARD (Gypboard):

Lightweight, flexible and fire and moisture resistant, gypsum is most commonly used for
false ceiling. Gypsum board panels are tough, versatile and economical, and are fast replacing
other ceiling materials such as POP. Gypsum board can be used while constructing false
ceiling, as well as to renovate old ceilings. The material is fire-resistant, waterproof, as well as
soundproof, which is why it is the most preferred material for false ceiling.
A gypsum panel could have tapered or square edges. Panels with tapered adage are
used for ceiling since the gap between each edge can be filled, to give a smooth surface.
Square-edges board can be used where visibility of the joints is a requirement. A suspended
Gypsum board ceiling can be constructed by nailing Gypsum board panels to each other, or by
fixing the panels in a metal grid (usually GI). Generally, gypsum boards of 1200 mm×2400mm
are used.
Gypsum ceiling are popular because:
 The ‘dry construction’ eliminates the use of extra water while making the ceiling.
This also keeps the building clean.
 Gypsum board is quite flexible. It allows for various shapes and design-such as
plain, curved, stepped, coffered, pelmet, drop design, etc.
 Gypsum board has high impact-resistance and is very strong. It is possible to
suspend a load of up to 15 kg from the ceiling without any difficulty.
 A Gyp board ceiling suspended on a metal grid forms a strong ceiling design.
 The ceiling can be easily decorated with wallpaper or paint, 24 hours after it is
constructed.
 Glass fibre-reinforced gyp board makes excellent insulation material.
 Gypsum ceilings are non-resonant which makes then good soundproofing.
 When exposed to fire, gypsum gives out water, which is converted to steam and
helps combat the fire. This is what makes the ceiling fireproof.

METAL CEILING PANELS:

Metals ceilings are suitable for a large Range of applications. The false ceiling is
constructed with metal panels, which are coupled with insulating materials to make them
soundproof. They are ideal for concealing ducts and wiring, since they can be easily installed
and maintained.
There are 4 types of metal false ceilings
1. Clip-in: Clip-in is a downward accessible Galvanized Steel or Aluminium ceiling
panel available in standard 600mm x 600mm size. It is designed to install on the
DP12 suspension system. All full panels can be removed and reinstalled without
movement up into the plenum area. It has a monolithic appearance
2. Lay-in: Lay-In ceilings are conventional grid ceiling solutions which are available
with 15mm and 24mm exposed grid visual. The metal tiles are placed over the
suspended framework. The support grids will be seen from below.

3. Baffle: Baffle ceiling system is made up of extruded aluminium Baffle profiles

which are supported by the U-profile suspension system which is anchored to the
ceiling. The integrity of the entire suspended ceiling depends on the 5mm gal rod
and U-profile Suspension Clips and Channel being used.

4. Open cell ceiling: Open Cell Ceiling systems create a spacious appearance that
is ideal for interiors where open, light constructions are desired. They make it easy
to create different modules in one ceiling and are ideal for very small plenum
depths. Open Cell Ceiling panels in size 600 x 600mm or 600 x 1200 mm are
assembled from aluminium U-profiles to create an integrated system. Open Cell
Ceiling Systems feature an integrated suspension system with main and cross
runners made from the same profiles as the Cell Ceiling panel.
 5. Curved: Curved ceilings can be constructed from curved aluminium and steel
panels, which allow for convex, concave or undulating designs. Just like our
standard metal ceiling systems they are fitted on the same suspension system,
which allow for an easy transition from straight to curved panels.

Advantages of metal ceiling:

 They reduce overall cost, since they are easy to install and access.
 Hidden services can be easily accessed since the panels are removable.
 They are ideal for workspaces which require clean environments and services that
require maintenance such as the machinery rooms, the AHU, etc.
 They have a monolithic look.
 They give the space a very modern look and blend well with glass.

PLASTER OF PARIS (POP):

Plaster of Paris (POP) is commonly used for constructing false ceilings. Gypsum, which
gives out water when heated, makes POP. Post-heating, gypsum softens and is then crushed to
form a powder. POP hardens instantly when water is added to it. It is applied to fibreboard or a
wood base or a framed structure with chicken mesh, which is then suspended to form the false
ceiling.

Advantages of POP:
 A smooth, uniform finish.
  The surface can be recorded or painted.
 POP false ceiling are easy to construct and maintain.
 The ceilings are really light.

PLYWOOD:
Plywood ceiling are widely used for their visual appeal. These ceilings are created with
strips of ply glued or nailed together. The strips are held together and strengthened with ply
supports at equal distances. Ply ceiling are generally used in place with cold climates.

Advantage of ply ceilings:

 They are strong and look appealing.
 They can be given various finishes, or painted to get the right look.
 They can be treated to increase their lifespan.
But ply ceiling are difficult to maintain, since these are prone to termite attacks. The room
has to be thermally controlled to reduce the humidity in the air. Also, the wood is prone to
warping and other physical changes, with time. Therefore high grade ply is preferred for long life
span which shall increase the construction cost.

PVC FALSE CEILING:

 PVC ceiling system is light in weight, moisture resistant and reduces condensation and
subsequent dripping from ceiling onto work surfaces. The cleanable, non-absorbent surface is
UV stable and will not discolour.
PVC ceiling systems solves the problem of dirty, unhygienic ceilings that are difficult, and
expensive to clean by providing a bright, durable and hygienic surface, which is easily
maintained. This extremely practical ceiling system is suitable for any area requiring a fixed,
non-porous, non-fibrous and non-absorbent ceiling. they are waterproof, termite proof, fire
retardant, economical, maintenance free, being non-porous and non-absorbent, can incorporate
flush fitting, lighting, access hatches, air vents and sprinklers easy to install & available in
various colours shades & no hassles of painting & polishing. The modern PVC panels that are
available in wooden finishes are cost effective alternatives to plywood false ceiling.

PVC STRETCH CEILING

A Stretch Ceiling is a suspended ceiling system consisting of two basic components – a
perimeter track and lightweight fabric membrane which stretches and clips into the track. In
addition to ceilings the system can be used for wall coverings, light diffusers, floating panels,
exhibitions and creative shapes. A stretch ceiling consists of a flexible membrane of PVC,
polyester or polyurethane attached to metal profiles installed around the perimeter of the room.
Translucent PVC membranes allow a certain amount of light through the material,
creating an illuminating effect.  There are various translucency rates in different translucent PVC
membranes. The source of light must be located behind the PVC membrane.  LED strips and
nodes are used for these kinds of installations because they have the longest lifespan of all
commercially available lighting elements.
Advantages:
 Easy to erect
 Translucent property helps hide the light source and provide seamless finish.
 High glossy & reflective gives a contemporary look.
 Varieties of 3d shapes can be formed.
 Any image can be printed on the membrane surface.

FIBERBOARD AND FIBER/MINERAL REINFORCED TILES:

False ceiling can be made with fiber or mineral reinforced tiles and fiberboard. Fiber
reinforced tiles are strengthened with wood vegetable fiber, wood waste, reed paper and
agricultural wastes. Mineral tiles are ceramics reinforced with natural stone, wood, vegetable
fiber, bitumen and tars. This process increases the insulation capacity of the product.

TYPES OF FALSE CEILING SYSTEMS

Suspended ceilings are created using metal grid systems, which are suspended below
the ceiling or roof deck using a series of wires. The grid is then filled in with ceiling tiles, which
are primarily made from mineral fibre blends. Depending up on the appearance and visibility of
the members false ceilings are classified in to two types. They are :
1. Exposed Grid
2. Concealed grid

EXPOSED GRID SYTEMS

In this system, the grid is visible and into which panels are laid. The grid is finished in
colours to harmonise or contrast with the panels is known as exposed grid type ceiling. Exposed
grid varieties are the most common type of suspended ceiling.
They consist of long metal strips, called "mains," which are interconnected with shorter
metal pieces known as "tees”. Together, the mains and tees form a grid system, which are then
filled with acoustical ceiling tiles. Exposed grid suspended ceiling systems can contribute to
passive fire protection. The system is rapid to install and can provide a high degree of access to
the ceiling void.

CONCEALED GRID SYSTEMS

Concealed grid systems use the acoustical tiles to hide the grid system from view. This
creates a smooth, clean which is aesthetically pleasing. The tile used has a small groove built
into its perimeter, which slides over the mains and tees to cover them. Various metal and a few
kinds of pop ceilings come under this category. This type is more expensive than an exposed
system. This kind of false ceiling system is difficult for maintenance to access areas above the
ceiling.

Advantages
 They have high insulation against sound and fire.
 The fiber increases the hardness and the toughness of the material.
 The material can be decorated with paint or other finishes improving the aesthetics
of the room.
 Water repellents and preservatives can be added to increase the life of the
product.
 If fire safety is a factor, ceiling tiles made from mineral fibers, or fire-rated wood
panels can be used within the construction to meet acceptable standards/ratings.

FABRIC AND CLOTH:

Fabric is an inexpensive material; it may be draped across ceilings. As it accumulates
dust these are used for temporary purposes. They are used in big churches and function halls.
In some places, the light is diffused through the fabric providing a comfortable intensity. This
kind of false ceiling is not functional but greatly adds to the aesthetics of the place.

THERMOCOL FALSE CEILING

In this type of false ceiling metal grid system are used to suspend thermocol panels with help of
metal wire clamped to the original ceiling. The aluminium foil behind the Styrofoam tiles acts as
a insulator as well the thermocol prevents the heat from entering the room from the ceiling. This
is a very cheap variety of false ceiling, not that very visually appealing. It can be used to areas
of lesser aesthetic importance.