In a world where spaces are required to meet high standards of aesthetics, maintenance accessibility and adaptability to changes, Hecht & Efraim’s Expanded Mesh Ceilings are becoming one of the most powerful tools in the modern architect’s toolbox. This is a material that manages to create a three-dimensional presence, play of light and shadow, a sense of depth and airiness, all while maintaining full functionality and free access to infrastructure.
What makes Expanded Mesh so relevant today?
The story begins with the material itself: metal panels that are cut and stretched to create a continuous mesh, without welds, that gives a clean look and high durability along with light weight. The mesh ceiling is available in a huge variety of models, widths, densities and depths: 8/16, 8/16 FLAT, 10/30, 20/43 alongside additional models on special order.
In addition to standard models and sizes, the grid can be ordered in almost any size imaginable, independent of classic formats such as 60×120. Our Israeli factory allows for customized production of extra-large tiles, special shapes, and even rounded or diagonal finishes, for projects that require a unique character and unconventional architecture.
This versatility allows for precise control over the level of transparency, shading, the amount of light that penetrates the space, and the way the space “breathes.”
Full versatility in design – without compromise
One of the great advantages of Expanded is the ability to adapt the appearance to the design language of each project. The grids are available in any shade from the full RAL fan, from elegant and clean white, through powerful black, to custom colors that redefine the space.
The shade becomes an architectural element in itself that emphasizes, reinforces a concept, or creates impressive textural depth.
In addition to the shade, you can also choose the finish of the frame: an exterior frame that emphasizes the tile, an interior frame to create precise and clean lines and a 0-line – a subtle and invisible connection that creates a continuous and minimalist look.
This choice allows architects to determine the nature of the meeting between the tiles into a system of design-meaningful elements that directly affect the feeling in the space.
Wide range of installation systems
Unlike the market where Expanded is often perceived as a material that is mainly suitable for Hook-On systems, Hecht & Efraim offers the freedom to work with the network in a variety of installation systems:
Hook-On – a clean and continuous look, ideal for luxury spaces.
Drop-In – suitable for offices, commercial spaces and provides access for quick maintenance.
Solo – independent elements that hang as floating elements.
Trays – a combination of ease of installation and a modern look.
The choice of installation system allows the material to be adapted to almost any design scenario – suspended ceilings, high ceilings, shops, commercial spaces, open halls, corridors, and systems with technical loads.
Smart integration with infrastructure
The system allows for the elegant integration of lighting, air conditioning, speakers, detectors and technical components without compromising the design cleanliness.
The lighting options are almost endless: lighting above the grid to create a soft glow, lighting below it for a bold urban look, or combining lighting between the tiles to create a precise grid with a linear presence.
Flexible acoustic solutions
Behind the mesh, several acoustic solutions can be integrated according to need:
Nitobo B ceiling glued to concrete – an immediate absorption layer.
Soprano ceiling (Nitobo) placed over the tiles – provides significant absorption while maintaining an open look.
This way, you get both the look and the acoustic performance.
From the field: projects that show the power of the material
Many projects have already chosen Expanded as a central design base. In the Regulus offices designed by Gila Menachem, a mesh in a unique green shade was chosen that gave the space a surprising combination of industrial character and youthful freshness.
In the Deloitte project designed by Vered Gindi Studio, the Hook-On system created a continuous and clean ceiling that made the office elegant and acoustically quiet.
In the new WIX campus in north Tel Aviv, designed by Greenhouse Architects, a unique Durlum metal ceiling in a light wood color was chosen above the central lobby. Inside the metal cubes, an Expanded mesh painted in the same color was incorporated, creating an extraordinary material uniformity. The solution included vertical panels with an extraordinary height of 36 cm, crossed and printed in a wood color – a complex combination that required special adjustment at the engineering and design levels.
Another project that showcases the power of the material comes from Durlum’s developments at Altis Consulting’s new Sydney office, where custom-made S7 metal ceilings in a golden hue were designed, stretched as a uniform and luxurious ceiling. The challenge of a dense ceiling space led to the development of a custom-made suspension system and the precise work created a rich, homogeneous and impressive lobby space. The design line continued in the Town Hall space as well, combining advanced metal solutions that maintained a uniform and contemporary aesthetic language.
Finally, in the Coffee Market minimarket designed by Assaf Guy, a white Expanded ceiling with a hidden Hook-On system was chosen, which brought a sense of order and cleanliness to the space, along with the significant advantage of free access to infrastructure in an active commercial environment.
Expanded mesh ceilings manage to combine meticulous design with precise engineering solutions. It is a material that gives architects and designers true freedom to create with a huge variety of models, any possible installation system, any shade they want, and the ability to build a space that looks great today – and will continue to look great for years to come.
