A distinctive mock-mesh ceiling system from leading manufacturer OWA has helped bring a contemporary industrial aesthetic to the upgraded Darlington Railway Station, with specialist ceiling contractors Woodtech Dry Lining Ltd and Phoenix Drywall delivering the installation using OWAtecta S33 ceiling tiles.
Completed in the Spring, the station upgrade and extension forms part of the ongoing transformation of one of the North East’s most important rail gateways. Working within the setting of the town’s iconic Grade II listed station, the project required a ceiling solution that could complement the building’s industrial heritage while remaining practical and cost-effective to deliver.
To achieve this, OWAtecta S33 mock-mesh lay-in ceiling tiles were specified in a 1200 x 600mm format on a 24mm exposed grid system. Finished in Pearl Copper (RAL 8029), the ceiling was selected to reflect the colours and industrial character of the station environment, helping to create a visual link between the historic architecture and the upgraded facilities.
A mesh appearance was a key design requirement for the project. However, rather than using a traditional mesh ceiling system, the project team identified OWAtecta S33 as a solution capable of delivering the desired aesthetic while offering a more cost-effective approach.
The installation also incorporated floating perimeter details, with bespoke trims and rigid fixings supplied to support the architectural design and create a clean, consistent finish throughout the space.
Designed by AECOM and delivered by BAM UK, the project demonstrates how OWA’s innovative ceiling systems can help meet the aesthetic, technical and budgetary demands of complex refurbishment and infrastructure schemes. All materials for the ceiling installation were supplied through SIG Tyneside.
For more information, please visit www.owa‑ceilings.co.uk or contact the team directly on 01753 552 489, email enquiries@owa‑ceilings.co.uk or visit OWA’s LinkedIn.
