We often get asked to work on some unusual challenges for our clients, and this one was no exception. The customer wanted to give the illusion of skylights in the ceiling of an outer space-themed conference room and the solution provided "universal" appeal.

Start with stunning photos, courtesy of the Hubble Space Telescope, add a large conference room with a 16' ceiling, and you’ve got an opportunity to reach for the stars.

Suttle-Straus helped engineer the custom made 8' x 8' light boxes that hold high-resolution graphics printed on a backlit fabric. Working with the building contractor, the team developed a plan to hoist the light boxes horizontally into the air, and attach them to the ceiling joists with cables. The builder finished off the look with a fitted drop ceiling and an 8' diameter cowl that gives the impression you are looking through a circular window into the night sky.

The install was planned to allow easy access to the light boxes for maintenance or for a quick change out of the graphics, if so desired.

The light boxes are also fitted with dimmable power supplies, which can be adjusted remotely from floor level. This was an important feature for the client in order to maintain maximum functionality of the space.

Every piece of this project fit into the customer’s budget, and ended up costing a lot less than hanging an 8' x 8' LED screen from the ceiling.

This finished piece is a great example of how collaboration among different teams (printer, installer, contractor, designer) can produce amazing results.

When it comes to environmental graphics, not even the sky is the limit. If you are interested in learning more about considerations for this type of project check out our blog, Understanding Your Canvas: Considerations for Environmental Graphics. Or, give us a call and tell us about “your sky”—chances are, we can help you achieve it.