Fitting guide Glossary of stretched canvas

A

Acoustics

The set of performance characteristics related to sound behaviour in a space. An acoustic stretch fabric absorbs sound waves and reduces reverberation to improve auditory comfort.

Trimming

The action of cleanly cutting the excess fabric after installation in order to achieve a neat and precise edge finish around the perimeter.

C

Sound Absorption Coefficient ɑw

An indicator between 0 and 1 that evaluates the sound absorption performance of a covering. The closer it is to 1, the more absorbent the material.

D

Gross Dimensions

Dimensions of the fabric including a safety margin (often 10 cm on each side) required for tensioning and handling during installation, before trimming.

Net Dimensions

The final and precise dimensions of the surface to be covered after installation. This is the actual measurement of your ceiling or wall from one profile to another.

J

Shadow Gap

A small aesthetic recessed gap of a few millimetres left visible around the perimeter between the wall and the fabric once installed. It provides a modern finish giving the impression that the ceiling is "floating".

L

Width / Roll Width

The width of a fabric or roll material, measured from edge to edge. It determines the usable width available for manufacturing a stretch fabric and may influence the number of panels required.

M

Linear Metre

A unit of measurement corresponding to a length of one metre, regardless of the width of the material. It is used in particular to quantify profiles, fabrics or underlay fleeces.

Fleece Underlay

A textile underlayer placed behind the stretch fabric. The fleece can be acoustic, thermal or combined. It improves sound comfort and helps to correct irregularities in the substrate.

O

Blackout

Describes a fabric that completely blocks the passage of light. It is used to prevent any transparency, conceal an existing substrate or optimise the efficiency of a lighting system by avoiding light leaks.

P

Plenum

The void space located between the existing substrate (ceiling or wall) and the stretch fabric. It allows the integration of light fixtures, technical systems or a sub-frame, and contributes to acoustic performance.

Profile / Track

An element fixed around the perimeter of the wall or ceiling into which the stretch fabric is inserted. It forms the holding structure of the system and ensures a lasting finish.

R

Join / Seam

The assembly method between two panels of fabric. It can be achieved by clipping (using the ClipSWAL™ profile CSW 201 for stretch ceilings or the ClipSWAL™ profile CSW 108 Plus for stretch walls), welding or sewing, depending on the technology used.

Backlighting

A lighting system positioned behind a translucent fabric to diffuse even light and create an integrated luminous effect in the ceiling or wall.

S

Sub-frame

An intermediate structure installed within the plenum to support the profiles, integrate technical equipment or compensate for irregularities in the existing substrate.

T

Translucent

A characteristic of a fabric that allows light to pass through while diffusing it. It is used in particular for backlit projects.

Sound-transparent

Describes a fabric that allows sound to pass through the material in order to reach an absorber placed behind it. It is used for acoustic installations incorporating loudspeakers or absorptive treatments.