The Curvatura 3-D system gives you the freedom to create dramatic three-dimensional curved designs that combine shape, texture, and lighting. Curvatura systems are ideal for retail spaces, contemporary office environments, entertainment and gaming establishments, high-bay areas, or anywhere that a unique, signature look is required.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between the two basic types of Curvatura systems?

The Curvatura system comes in two configurations, one-directional and two-directional. The one-directional system creates a monolithic look using 2' x 6' panels with a seamless joint at the end of each panel, while the two-directional system uses 2' x 2' panels and is more modular.

How do I design a Curvatura system?

You can design a Curvatura system in five basic steps:

1. Select the configuration, either one-directional or two-directional.

   Choose one-directional Curvatura with 2 x 6 infill panels:

   

   or two-directional Curvatura with 2 x 2 infill panels:

   

   This choice determines the overall look of the system.

   The one-directional Curvatura system consists of pre-engineered, vertically curved main tees, 2 stabilizer bars, flexible infill panels, and optional 2- edge trim. Stabilizer bars are spaced 48 o.c. and are staggered between main tee segments. They are used with 2' x 6 panels and panel splices to create an almost invisible seam. The system can use either traditional Curvatura (15/16 face) or Curvatura Elite (9/16 face) suspension systems. Infill panels are available in smooth or perforated aluminum.

   

   The two-directional Curvatura system consists of pre-engineered, vertically curved main tees, 2 cross tees, flexible infill panels, and optional 2 edge trim. The system uses either traditional Curvatura (15/16 face) or Curvatura Elite (9/16 face) suspension systems. 2 x 2 panels are available in smooth or perforated aluminum, woven wire mesh, Diamondflex anodized metal, and Translucents (Lexan and FRP) panels.

   

2. Select the suspension profile.

   Next, select a suspension system profile, either a traditional Curvatura (15/16 face) or Curvatura Elite (9/16face) suspension system.

   

3. Select trim and colors.

   Trim is optional. We recommend that you choose the edge trim if your Curvatura system is free-standing and will be viewed at close proximity. Without edge trim, the look is more industrial.

   

4. Select infill panel and finish.

   2 x 6 panels are available in metal (smooth aluminum and perforated aluminum); 2 x 2 infill panels are available in metal (smooth aluminum and perforated aluminum), Diamondflex anodized metal (sheer and louvered), and Translucents (Lexan and FRP) panels.

5. Connect the curves.

   The Curvatura 3-D system is a collection of 16 curved vault main tee segments, 16 curved valley main tee segments (both available in four arc series: 30, 45, 60 and 90), and 4 straight main tee segments. Custom curves are also available. Each grid segment is identified by an alphanumeric part number. When combined, these alphanumeric part numbers create the genetic code for a Curvatura wave.

   * Combine any vaults and valleys to create your designs. Curvatura waves can be relatively horizontal or inclined. The overall length is the sum of the arc lengths of each segment minus the half module at the beginning and end of the run that will be trimmed off. [see Why does the Curvatura Design Tool cut one foot from each end of the run when I create a Curvatura profile?] Curvatura waves are defined by the Curvatura genetic code x the width of the design in 2 increments.

   NOTE: USG can handle custom designs that dont use the standard tee lengths and arcs. Call your USG sales representative or 800.USG.4YOU for more information.

What is a genetic code?

A genetic code is basically a blueprint for building a Curvatura 3-D system. It consists of the alphanumeric part numbers associated with each part (vaults and valleys), separated by commas. The number (4, 6, 8, 10) gives the arc length in feet. The letter simply identifies segments of various radii, arc angles, etc.

You can create this genetic code automatically by using the Curvatura Design Tool, an intuitive, interactive web tool that makes designing and specifying a Curvatura system easy. It is accessed through www.usg.com and requires Java 1.4 to operate.

Why does the Curvatura Design Tool cut one foot from each end of the run when I create a Curvatura profile?

In order to provide you with flexibility of design, the Curvatura main tees are designed so that you may string together any number of main tees. Remember to remove one foot from either end of a two-directional Curvatura system when you calculate the overall length of the desired system.

The Curvatura two-directional system is based on a 24 x 24 module. As you can see in this example of a Curvatura main tee, the cross tee holes are spaced 24 on center, with the first cross tee hole located 12 from either end of the tee.

This spacing of cross tee holes allows for Curvatura main tees to be strung along to form longer runs of main tees. The two 12 sections on the end of the conjoining tees combine to create a 24 module section of the main tee run.

The terminal 12 sections on any Curvatura main tee run are typically considered to be extra material. This material is removed from the finished run of main tees in order to maintain a 24 module for the system.

Note: When a 1 x 2 module is acceptable, custom options are available from USG. Please contact your sales representative or Technical Services (800 USG.4YOU) for more information.

Are there restrictions on where Curvatura systems can be used?

Curvatura systems are intended for use in humidity-controlled interior environments only.

How do I handle the issue of sprinklers installed above a Curvatura ceiling?

Specify perforation pattern D500D, which provides 70% open area, to meet NFPA requirements for sprinklers.

What about areas requiring seismic restraint?

The curved main tees of Curvatura systems defy testing for loads, vertical or axial, and only contain lightweight panel loads in a typical application. The following suggestions are based on our structural engineering and extensive ceiling experience, and we believe them to be sensible ideas for review by the local building department.

1. A decorative system consists of the tees and panels in a floating (island) mode, within these guidelines:

   • Not supporting any heavy objects, such as light fixtures or air diffusers,

   • Less than 1000 sf per island.

   • Not connected at the perimeters

   Systems in this category will not require any seismic restraints (e.g., splay wires, compression posts, etc.).

2. Areas over 1000 sf, floating or with perimeter attachments, with curved main tees of a 7 0 radius or larger use the standard Uniform Building Code Standards seismic restraint methods.

3. Areas over 1000 sf, with curved main tees of a 7 0 radius or less will require bridging, such as DXW main tees, spanning across the Curvatura main tees, parallel to them at 12 o.c.. The bridging tees are screw fastened to the hard points of the Curvatura system, such as the tops of the vaults. Seismic restraint as prescribed in UBCS is then attached to these straight bridging runners.

What are my options for hanger wire?

USG offers 18 gauge stainless steel wire and 1/32 multi-strand aircraft cable. Both are rust-resistant and permit tight and clean twists. The aircraft wire is about three times stronger than 18 gauge wire. NOTE: Local codes may require 12 gauge hanger wire. Check with local code officials.

Why can’t I use Diamondflex or Translucent panels in one-directional Curvatura systems?

Diamondflex and Translucents are only available in 2 x 2 panels. Diamondflex and Translucent material will not work with the panel splicing system used with the 6 panels of the one-directional system.

What is a design template?

The design template is a plastic template used to create the curved segments for a Curvatura system. Order Literature Number IC36109.

What is a main tee segment?

The main tee segement is a straight or curved T-shaped component that makes up the lengthwise portion of the Curvatura suspension profile.

What types of trim are available?

The optional Curvatura trim system consists of integral attachment clips, corner caps and fascia clips.

What is a Curvatura selector?

This is a series of vellums (Literature Number IC36108). A Curvatura gallery is also available, which you can access from the Curvatura Design Center.

Where can I find more information about Curvatura systems?

• Contact your local sales representative for design help and product information.
• Call 800.USG.4YOU, the hotline for architectural, installation and specification questions, or e-mail usg4you@usg.com.
• Visit the USG Web site at usg.com and click on Contact USG for a variety of ways to get information or assistance.
• Call 888.874.2450, fax 888.874.2348 or email samplit@usg.com for samples and literature, or follow the links in the Curvatura Design Center.
• Call 800.950.3839 for customer service.