Backlit Stretched Fabric Ceiling Systems | CLIPSO® NZ by OneFrame

INTRODUCTION: LIGHTING MEETS ARCHITECTURE

Backlit stretched fabric ceilings have become a preferred solution for architects and designers who want to transform ceilings into luminous, functional, and highly flexible design elements. With CLIPSO® technology, now available in New Zealand through OneFrame, ceilings are no longer an afterthought. They become integral surfaces that carry light, absorb sound, and even communicate brand identity.

CLIPSO® ceilings combine seam-free fabric membranes up to 5 m wide and 50 m long with advanced LED lighting systems, offering large-scale surfaces free of joins. The result is a clean, continuous plane of light or printed graphics that performs both aesthetically and technically.

HOW CLIPSO® BACKLIT CEILINGS WORK

The system is based on three core components:

• Aluminium frame – Custom-shaped, precision extrusions form the structural perimeter or subframe. These can be ceiling-mounted, recessed, suspended, or integrated into joinery.
• Fabric membrane – A high-tensile polyester fabric that is stretched into the frame using a track system. Options include translucent fabrics for illumination, acoustic fabrics for sound absorption, and printable fabrics for graphics.
• LED lighting array – Mounted behind or around the frame. Backlit LEDs deliver full uniformity across wide spans, while edge-lit configurations are ideal where depth is limited.

Once tensioned, the fabric provides a flawless, wrinkle-free surface. When backlit, the membrane diffuses light evenly, creating a soft, glare-free luminous ceiling.

WHY SPECIFY CLIPSO®?

• Seamless surfaces: With fabric widths up to 5 m, CLIPSO can span large areas without visible joins. This is ideal for retail environments, airports, or hospitality spaces where uninterrupted surfaces create impact.
• Design flexibility: The fabric is lightweight, flexible, and printable. Designers can create flat planes, curves, or sculptural geometries, and integrate high-resolution imagery or gradients directly into the ceiling.
• Lighting performance: Backlit ceilings deliver uniform illumination, reducing shadowing and glare. Options include tunable white (approx. 1800 K–6500 K), static colour temperatures, or RGBW dynamic effects.
• Acoustic benefits: Paired with absorptive layers, CLIPSO reduces reverberation times and enhances speech intelligibility in hard-surfaced interiors.
• Certified safety: CLIPSO fabrics are fire-rated (EN 13501-1, Group 2S equivalent), and electrical components are sourced from UL-tested suppliers, ensuring compliance for commercial and public spaces.
• Sustainable choices: Fabrics are PVC-free, low-VOC, and recyclable. Combined with OneFrame’s Back-to-Base program, used skins can be responsibly recycled, extending product life and reducing waste.

BACKLIT VS EDGE-LIT OPTIONS

• Backlit: LEDs are mounted directly behind the fabric, producing the most uniform light for large-format ceilings. Depths typically range 80–140 mm depending on design and brightness requirements.
• Edge-lit: LEDs are placed in the perimeter frame, directing light across the fabric. This reduces profile depth, making it ideal for corridors or smaller panels.

OneFrame provides photometric modelling so designers can review uniformity, lux levels, and energy performance before final specification.

APPLICATIONS ACROSS SECTORS

• Retail environments: Create immersive ceilings that double as branded surfaces or seasonal storytelling tools.
• Corporate offices: Luminous ceilings that deliver glare-free light for boardrooms, reception areas, and collaborative spaces.
• Hospitality: Hotels, bars, and restaurants benefit from tunable light scenes that shift mood from day to night.
• Public buildings: Airports, galleries, and museums require large, easy-to-maintain luminous surfaces that enhance wayfinding and atmosphere.
• Healthcare & education: Uniform, low-glare illumination supports comfort and well-being in sensitive environments.

DESIGN GUIDANCE FOR SPECIFIERS

• Graphics: Use high-contrast, saturated visuals for clarity under light. Supply print files at 1:1 scale, 150dpi, with a 25 mm bleed.
• Lighting controls: CLIPSO integrates with DALI, DMX, and Casambi systems for dimming, scene-setting, or animated effects.
• Access & maintenance: Drivers can be housed within deep frames or installed remotely. SEG (silicone edge gasket) fabrics allow tool-free skin changes for quick updates.
• Integration with services: Sprinklers, diffusers, and sensors can be accommodated within the ceiling plane with discreet detailing.
• Acoustics: For reverberant spaces, specify CLIPSO Acoustic fabrics or additional absorbers behind the membrane to achieve the required NRC ratings.

SPECIFICATIONS SNAPSHOT

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

CLIPSO ceilings are installed in stages:

1. Frame installation – Aluminium profiles are mounted to the structure.
2. LED and driver installation – Lighting and control gear fitted and tested.
3. Fabric tensioning – Membrane is stretched into the frame for a smooth finish.

Maintenance is minimal: skins can be vacuumed, wiped with mild cleaners, or replaced entirely in minutes. Seasonal graphics or brand updates are simple—swap the fabric, keep the frame.

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE

• Materials: Fabrics are PVC-free and recyclable; aluminium frames are endlessly recyclable.
• Operations: LED efficiency reduces long-term energy consumption compared to conventional lighting.
• Lifecycle: Replaceable skins extend the usable life of the frame system, reducing waste.
• Back-to-Base: OneFrame collects used fabrics for responsible recycling through its Second Thread initiative.

FAQS

Q: How wide can CLIPSO ceilings go?
Up to 5 m wide and 50 m long, in one piece without seams.

Q: Can CLIPSO ceilings improve acoustics?
Yes. Acoustic versions provide tested NRC values when combined with absorbers.

Q: How are graphics applied?
High-resolution dye-sublimation printing captures colours and gradients with clarity.

Q: Are CLIPSO systems code-compliant?
Yes. Fabrics are fire-tested to international standards; LEDs and drivers are UL-tested; project-specific compliance is confirmed by OneFrame.

Q: How easy is it to maintain?
Very easy. Fabrics are tool-free to change, washable, and replaceable without disturbing the frame or lighting.

CONCLUSION

CLIPSO® backlit stretched fabric ceilings give designers unprecedented freedom to combine light, graphics, and performance into one seamless system. By partnering with OneFrame in New Zealand, you gain local expertise, full manufacturing support, and a sustainable, compliant solution for projects that demand both beauty and technical integrity.

Whether creating an illuminated retail feature, a soft acoustic ceiling in a corporate office, or a glowing sculptural form in a hospitality venue, CLIPSO backlit ceilings transform the ceiling plane into a storytelling surface.

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