Maxis
A bespoke ceiling sail system that not only elevates the aesthetic of the space but also delivers exceptional acoustic performance.Maxis:Bracknell
Project: Maxis
Modern workplace redevelopment offering adaptable Cat B office space, prioritising sustainability, tenant wellbeing, and high-quality amenities for occupiers.
Architect: Overbury Southern
Perkins and will led the architectural refurbishment, delivering modular, sustainable Cat B workspaces alongside vibrant communal areas and premium tenant amenities.
Client: Overbury Southern
Overbury led construction, delivering fully-fitted, sustainable office spaces and premium amenities,
Products Installed
We provided tailored , curtains, and acoustic enhancements, supporting flexible layouts, improving wellbeing, and aligning with sustainability targets.
Project Overview
We were recently presented with an exciting and highly specific design brief to help with acoustics in Morgan Lovell’s new office space: to create a bespoke ceiling sail system that not only elevates the aesthetic of the space but also delivers exceptional acoustic performance. The challenge required a careful balance of material science, design sensitivity, and technical precision.
Our client’s requirements were multifaceted. The ceiling sail needed to improve the overall acoustic quality of the environment by effectively absorbing sound and reducing reverberation, ensuring a comfortable and productive atmosphere. At the same time, it had to be sufficiently weighted and stable, resisting any unwanted movement caused by air circulation from HVAC systems or ceiling airflow.
Another key consideration was maintenance and appearance—the sail’s design had to minimise dust visibility from above, maintaining a clean and refined look even over time. Finally, the fabric needed to be light-permeable, allowing for the seamless integration of architectural and ambient lighting elements, so that illumination could pass naturally through the surface without compromising its acoustic performance.
The result was a tailored ceiling solution that successfully met all acoustic, aesthetic, and functional goals—demonstrating how thoughtful design can merge beauty, performance, and practicality into a single architectural feature.
ILE Solutions Role
After receiving the client’s brief and a set of initial concept visuals, our team immediately set the creative process in motion. We began by exploring a range of conceptual approaches, consulting closely with specialist suppliers and fabric manufacturers to understand the material possibilities and technical constraints. Our goal was to find the perfect balance between acoustic performance, visual elegance, and ease of installation.
To test our ideas in a tangible way, we built a small-scale mock-up in our studio—an invaluable step that allowed us to experiment with two different fabric configurations: one with an integrated acoustic lining, and another without lining to assess translucency and light diffusion. This hands-on prototyping stage provided crucial insights into not only the aesthetic qualities of each material but also the practical aspects of handling, tensioning, and fixing the sail to its structural supports.
Through this process, we refined critical details such as finishing details, alignment, and light integration, ensuring every element would perform as intended once scaled up to full installation. By the time we reached the production phase, we had a well-tested, fully resolved design that we could deliver with complete confidence.
The result is a ceiling sail system that meets every technical, acoustic, and visual requirement—a solution that feels effortlessly refined, functional, and architecturally integrated within the space.
A huge thank you goes to our design team, fabricators, and project partners, whose collaboration, precision, and creative problem-solving brought this bespoke installation to life. It stands as a testament to the power of iterative design thinking and the value of translating conceptual ideas into beautifully executed, real-world outcomes.
Scope of Works
– Installation of a bespoke acoustic fabric wrapped ceiling sail
-Precision alignment with architectural features
–Integration with lighting penetrating the sail
-Multiple curtains to meeting rooms
“ ….”
kye Edwards
Sales/Country Manager, NOWN
What Overbury Said
Precontract: 9.0
Design: 9.0
Financial Approach: 9.0
Health and Safety: 9.0
Environmental and Energy : 9.0
Site Attitude: 10.0
Quality: 10.0
O&M: 9.0
Recommended: 9.0
Average: 9.2
About iLe Solutions
iLe Solutions specialises in delivering bespoke window treatments, acoustic solutions, and premium curtains for commercial and workplace environments. Our commitment to sustainability and design excellence ensures we add value to every project we are part of.
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