A Ceiling That Supports Comfort, Focus, and Care

Measured Thermal Performance

A summer 2026 field study monitored back-of-tile and room-side temperatures from July 3 through August 10, comparing areas with Templok PCM ceiling tiles against comparable non-PCM ceiling conditions.

Key Findings Included

Across 39 summer days, PCM ceiling tiles consistently tracked at lower temperatures than standard ceiling tiles during afternoon peak periods (Chart A).

On average, the PCM ceiling was measurably cooler from mid-morning through early evening. The strongest benefit occurred around 3 p.m., when outdoor temperatures and solar heat loads were highest (Chart B).

On the hottest recorded days, back-of-tile temperatures in the PCM ceiling were up to 3.6°F cooler than standard ceiling tiles. The PCM absorbed the afternoon heat surge, helping flatten peak temperature conditions above the occupied space (Chart C).

A Quieter Environment for Therapy

The acoustic improvement has also been meaningful in daily operations. The LEEAP Center includes therapy rooms of varying sizes, offices, classrooms, and active shared spaces. Jordan shared how limiting sound transfer helps reduce distractions and supports a calmer experience for both children and staff:

"The speech therapists report that the kids aren't getting as distracted. You're not hearing a lot of sound traveling from room to room, and they're not hearing sounds coming from the hallways into their rooms unless they have one of the Dutch doors open. So acoustically, we have certainly seen a difference in how sound is traveling, or is being transferred, from the hallways. And it's been very, very helpful."

The impact extends to the lobby, where numerous children and families may be transitioning at the same time. "Unless you're in the lobby, you wouldn't know that a transition was occurring. And sometimes we will have 20 to 30 kids transitioning out, and some coming into therapy, at the same time.

A Win for Children, Families and Staff

The LEEAP Center's new facility was designed to feel supportive from the moment families enter. By helping reduce sound transfer and buffer temperature swings, the Templok® ceiling contributes to a more comfortable setting for children and the professionals who care for them.

According to Jordan, "The technology and the Armstrong Templok ceiling system has certainly provided a difference not only in the acoustics, but also just in regulating the temperature in the room so that it's comfortable for the kids and the staff. When we moved in, as a staff we thought our kids would have difficulty with the transition. But they seem so much more at ease. It's a new space, but it just feels very comfortable. So, for our kids-it's a win-win for them too."

Conclusion

The LEEAP Center's renovation demonstrates how a ceiling system, combining acoustic performance with passive thermal storage, can address distinct environmental challenges through a single integrated solution. The summer 2026 field study data confirms measurable thermal buffering during peak heat conditions, while the June HVAC outage served as an unplanned validation of the system's resilience. Clinically, the acoustic improvements have reduced distraction for pediatric patients and supported clinician focus throughout the facility.

Looking ahead, Jordan sees clear applicability for other care-based facilities managing similar sensory and environmental demands.

The LEEAP Center project offers a data-supported model for integrating acoustic and thermal performance in a single specification.