Fujitsu

The Dallas S.P.D. team was introduced to a new ceiling system, the Arktura SoundStar Baffles, which had never been installed on a MAREK project before. The design required the baffles to float beneath an existing acoustic ceiling, creating both visual and technical challenges. With no manufacturer-provided layout or installation precedent, the crew had to determine how to achieve accurate alignment and a seamless finish. The team also faced extensive coordination with mechanical systems above the ceiling, where ductwork and framing left limited space for the anchor system. Every step required careful problem solving to meet design intent while maintaining safety, precision, and efficiency.

To bring this new system to life, the MAREK team relied on innovation, craftsmanship, and teamwork. They began by developing custom cardboard templates cut to the exact dimensions of the SoundStar baffles. Using drawing reference points, the crew spray-marked layout lines directly onto the ceiling plane, ensuring accuracy across the space. Multiple templates were used to improve speed and consistency. Once the layout was established, the team designed a suspension system that would allow the baffles to float securely beneath the acoustic ceiling. To navigate mechanical obstructions, they fabricated support tees and trust structures using framing materials, creating solid anchor points for the cables.
 
Each baffle weighed approximately sixty-five pounds, requiring a coordinated two-person lift. To streamline movement and reduce strain, the crew built rolling carts from the baffles’ shipping crate materials. After hanging each unit, they used line lasers and four-foot levels to align and level the system precisely. When multiple baffles were set, they were connected with metal angles to form a clean, continuous installation.
 
The finished ceiling delivered a striking architectural feature that met the project’s aesthetic and acoustic goals. The Dallas S.P.D. team turned a complex, first-of-its-kind installation into a success through innovation, collaboration, and field expertise. Their work demonstrated MAREK’s ability to adapt quickly, solve problems in the field, and deliver exceptional results under unique design challenges.