Skytron Blog

When it comes to building the operating room of the future, it turns out the ceiling plays a much bigger role than most people realize. From meeting ASHRAE 170 to tailored lighting options, modular ceiling systems are quickly becoming a game-changer in healthcare design. In this edition of The Sky is the Limit, we’re spotlighting Skytron’s new modular ceiling system, developed in partnership with a US manufacturing company, and why this innovation matters more than ever in today’s critical care environments.
 

What Is a Modular Ceiling System?

Unlike traditional drywall ceilings, a modular ceiling system is a prefabricated overhead grid structure designed specifically for critical environments such as operating rooms, labs, and cleanrooms.

An effective modular ceiling system features factory-engineered precision, durable steel and aluminum components for strength and cleanability, as well as quick on-site installation with minimal disruption. It also includes seamless integration with clinical systems, such as lighting, airflow, medical gas, and equipment booms.
 

A Smarter System from the Top Down

While modular ceilings aren’t entirely new, Skytron’s latest solution, FreedomAire, brings a new level of integration, performance, and configuration.

Here’s how it’s redefining ceiling system performance in the surgical environment:

1. Turnkey Integration This ceiling platform is designed as a fully integrated system, combining airflow diffusers, lighting, and booms that are engineered to work together. This unified approach helps eliminate airflow dead zones and reduces conflicts between ceiling-mounted devices.
2. Configurations for Every OR No two operating rooms are the same. That’s why each system is tailored to the room’s layout, surgical specialties, and equipment load. Whether it’s a hybrid OR, cath lab, or traditional suite, this ceiling solution adapts to unique clinical demands.
3. Structural and Non-Structural Options Depending on infrastructure needs, hospitals can choose between non-structural ceilings, supported by above-ceiling structure, or integrated structural solutions capable of bearing the weight of booms, robotic arms, or imaging systems.
4. Proven Performance At the core, our high-performance steel diffusers exceed ASHRAE 170 airflow standards. This ensures proper airflow over the surgical field.

Why Modular Ceilings Matter in Today’s OR

Clean Air Is Non-Negotiable Operating rooms must meticulously manage airborne contamination. Proper airflow, the smooth, directed flow of HEPA-filtered air, is proven to reduce airborne particles by over 90% 1 compared to conventional systems. Proper airflow, combined with sterile techniques, is critical to great outcomes.

Built-In Compliance Healthcare environments must adhere to evolving codes and guidelines, such as ASHRAE 170 and FGI. Modular systems streamline this process by integrating the requirements directly into the ceiling, eliminating guesswork and the need for piecemeal compliance efforts.
 

Integrated LED Lighting That Elevates the Surgical Space

FreedomAire’s integrated LED lighting system is designed to support surgical precision and staff comfort. The energy-efficient LED light strips feature tunable and dimmable settings, allowing teams to adjust brightness and color temperature to match the specific needs of each procedure. With an exceptionally high Color Rendering Index (CRI) of above 90, clinicians achieve true-to-life color accuracy, critical for delicate surgical work. For added convenience, an optional wall-mounted touchscreen provides effortless control and access to virtually limitless color and lighting configurations, helping create an optimal environment for every patient.

Bottom Line: Don’t Overlook What’s Overhead

The ceiling may not be the first thing people think of when designing a high-performing OR, but maybe it should be.

Our modular ceiling system brings smart integration, meeting ASHREA standards, and integrated LED lighting all into one engineered solution. It’s more than a ceiling. It’s a platform for innovation.
 

Skytron’s Configurable, Modular OR Ceiling System

The FreedomAire ceiling system is a modular, pre-engineered solution designed to meet the precise specifications of each surgical environment. Manufactured off-site and installed efficiently with minimal disruption, it saves weeks of renovation time compared to traditional stick-built construction. Available in both structural and non-structural versions, FreedomAire is engineered to accommodate a wide range of applications and performance requirements.

Skytron’s team manages the entire process from structural and lighting engineering to prefabrication and on-site coordination with all relevant trades, including electrical and medical gas. This streamlined, integrated approach not only reduces time and costs but also ensures a seamless transition to a cleaner, more adaptable operating room ceiling system.

Resources:
1. The Effect of Laminar Air Flow and Door Openings on Operating Room Contamination (PDF) The Effect of Laminar Air Flow and Door Openings on Operating Room Contamination (PDF)
2. Operating theatre quality and prevention of surgical site infections Operating theatre quality and prevention of surgical site infections – PMC
3. Recommendations on Prevention of Surgical Site Infection Recommendations on Prevention of Surgical Site Infection
4. Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities: Recommendations of CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)