The design and development of Nexus Layouts

When Zentia set out to rethink the suspended ceiling, the brief was clear: deliver greater creative freedom for designers, more distinctive visual identity for clients, and a solution that could keep pace with rapidly changing workplace environments. What began as a small spark of an idea ultimately developed into Nexus Layouts - Zentia’s latest design-driven ceiling system.

According to John Spicer, Head of New Product Development, the inspiration did not come from a blank sheet of paper. It came from something already resonating with specifiers. “Nexus Layouts is a conversion of a similar pattern in our Sonify range. It had been very popular among specifiers, so it made sense to create a continuous wall to wall version.”

That early insight set the tone for the development process. Nexus Layouts needed to feel fresh and expressive, but it also needed to be practical, scalable and grounded in familiar installation logic.

“The most important factor when we designed Nexus Layouts was that it should be easy to plan and simple to install,” John explains. This clarity helped the team stay focused as they explored hundreds of potential pattern combinations. They narrowed that list down through numerous design sessions until the final five launch patterns emerged: Array, Berg, Exclaim, Pixal and Step.

Each pattern was chosen for a reason. Some create movement or direction, others create focus, and some simply make a space feel more dynamic. As John puts it, “We selected five to inspire designers and show what is possible with just a few standard parts.”

But Nexus Layouts is not only about pattern. One of the earliest decisions was to ensure the system could work across a broad range of tile families, from acoustic mineral fibre to metal mesh. This was essential for specifiers who need both performance and design flexibility.

John summarises the thinking simply: “We wanted the Nexus Layouts system to be available across different tile materials, colours, and textures, giving designers the most flexibility visually and functionally.”

Behind the aesthetics is a small but critical piece of engineering: the Single Tee Adaptor Clip. Without it, most of the patterns would not be possible.

“The clip centres the cross tee and creates a very strong and stable connection,” John says. It is one of those elegant, behind-the-scenes details that turns a concept into a buildable reality.

The timing of the launch was also significant. Workplaces are evolving, and hospitality influences are reshaping offices. In addition, staff wellbeing, comfort and identity matter more than ever.

As John explains, “The hotelification trend was the main driver. Designers need more playful spaces where they can mix texture, pattern and colours to attract the workforce back into the office.”

The early installations reflect this shift. The Templeman Retailing project shows Nexus Layouts in action, bringing depth, structure and boldness to a workplace entrance. Other schemes are already experimenting with colours, lighting integration and DecoFrame rafts.

Perhaps the most encouraging trend is the appetite for creativity.

“Once designers understand the fundamentals, they want to add their own creativity. Bolder colours and different combinations are some of the early trends,” John notes.

Although Nexus Layouts is a recent addition to the market, its direction is already evident. Early reactions suggest it represents far more than another ceiling option - it's a catalyst for treating the ceiling as a genuine architectural and design asset within the interior environment.