Look up for a passive thermal storage device, and meet Templok Energy Saving Ceilings from Armstrong

August 5, 2026 — A fusion of acoustics excellence and thermal science, Templok Energy Saving Ceilings from Armstrong World Industries offer a system that transforms traditional ceiling panels into passive thermal storage devices through integrated phase change material (PCM) technology — a salt-and-water solution that melts and freezes at 72°F to help regulate indoor temperatures passively.

Templok ceiling panels deliver clean, modern aesthetics with high light-reflective finishes (82-88% reflectance) that enhance lighting efficiency. Available in three product lines (Calla, Ultima, and School Zone Fine Fissured), they have multiple textures, from smooth to fine to medium fissured, and edge profiles provide design flexibility while maintaining superior performance.

Functional performance

During occupied hours, as temperatures rise above 72°F from solar gain, equipment, and occupants, the PCM within each panel absorbs up to 50 BTUs/SF of thermal energy, delaying and reducing mechanical cooling demand. At night, the material refreezes, releasing stored heat to stabilize temperatures and reduce morning warm-up energy. Case studies demonstrate up to 20% reduction in peak afternoon HVAC demand and 7% total cooling energy reduction. In desert climate classrooms, Templok ceilings maintained spaces 4°F cooler during peak heat, dramatically improving occupant comfort.

The Best of NeoCon 2026 jurors awarded Templok Innovation and Business Impact Awards in the Interior Products and Solutions category, and observed:

Templok offers an efficient solution that combines energy savings, reduced building energy consumption, and strong acoustic performance in a single product. Its compatibility with standard ceiling sizes and grid systems adds to its practicality and ease of integration. One consideration, however, is how the system accommodates lighting, sprinkler, and mechanical components, given that the tiles incorporate a salt and water solution. 

The technology behind this solution is a true breakthrough in thermal comfort, demonstrating an exceptional and thoughtful application of innovation.

The transformative innovation extends beyond the product itself. According to AWI, Templok is the first PCM ceiling system integrated into IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) software, enabling architects and engineers to model thermal performance and quantify energy and carbon savings during the design phase. This integration bridges the gap between passive building materials and active building systems, allowing design teams to optimize thermal comfort and energy efficiency before construction begins. Templok ceilings are engineered to redefine ceiling systems as strategic performance assets.

Durability and quality

Engineered for demanding commercial environments, Templok ceiling panels feature washable, impact-resistant, scratch-resistant, and soil-resistant finishes.

As part of the Armstrong CleanAssure family, they withstand EPA-approved disinfectants through fogging or spraying, critical for healthcare and education settings. BioBlock performance prevents mold/mildew growth, while HumiGuard Plus technology ensures sag resistance even in high-humidity environments.

The jurors also commented:

Installers cannot cut into gel, so use regular tiles for that. These save energy to the point where you get a full ROI in 1-3 years. The gel is an amazing product, holding heat or cold air to offset temps.

Addresses operational carbon in the built environment

Templok ceilings deliver transformative environmental impact by addressing operational carbon, the largest component of a building’s lifecycle emissions.

Through passive thermal storage, the system reduces heating and cooling energy consumption by up to 15%. This translates to measurable carbon footprint reduction throughout building operation, the phase responsible for 80-90% of total building emissions over a structure’s lifetime.

Energy efficiency and climate impact

By providing 50 BTUs/SF of passive cooling capacity, Templok Energy Saving Ceilings can reduce peak HVAC loads by up to 20%, decreasing energy consumption and utility infrastructure strain. The system’s thermal buffering effect extends equipment service life while reducing refrigerant emissions from mechanical systems. Energy modeling studies predict annual cooling savings exceeding 7% and heating savings exceeding 30% in typical commercial applications.