- Headquarters
- 1840 N. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- info@barrisolusa.com
- Phone
- (216) 662-8864
Barrisol USA is the exclusive North American distributor and installer of Barrisol stretch ceiling systems, operating as a division of the Frank Novak & Sons Companies since the 1990s. The company specializes in high-performance, low-carbon, acoustically engineered ceiling and wall solutions for commercial, institutional, and residential projects. Its product portfolio includes microperforated acoustic membranes, integrated LED lighting systems, bio-based membranes like Biowood and Polaris made with up to 92% natural materials, and the Barrisol Clim radiant heating and cooling system. Barrisol USA holds certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Greenguard Gold, and Environmental Product Declarations, emphasizing sustainability and indoor air quality. The parent brand Barrisol, owned by Normalu SAS in France, invented the stretch ceiling in 1969 and established the Barrisol brand in 1975. Backed by the century-old Frank Novak & Sons organization, Barrisol USA provides training, project support, warranty registration, and a network of approved installers across the United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. The company also offers a 10-year factory warranty on welded seams and harpoon profiles, and maintains a project gallery and documentation resources on its website.
Detailed Review
History
Barrisol USA was established in the 1990s as the North American arm of the French stretch ceiling pioneer Barrisol, which itself traces its origins to the invention of the first stretch ceiling by Normalu in 1969. The Barrisol brand was officially created in 1975. Barrisol USA operates as a dedicated division within the Frank Novak & Sons Companies, a family-run construction and distribution business founded in 1912 and headquartered in Philadelphia. This structure provides Barrisol USA with stable operational support and deep industry expertise.
Business Model
Barrisol USA is not a manufacturer but the authorized channel for architects, contractors, and installers to access the full Barrisol product line in North America. The company generates revenue through distribution and installation services, focusing on high-end commercial, institutional, and residential projects. It provides training and certification for approved installers, manages warranty registrations, and offers project design assistance.
Products
Barrisol USA offers a broad portfolio of stretch ceiling and wall systems: - Barrisol Stretch Ceiling Systems: Over 20 membrane types in matte, glossy, satin, translucent, and printed finishes. - Barrisol Acoustics: Microperforated membranes for sound absorption in offices, schools, and public venues. - Barrisol Clim: Radiant heating and cooling system using water circulation within the membrane, achieving up to 20% energy savings. - Biowood & Polaris: Bio-based membranes made from natural materials, fully recyclable; Polaris achieves 81% light transmission. - ELT3D: Backlit 3D ceiling panels with integrated LED lighting. - Microsorber: A proprietary acoustic product used in iconic buildings like those by I.M. Pei. - Artolis & Arcolis: Decorative artistic ceiling treatments. - Chronos: Black translucent membrane for dramatic lighting effects. - Low-Carbon ECOLIA: Range of ceilings with Environmental Product Declarations.
Market Position and Certifications
Barrisol is the global leader in stretch ceilings, and Barrisol USA holds exclusive distribution rights for the Western Hemisphere. The company emphasizes low environmental impact, with products certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Greenguard Gold, and EPDs. The Biowood membrane is OEKO-TEX certified for its natural composition. Barrisol USA also provides a 10-year factory warranty on welded seams and harpoon profiles.
Recent Developments
Recent introductions include the Chronos black translucent membrane, bio-based Polaris, and low-carbon ECOLIA systems. The company publishes an annual calendar showcasing international projects, reflecting its role in high-profile architecture. Barrisol USA operations are integrated with Frank Novak & Sons, which brings over a century of construction and distribution expertise.
Key Products
Barrisol Stretch Ceiling Systems
Over 20 unique membrane systems for ceilings and walls, available in matte, glossy, satin, translucent, and printed finishes.
Barrisol Acoustics
Microperforated ceiling systems designed to reduce noise pollution, suitable for offices, schools, and public venues.
Barrisol Clim
A radiant ceiling system for heating and cooling that uses water circulation within the membrane, offering energy savings and low-carbon operation.
Biowood & Polaris
Bio-based membranes made from natural materials (wood fibers and other renewables), fully recyclable; Polaris achieves 81% light transmission.
ELT3D
Backlit 3D ceiling panels with integrated LED lighting for decorative and functional illumination.
Microsorber
A proprietary acoustic product used in high-profile architectural projects.
Artolis & Arcolis
Decorative stretch ceiling systems for artistic and custom designs.
Chronos
A black translucent membrane that transmits light and color, used for dramatic lighting effects.
Low-Carbon ECOLIA
A complete range of ceilings with Environmental Product Declarations, emphasizing sustainability.