Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
WHEN constructing or buying a house, the ceiling used to be the last thing a would-be house owner looked at. It was an afterthought.
But not anymore. House owners now pay attention to the overhead interior surface that covers the upper limits of a house. They now know that the ceiling is the first thing that people see when they enter a room. They want the first glance to be worthwhile.
It is now common to come across a ceiling showcasing stunning styles and intricate works that considerably affect the look and ambience of a room, adding finesse and creating an enviable first impression.
People who visit houses with decorative ceilings tend to ask who designed the upper interior surface. In Gweru the answer to that question is usually “Fortunate Masendeke”. The 39-year-old is the most sought-after ceiling designer.
“I am a Class 1 carpenter based in Gweru. I attained a carpentry national foundation at Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre in Masvingo in 2003. I then sat for the Trade Test at Gweru Polytechnic College and I am now a qualified Class 1 artisan,” said Masendeke.
He employs five workers to assist him in the ceiling business in Gweru and other towns.
Masendeke, a father of four, said he believes he is good at his work as evidenced by the many jobs he gets.
“My jobs are there on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. It gives me great pleasure when people appreciate my work,” he said.
Masendeke specialises in the classic plain ceiling, rhino board ceiling and flat ceiling.
“Rhino board ceilings are made of plasterboard. They are also known as rhino-board or gypsum and are relatively inexpensive yet they improve thermal and sound insulation in the home,” said Masendeke as he revealed that the flat ceiling is one of the most sought-after ceiling styles.
“The flat ceiling is suspended from the true ceiling as a secondary ceiling, merging with the design narrative of the abode. A flat ceiling can accommodate the recessed lights in the house and conceal the building service lines aesthetically like the wiring, plumbing and fire lines. It is also used in tall spaces to balance the height while creating a proportional composition,” he said.
Masendeke said another popular trend that a homeowner can do is to introduce a tray light around the periphery of the room. This allows one to achieve a one-of-a-kind layout without compromising on the height of the ceiling.
“A wooden false ceiling is a bold choice. It can infuse warmth into spaces with a classic yet contemporary appeal. The natural texture of the wood and the rich coarse-grained patterns bring depth and dimension to the interiors.”
He revealed that there are different types of ceilings for different rooms.
PVC ceilings are best suited for moisture-laden areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and balcony.
“It is also a suitable option for the basement area as it can resist dampness and curb the growth of mould and mildew. PVC ceilings are available in a variety of colours and patterns,” he said.
Masendeke said he is now looking at 3D ceiling panels.
“Before the turn of the millennium and while looking at the big picture for designing the home, many homeowners used to overlook the ceilings. Ceilings must be eye-catching,” he said.
Online Reporter