In the first project of its kind in the UK, Future Group Lighting Design and Light Projects, a certified member of the LUXEON Lighting Network, were briefed to create a welcoming environment for both members of the public and call centre staff, through the creative use of light.
To achieve this the architect Brian Martin designed a feature ceiling, consisting of a series of coffered arcs that conceal a specially developed light solution. Using white and blue Luxeon LEDs a colour changing effect that runs over the course of the day has been created, simulating the sky and creating a feeling of light and space.
Key to the lighting solution is the light source, specially developed by the Future Group using 2,500 Light Projects' KlipLEDs. Utilizing Luxeon blue and white LEDs, the KlipLEDs were individually mounted on metal strips and press studded together to form a flexible mechanical coupling, capable of running in a channel around the curved ceiling arcs.
Peter Phillipson, of Future Group, said: "Vital to the overall effect of this project was the aspect ratio of the coffers in the ceiling design, which was only possible through the small size of the LEDs. The smallness and high brightness of Luxeon ensured the lip detail needed to conceal them was kept to a minimum, allowing the architect to achieve the desired effect.
"Without the use of Luxeon LEDs in this project the arc design and final effect would not have been possible. Only a year or so ago cold cathode would have been used resulting in a larger lip detail and altering the aspect ratio. This project shows just how far LED technology has come, with the small size and high power of LEDs creating an entirely new era of lighting solutions."
Crucial to the success of the project is the fact that there are no LED drivers, tungsten halogen transformers or any serviceable components above the feature ceiling, avoiding the need for any trap doors that would impact on the overall design. The drivers are all housed in a 19-inch rack in a plant room, with the ELV cabling from there to the LEDs cut to length so there are no joints. The cables are each terminated with a tiny socket passing through specially positioned holes concealed behind the lip detail. This enables each driver to run three circuits each with between four and twelve LEDs in a balanced load.
Keith Scott, market development manager at Lumileds, said: "The use of Luxeon LEDs to create this feature ceiling demonstrates the incredible advancements designers are making in solid state lighting solutions that weren't possible just a few years ago, are now a reality thanks to Lumileds' continued advancement of LED technology and the commitment of companies such as those involved in the Luxeon Lighting Network."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
