Manufacturer Case Studies

and its light effect are a central element to the design process”. The studio follows an ethos that products should be designed and beautifully made. “Keep refining a design to reveal its purest form and function,” he continues. “Work with rather than against materials. Engineer and build products so they can be easily maintained to extend their life. “Lighting products should function well, give enough controlled light with no glare and a flattering warmth. Create products that enrich our environments.” Winner of this year’s [d]arc awards' decorative kit category was Coles’ Fresnel table lamp. It is the latest addition to the Fresnel collection, completing the range that consists of a pendant, chandelier and wall lights. The lamp is inspired by a fusion of Art Deco and Mid-Century design principles of material, form and function and with a heavy nod to original arc light experiments. Central to the design is the relationship between the lenticular lenses of the reeded glass, the diffused light core filling the whole form with light. The inner light core houses warm white LEDs complimenting the hue of the brass. High quality and high CRI LEDs are incorporated with a 2400k colour temperature. The cylinder shade hovers above a solid machined brass base, its form mirrored in negative. Concealed in the base is an integrated, linear, touch-sensitive dimmer to carry the integrity of design throughout the family and to engage a tactile user interaction with the material. The lights are hand-assembled and finished to order from solid brass parts, designed and engineered with precision at its workshops in Henley on Thames. Features born of the manufacturing process are maintained as delicate detailing; nothing is glued. These lights are made for longevity with each component replaceable. Inspiration for the table lamp came from Victorian lamp engineering. Coles explains further: “It was imagined as a play on early Victorian lamp experiments, such as those by Joseph Swann in the 1880’s (the real inventor of the light bulb!). “The solid brass base becomes the plinth of the experiment, and the vertical brass arm with knurled detail references the electrical contact to the carbon filament and vacuum contained within the shade. “The shade provides a warm glow reminiscent of incandescence

floating over the machined base with the touch dimmer giving a further nod to the eureka moment! “The table lamp was developed over a 12-month period, honing the design through prototypes. This is our first free-standing product, so we’ve learnt a great deal in the process to help future designs.” A key element to the design was the relationship between the lenticular lenses of the reeded glass. Coles elaborated on this poignant design decision: “The internally reeded glass shade reproduces the ‘Fresnel’ optical effect where the light is refracted, creating depth and filling the shade with light. Invented by the namesake French engineer, the Fresnel optical lens focuses lamps in Lighthouses, so multiple lens could be combined to form a single narrow beam of light. We use the optics in reverse to provide a diffused radiant light in all directions.” The choice of materials is an important one for Coles and his team, with their strong value for the “natural integrity of materials”. He continues: “Solid brass machined parts are waxed or naturally aged, (not plated steel) so the beauty of the materials shines though. “For all LED products, thermal design is important and our internal heatsink draws the heat away from LEDs, which also monitor and adjust their current draw. “Our light sources have a high CRI to give natural skin tones and incorporating a touch dimmer allows for precise light level control. “We thrive on (and are always excited about) the fusion of traditional craft and high technology.” What should we expect from the studio next? The team has been working, alongside Spears Major on the re-development of Battersea Power Station, on the soon-to-be-completed large-scale site-specific feature chandelier that will be housed below each of the four iconic wash tower chimneys of power station. Furthermore, during the pandemic the studio developed two more exciting products that have not been exhibited before (the Tallow and Meso product ranges). “We are excited to show them for the first time at Clerkenwell Design Week in May. “We have also been developing an inductively charged portable light, which we hope to launch later in the year at Light22.” www.jonathancoles.co.uk

KIT: TOP TEN DECORATIVE LIGHTING PRODUCTS

2nd Place: Facet Pendant Light Iluka London

Designed by Daniel and Sarah Bullen-Webb, Iluka London’s Facet Pendant light’s are handmade from a frosted clear resin and Australian red-mallee burr wood. Each pendant is completely unique as the facets are cut at random and finished to a natural matte texture by hand. They are complemented by an antique brushed brass light fitting (housing a replaceable G9 light light source), with cream twisted silk flex. www.ilukalondon.com

3rd Place: Alma Meseme Studio

With an arresting sculptural yet symmetrical accent, Alma table light is an attempt to reimagine a classic for a contemporary fixture to enhance the extraordinary modern-day spaces. Handcrafted using brass, TIR lens, clear glass and integrated LED source, makes it a well-balanced and adaptable luminaire. With the TIR lens acting as an enlightened rod, Alma offers a glare-free warm tone creating a calm and soothing surrounding. Launched late November 2021, Alma is the debut product of Meseme Studio, a contemporary lighting and accessories studio based in London. It is designed by emerging and award-winning designer Riya Panchal in collaboration with skilful craftsmen and assembled in the UK. Dimensions: height 420mm, diameter 170mm. www.mesemestudio.com

4th Place: Antoinette Studio Aristotelis Barakos

With its luxuriant, silky metal finish and the milky light it pours all around it, the Antoinette table lamp is a tribute to the sparkling, golden-hued reveries of generations of champagne drinkers, with a meaningful nod to royal Versailles decadence. Using cutting-edge LED technology and high-quality materials, the signature shape of the shallow champagne coupe is transformed into an elegant table lamp featuring smooth, discreet touch controls. The light of a circular 12V LED module under the lamp’s top lid is diffused by an opaline bowl, producing a soft downward light. A metal touch dimmer switch on the base provides a tactile on/off function with 10-100% adjustment. It is made of metal and available in brushed bronze, with the option of copper finish, as well as satin finish in a variety of colours. Dimensions: height 30cm, width 25cm. www.aristotelisbarakos.com

5th Place: Serena Codega

Serena lamps express Italian stylistic tradition with a hi-tech heart, with the aim of positively influencing human biorhythms while sanitising the environment. The lamp comes from an intense research path, conducted with professional lighting designer Francesco Iannone e Serena Tellini. By recreating the progressive variation of natural light in indoor environments, Serena lamps make light a source of wellbeing. Taking advantage of the disinfectant and germicidal properties of UVC rays, the lamps sanitise surfaces by removing germs, bacteria, and viruses. The lamps are also designed according to the principles of neuroesthetics, the scientific discipline that explores the correlation between visual stimuli and neuronal responses. codegalight.com

6th Place: Transmisson David Tragen

Transmission is an illuminated wall-mounted sculpture, which creates different effects depending on the use of its integral lighting, external illumination or both. The piece was designed and made in the UK by David Tragen and takes his passion for flowing, curved forms to a new level. It was inspired by the Op Art movement and in particular the curve paintings of Bridget Riley. Its name comes from the movement of wave energy, flowing out from the centre and then dissipating as it progresses to the edge of the concave surface. It is made in cold cast bronze (a mix of resin and bronze) or cold cast aluminium and measures 425 x 425 x 80mm. The light diffuser is cast in semi-translucent resin with a pearlescent finish and the warm white LEDs provide gentle ambient lighting. www.davidtragen.co.uk

7th Place: Bottle Lights Holsting Design Studio

In a world where people are becoming more conscious about the environment, we are also seeing a higher demand for greener products. This is an artistic example of how we can make a product more sustainable, but not compromise the design and quality. By using glasswaste, in a way where the shape of the waste is still recognisable, it creates awareness about using waste as a production material. Thereby putting more value into waste material, that otherwise has a very short lifespan. By combining different painting methods with glass waste, the studio was able to create a more sustainable product that retains a high finish and quality. Every light is handmade, with imperfections and a uniqueness you can’t get from mass production. These textures are part of the production method and should be considered as something that gives the product its uniqueness and not as a flaw. holstingdesign.com

8th Place: Glowbules Curiousa & Curiousa

The Glowbule columns were designed by Argentine-Japanese artist and designer Adam Nathaniel Furman and Esther Patterson, Founder of Curiousa & Curiousa. Using a low voltage LED system, these dimmable sculptural floor lights marry modern technology with the traditional appeal of free-blown glass. These lamps stand at 1.5-metres tall and house a unique chimney LED cooling system. All made in the UK, each segment is individually free-blown in semi-opaque glass, meticulously ground, married together and stacked, creating a beautiful and continuous linear glow. www.curiousa.co.uk

9th Place: Paopao Seed Lighting Design

Inspired by the concept of "childhood dreams of flying high, paired with jewellery’s gorgeous lustre and organic shapes", the Paopao's name translates as bubbles in Mandarin. The glass gradually changes colour into crystal, producing a particularly fine yet sturdy finish. With a refined-metal fixture seamlessly continuing the smoothly curved shape of the glass body, the Paopao is embedded with CRI 95 LED and the high-quality light reflects through the layered translucent colour of the glass top, which sets off the finesse of the glass shade and gives a fantastic unique glow inside. seeddesignusa.com

10th Place: Hex Iron Oxide Design

Designed by Ben Hatton, Hex is a decorative pendant family, which uses high quality raw materials and takes inspiration from nature. Iron Oxide Design concentrated on keeping the light source hidden and using refraction from its cut surfaces to create something very different. Hex is available in two diameter variants and a number of lengths. It is available in multiple finishes including gunmetal grey, bronze, chrome, nickel, brushed brass and mirror polished brass. It is constructed from solid brass and is sourced and manufactured entirely in the UK. It offers a standard unit running a mains dimmable GU10 and Mini GU10 lamps but also a Xicato driven CRI95 Chip option incorporating all of the usual BMS dimming and control options. ironoxide.co.uk

Astella Apartments San Francisco, USA

Astella Apartments is located in the heart of San Francisco’s design district. California-based interior design firm CDC Designs’ vision and execution demonstrate its attention to the small details that make a significant impact and impressively tie the entire project together. The project embraces the creative spirit of the surrounding neighbourhood while also feeling authentically Californian. The layered earth tones, organic textures, and artful accents keep things fresh. The balance of natural glazing and where CDC’s team artfully decided to use light fixtures are in sync. California-based lighting design studio and manufacturer, Cerno, is used throughout the project. Cerno’s dynamic palette of natural woods, metals, and leatherwork complements CDC’s material selection. “When it comes to lighting selections we treat them as an additional piece of art in the spaces we are designing,” says Julie Ann Stark, Partner, President of Design, CDC Designs. “We made several selections from Cerno lighting because of the modern nature of their fixtures and the subtle illumination that highlights the spaces. They are all also sustainable, eco-friendly and made in the USA, which is reflective of the Astella community ethos. “There’s a place for statement pieces in design, but I think the real magic is when a piece of furniture or lighting works so well in a space that it’s not a statement and seamlessly fits with the overall vision,” adds Bret Englander, Co-founder of Cerno. “This project feels resolved; it’s clear the designers were meticulous and creative, and the result is a welcoming modern environment.” Cerno’s Penna linear pendants hang above a swoon-worthy communal kitchen where the clean lines do not compromise the utility of a fully functional place to cook, gather and entertain with fellow residents. Above a full-size white oak pool table is Cerno’s expansive 82-ins Vix linear pendant. “The Vix provides a lot of usable light in an unobtrusive form which is why it works so well in voluminous spaces like the Astella club room,” says Cerno Co-founder and Director of Design Nick Sheridan. “When designing new fixtures we try to understand how they will be used; although the designer ultimately decides how they will specify Cerno fixtures, we always strive to create beautiful fixtures that emit a significant amount of usable light,” adds Englander. “The designers opted for Cerno’s Imber pendant in a distressed brass finish for the conference rooms. “I think conference rooms should be like a nice designer suit, sophisticated, comfortable, but also suggest that this is space where real work is done. CDC’s team checked all these boxes.” “Inspired by the locale and the striking exterior architecture the interiors provide a respite from the busy and energetic vibe of the neighborhood. Layered earth tones, organic textures, and artful accents keep things fresh, finding appeal in the art of the mix,” concludes Stark. cernogroup.com

Vivant Parisian Apartment Paris, France

Luxxu’s brand new apartment is the epitome of the French capital charm and penetrating magic. Created by Luxxu’s experts, the Vivant Parisian Apartment evokes a few French classics. Starting with the opulence of the herringbone parquet floor, from feeling the warm sunlight through the double windows to the elegant signature trumeau on the walls. In the entrance way, the Waterfall technical wall light features, illuminating the sizable welcome painting, plus the Gala floor lamp provides the ultimate golden touch. Leading into the hallway, the Waterfall II big wall lamp adds another level of decorative extravagance. In the kitchen, Luxxu’s Darian dining table, surrounded by the Charla II family, is carefully placed under a beautiful skylight with the special presence of the Explosion suspension lamp. Three Liberty small pendants fixed above the marble counter close the room with a golden key. The home office is decorated with the patterned green. This room is an ode to plants and nature in general, as it means growth and renewal. Luxxu’s lighting pieces, such as the Pharo floor, the Waterfall XL wall, and the Gamma table lamps, illuminate this dark hue room and make it even more exquisite. Adding to the dining experience, an audacious client needs an audacious piece of lighting. So, the Babel II suspension, with its metallic shine, flows along with the ceiling. The Mcqueen round suspension foliage merges into the décor theme with their one-by-one hand-hammered leaves. The emerald green Empire Set I centre table, made with a bespoke marble top, naturally follows the colour palette and ties together, with hints of gold, all of Luxxu’s lighting and furniture pieces such as the Trump II wall, Needle wall lamp, and Empire column display. The Mcqueen family continues through to the bedroom, adding further emotion and drama to the overall design. www.luxxu.net

Yuu Skin Institute Beernem, Belgium

Yuu Skin Institute generates a fashionable and stylish atmosphere for its clientele. To bring this feeling to the next level, Tekna’s lford pendant XL was chosen. This pendant light is presented in sateen brass with fitted clear glass inside. The handmade design is characterised by its pure classic and sophisticated appearance, which is part of the Nautic collection: an original combination where simplicity and functionality prevail. Nautic is Tekna’s iconic collection of authentic luminaires, made from raw materials. Tekna found its inspiration in the world of shipping. The maritime aspect, the charming character of old train sets and the craftsmanship in factories form the basic idea for Nautic’s designs. An original combination where simplicity and functionality are key. The timeless design and choice of materials give the luminaires a harmonious appearance. They are atmospheric and stylish, without unnecessary adornment. www.tekna.be