Project Summary:

Location: Stevenage
Sector: Office
Client: IET
Architect: Pringle Richards Sharratt
Consultant: Watkins Payne
Main Contractor: ISG
Electrical Contractor: Moyne London
M&E Services: Jackson Coles
Value: £100k
Duration: 46 months
Size: 67,000 sq. ft
Photography: Will Pryce

299 Lighting delivered lighting for the IET as part of the full refurbishment project of Michael Faraday House. Michael Faraday House is the UK headquarters of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The recent CAT A and CAT B redevelopment of the iconic red brick building in Stevenage offers approximately 67,000 sq ft of inspiring modern office space. The ambitious scheme was designed by Pringe Richards Sharratt and brought to life by ISG. The project recognises the importance of wellbeing of employees, whilst creating a stimulating workspace with a focus on sustainability.

The Institute of Engineering and Technology occupied the building since 1989 and infrastructure of the building was at the end of its working life. The refurbishment scheme comprises the ground floor, 1st and 2nd floor of the building with the layout almost identical across the floorplates.

Linear office lighting was specified by the architect and consultant for the entire project. When Moyne London were appointed as the electrical contractor on the project, we picked up the work, collaborating closely with the electrical contractor and the consultant involved on the project.

The 299 team attended several site meetings with the design team, provided product samples and technical support. In total, 107 hours of lighting design hours were used to secure and support this project.

Reception area

The ground floor features a large reception area with a minimalist contemporary design. The exposed ceilings are enhanced by a metal structure with mesh inserts. The tubular suspended luminaire Nile were positioned just above the metal structure, creating a visually striking yet discrete feature. The soft diffused light of the tubular Nile Suspended combined with the mesh structure mirror the look and feel of a computer board, a subtle connection with the engineering and technology. In total, 29 tubular fittings were used to create this tech inspired effect in the reception area.

Interesting fact:

As part of the 48VDC Realisation forum, that IET is heavily involved in, we were requested to assist with creating a 48V demo area to replicate the off the grid situation.
We gave the client advice on how to achieve this installation and provided new drivers for the existing fittings in order to make the ‘on-grid 230VAC area’ and the new off-grid 48VDC work together.

All lighting was supplied in a contemporary matte black finish. To increase the visual comfort, the micro-prismatic diffusers were selected for the linear office lighting. The Rio luminaires were supplied as DALI dimmable allowing the lighting to function with the lighting control system. The fittings also included integrated PIR sensors. Integrated emergency lighting was supplied in some luminaires following the emergency lighting design.