Abbey Wharf, Reading.

Our team designed the full interior CAT A office lighting and exterior lighting including emergency lighting, ready for tender.  We produced full lighting design and calculations making sure the correct lighting products including emergency lighting have been selected across the whole scheme for all areas. 30 hours of lighting design in total were used to support the project.

The client’s ambitious aspiration was to re-imagine the space and create a forward thinking destination workplace with a certain type of client in mind. Sustainability was a key priority in producing this contemporary scheme with a club atmosphere.

The Exterior

The linear lighting used in the new exterior canopy is the IP65 rated version of the Rio Surface mounted. The die-cast aluminium housing was pre-treated before powder coating to ensure corrosion resistance and the linear profile was specified with frosted toughened glass. 

The exterior version of the fluorescent tube style LED luminaire Nile surface mounted was used in several exterior locations, adding a contemporary industrial style to the facade and the cycle storage in the basement area. The luminaire was used in 4 different sizes to match each specific area. The luminaire installation of the Nile surface mounted in the cycle storage reference to rippled water in a river. The design is using lighting as part of the branding and guiding visitors through the space. The exterior Nile fittings are IP67 rated.

The Interior.

In the reception area and breakout, the Nile suspended was specified and used for main illumination of the space. The smooth finish of the tubular Nile and soft lighting emitted from the luminaries creates comfortable lighting and good contrast with the concrete ceilings. Nile surface mounted was used in the breakout space. Installed in a symmetrical pattern, the tubular luminaries are enhancing the contemporary design of the space.

In the circulation areas around the staircase, the Nile suspended was installed behind metal mesh ceiling tiles in a playful diagonal pattern. 

Nile Surface mounted and suspended were used to illuminate the new shower block. The lighting enhances the contemporary look of the facilities.  

In the main open plan office area, the Nile Suspended was used behind the metal mesh tiles as part of the hybrid ceiling to create a playful visual feature. 

In the main staircase area, the Rio wall with direct/indirect distribution was used to provide the general lighting for the space. The performance driven linear profile Rio has a clean cut design and the matte black finish boosts the visual appearance of the space. A true wow factor has been achieved in the stairwell by the vertically suspended Nile suspended. The omnidirectional tubular luminaire with 360 degree illumination were suspended at different lengths to create this eye-catching architectural feature pendant.

The result is a very distinctive contemporary CAT A workplace where the architectural lighting truly sets the workplace apart and allows the actual building to become a centre stage. It’s a welcoming space with the architectural lighting attractive to future tenants and visitors.

For information on how to get the best lighting for your office, visit out Guide to Office Lighting.