Awarded: IES Lighting Sculpture and Installation Award of Excellence 2015 – NSW Chapter
Electrolight provided a lighting design to enhance the architect’s vision for a modern interpretation of a casual sea-side hotel with a touch of elegance and nostalgia. The design for the bar features a custom light sculpture inspired by the organic form and movement of the ocean’s creatures.
Pier One is situated on a former real-life pier originally constructed in 1912. The location affords spectacular views over Sydney Harbour. Electrolight were appointed lighting designers to provide a scheme to compliment the client and architect’s vision for a modern interpretation of a casual sea-side hotel with a touch of elegance and nostalgia. Potential for a primary feature light was flagged during the initial briefing.
The challenge was to create a lighting scheme which worked for both day and night, allowing the new interiors and original structures to shine, and introducing light artistically without feeling forced or pushing an opposing trend.
A blend of colour temperatures, intensity and concealment brings the setting to life and allows the character of the space to sing. The glasses above the bar provide a subtle sparkle, illuminated from behind, while brass wall lights capture the warmth of the timber. Illumination appears to live within the structural fabric, captivating the elements which make this space unique.
High-level wall lights, combined with lensed track lighting provide light to the ceiling structure and timber walls. A less is more approach to the fixtures minimises the need for ‘general’ lighting, setting the stage for feature fittings to shine.
It was decided that the high space above the bar required a feature that worked with the nautical theme of the wharf and it’s history. Electrolight pitched an idea for a light-art sculpture, inspired by the organic form and movement of the ocean’s creatures and the way modern yachts replicate these same movements. The commissioned work, named ‘Squelette’, was both conceptualised and detailed by the Electrolight team in Sydney.
The detailed design was quite a process, with over 300 parts requiring site assembly, each component suspended utilising gravity to hold it’s intended form. Specialist fabricator Axolotl were appointed to manufacture the piece and were instrumental in the realization of the work, allowing Electrolight to create the organic forms with a metallic brass finish.
