Hospitality and Retail Design Update
Customizable Linear Lighting
One of the more striking trends in lighting applications, particularly in retail and hospitality settings, is the use of linear lighting systems either for general lighting or to feature and highlight areas along walls, soffits, etc. Sometimes, it is used in thin bands of light that climb up walls, cross ceilings, and continues back down the other side. Other times, it is used as a series of wider parallel lines of light running the depth of a space and providing uniform illumination. The surface of the light lens could be recessed or flush with the adjacent wall or ceiling surface. Different lens treatments can be used, including housings that help direct light to focus in a strip or flare outward. All of these treatments can enhance the appearance of a space and influence the experience of people using it.
Beyond sleek looks and versatility, the performance and energy efficiency of linear lighting can be controlled. That begins with the selection of the choice of lamp for the linear fixtures to use. Standard fluorescent lamping is an option but so are high efficiency fluorescent and even higher efficiency LED lamps. The width of the fixture can determine the number of lamps and thus contribute to its overall energy consumption and wattage. The details of the fixture will determine the effective light output and the number of lumens emitted. And of course, the total number of fixtures in the space will ultimately drive the overall watts per square foot calculation up or down accordingly. For locations striving to meet an energy code prescribed lighting power density (LPD), the availability of all of these options helps achieve a linear lighting design that is consistent with the design of the space and the lighting levels needed, while still working within LPD limits.
Installing linear light fixtures recessed into a ceiling usually needs careful coordination and design prowess to assure that the layout of the lighting works within the constructed or renovated geometry of a room or space. Designing a fixture layout more precisely than normal construction tolerances allow is usually a recipe for problems in the field. Of course, even if the conditions are realistic and achievable, things do sometimes change and need to be coordinated. Either way, if a situation arises where an electrician is ready to install a linear lighting system into a ceiling from wall to wall and there is either too little or too much room, then either a fixture needs to be eliminated or the built construction needs to be modified. Neither one is desirable from the standpoint of controlling the final design, while both suggest additional costs and delays in completion that could have been avoided.
One way to overcome the field installation issues described above is to include an on-site solution into the design. At least one linear lighting manufacturer has introduced an accessory product in the form of a field-customizable end plate that makes linear lighting installations look like they were made to measure, wall to wall. The plate fits into the end of a fixture and matches its width so that it looks like an extension of the linear light fixture. If the dimension of the space as designed or available is not consistent with the normal length of the linear light fixtures, then the end plate can be used the same way that a filler panel is used in cabinetry installations. The 6-inch plate can be cut or trimmed to fill in the difference between the modular sized fixtures and the non-modular size of the space. In the event that the constructed condition varies, the end plate can similarly be used to allow for an adjustment and create a tight fit. By allowing for this minor field adjustment in the construction drawings, there is no longer a reason to hold up a project while things get communicated, responded to, and resolved. And there is less opportunity for extra cost due to a delay claim. The result? Beautifully lit ceilings, with less time lost, more money saved, less aggravation, and a precisely crafted finish.
Images courtesy of Amerlux
Linear lighting systems are popular in many retail and hospitality situations but can run into dimensional problems during installation. The solution can be found in field customizable end brackets, which can be trimmed or cut to suit the design or construction conditions.
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www.amerlux.com
www.mockett.com/levity
www.hawa.com
www.inprocorp.com/ipc
MitsubishiPro.com/ready/innovation
www.nanawall.com/applications/commercial
www.pellacommercial.com/monumental-windows
www.hooksandlattice.com/custom-marek-planters.html