Hospitality and Retail Design Update

Some of the latest trends appeal to owners, architects, users, and budgets alike
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Sponsored by Amerlux, Doug Mockett & Company, Inc., Hawa Group Americas Inc., Inpro, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, NanaWall Systems, Pella EFCO Commercial Solutions, and Planters Unlimited
Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
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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.

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.

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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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in June 2016

Notice

Academies
Hospitality and Retail Design Update
Buyer's Guide
Standard Plus: The Best Alternative to Made-to-Measure
Amerlux® Standard Plus field-customizable systems are changing the way the industry approaches linear run lengths. Standard Plus works with Amerlux Grüv® 1½-inch to 6-inch installations and snaps right into place, without adding expense or lead time. Walls and ceilings have no gaps or inconsistencies—they are just smooth and beautifully lit.
Amerlux®
www.amerlux.com
Levity Task Light – PCS55
The Levity combines flexible, directed lighting with power and USB charging, plus the ability to be stowed away. Simply pull up on the lid, and it rises automatically to 5 inches to activate two LED lights. Lift up to a maximum height of 21 inches or anywhere in between, and rotate in any direction.
Doug Mockett & Company, Inc.
www.mockett.com/levity
For Lightweight, Stackable Sliding Glass or Wood Walls
The HAWA-Aperto for wood or glass is specially designed for lightweight partition walls that stack doors into the smallest of space, parked parallel or perpendicular.
Hawa Group Americas Inc.
www.hawa.com
PC® Heavy-Duty Wall Protection
Back-of-house areas, like loading docks, warehouses, kitchens, and storage areas, take a lot of high-impact abuse from forklifts, carts, dollies, and other wheeled traffic. IPC® Door + Wall Protection materials are specifically designed to absorb and deflect heavy impact from anything that gets thrown at them.
CITY MULTI® L-Generation VRF Systems
Save money, space, and energy with Mitsubishi Electric’s latest CITY MULTI VRF system. Reduce energy usage and save money on utility bills with an up to a 54 percent increase in system efficiency. The smaller system footprint and reduced refrigerant charge requirements provide more design and installation flexibility.
Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating
MitsubishiPro.com/ready/innovation
NanaWall Opening Glass Walls
NanaWall Systems provides a wide range of opening glass walls for commercial environments that stand up to the daily commercial grind, as well as the challenges of wind, water, extreme temperatures, forced entry, impact, and structural load.
Pella® Architect Series® Monumental Hung Windows
The performance ratings (CW30 to CW50), sizes (up to 6 feet wide by 12 feet high), Class 5 balances, and triple-pane insulated glass options you need are available in historically correct wood windows.
Pella EFCO Commercial Solutions
www.pellacommercial.com/monumental-windows
Marek Custom Fiberglass Planters
The Marek planter modernizes any environment with its geometric appearance. They are customizable, available with illuminated toe-kicks and castors in more than two dozen colors. They are lightweight, durable, and impervious to insects and made to withstand all seasonal elements. These stylish planters are perfect for any restaurant, backyard, hotel, or office.