171 Collins Street, by Bates Smart Architects, resides in
the ‘Paris’ end of Melbourne, which is regarded for its
architecture and sophistication, and home to business
leaders, investment banks, international fashion labels
and luxury hotels.
The development consists of a tower building housing
18 ‘occupiable’ floors, which include a business centre and
high-end retail, and seven levels of boutique offices in the
heritage-listed Mayfair Building.
Electrolight was commissioned to design specialist
lighting to the ground floor common areas including the
entrance lobby, atrium, main lobby, lift lobbies, amenities
and the Mayfair Building heritage façade. Lighting empha-
sises the internal architecture and reinforces the sense
of luxury and sophistication inherent in a premium office
development of this nature.
The entrance is constructed of travertine stone walls that
continue through to the atrium and ground floor lobby. The
travertine is evenly illuminated using a range of different
techniques including traditional wall washing, grazing and
spotlighting. Warm metal halide lamps were used in the
space to create warmth and augment the elegance of the
interior. All light is directed at the walls hence the space is
lit entirely with reflected light infused with the warm hue of
the stone. Not only is the stone emphasised but excellent
vertical illuminance is created as well.
A glowing line at the base of the stone wall visually de-
fines the perimeter of the entry, atrium and lobby, creating
the illusion of illuminating the full height of the stonewall.The
glowing line is created by a custom-designed architectural
recess with frosted glass diffuser and internal LED strip.
The ambience within the ground floor lobby areas radi-
ates sophisticated luxury; the lighting scheme had to be
subtle and highly tuned for it to integrate seamlessly with
this architectural expression.
Environmentally sustainable principles were central to
the lighting design, with the building achieving a six star
Green Star and five star NABERS energy rating.
171 Collins Street was shortlisted for theWorld Interiors
News Annual Awards 2014.
Lighting
that is striking
171 Collins Street by Electrolight
Photo credit: Peter Clarke
15
LiD
08-09/14
